Whew! It’s been a week! Coming into Monday hot and ready for some down time with my sister and just pausing to reflect on how busy the last week was with meetings, obligations, gatherings, etc. You get the idea. My “retirement” is busier than ever and it seemed like it all came together last week to create an incredibly busy week. I joked with someone that Chris had to keep doing consulting to provide for my volunteerism.. It’s not far from the truth.
Being busy is a good thing but when I feel like I have at least 3 commitments on every day of the week and I am gone basically all day, it seems like a bit too much and I am intentionally saying no to things (oh how I have said no!) and cutting back on what I am involved in. It’s all good things and I think everyone understands that. When you have a heart that sees needs that you can help with —it’s natural to jump in. But now I need to take a beat, take a pause, and that is what I am hoping to do this week.
One of the things I have started doing that I NEVER did when I was younger is going to get a professional manicure. I always did it myself or didn’t. More often I didn’t. My nails aren’t great, I always keep them fairly short but I do like them to look presentable so this is one thing that I have started treating myself to. This past week when I went to my sweet, sweet, sweet Ally who does my nails I was reminded once again why I am doing it. It isn’t just for me, it is for her and it is the way she supports her family.
A little background about Ally. She is originally from Cambodia, came here years ago before her husband and established her business and her life here in the US. She is grateful beyond measure for all that she has been able to achieve here in the US and is not hesitant to tell anyone how grateful she is. She has 3 adorable boys and now that her husband is here, he has also trained as a nail tech and is working at the salon with her. They have a good life and are the perfect example of beautiful people who have been able to make a life here successfully.
But that is not the story that I want to tell today. When I asked Ally what she was doing for Mother’s Day, her one day off a week, she responded that she was going to the homes of 3 of her clients who can no longer get out to come into town to do their manicures and pedicures. It’s her way of giving back since she can’t do much during the week. She is so grateful for all that she has and she does this for no payment and gets pretty incensed if you try to pay. She did this for the mother of a friend who could no longer come and it was a blessing beyond words. It honestly made me tear up when I talked to her about it because she is just such a sweet spirit who gives more than manicures and pedicures. She gives of herself and doesn’t think twice about it.
So what am I going to be thinking about as I drive to Ohio? What I can do beyond what I am doing now to contribute to the world that fits into my life without causing more stress? I am sure I am going to figure it out and I would love to hear if you have some project that you are doing that is an extension of yourself and your gifts like Ally has discovered is her own mission. I would love to hear all about it. Remember to Comment for a Cause for PARI .
