Val Lewis Inspiration Blog

Posted by Val Lewis on 1/25/2012 to Some of my Inspirations

Well today is one of those days that I rather dislike. I love my little life and little World I've created here deep in the woods, and when I hear some folks saying "where would you like to move when you retire?", I often think to myself how sad it is that they cannot be living out their lives where they want. Like myself. ;)

I know and realize this type of lifestyle isn't for everybody, but it certainly does work for me. I enjoy the small villages nearby, where I can drop in for milk, and the girl working asks me about Teddy. Or comments on whatever new piece of jewelry I've got on. Friendly? Yes. Too close for comfort? Not at all. It's a perfect mix for me.

But there are times when the amenities nearby just aren't quite enough. So I plan a day a week or so in advance, and then give myself a ridiculously long list of stops I'll make on my travels, and things I must do. Today is entirely centred around a routine Doctor's appointment, and so in knowing the date in advance, I've been making...lists. More little lists on little pieces of paper.

I've got quite the assortment of tasks on my agenda - and it's all going to land me right smack in downtown Montreal.

The 'inside me' is screaming "Oh no. Mister Billlll". It's a personal nightmare, frankly. I know most folk see concrete and steel structures all day every day, but not yours truly. Although I grew up in Montreal, and have been known to appear and act rather 'civilized', it's really just not my thing.

So I plan to blaze through my tasks, ticking 'em off as I go along, with the prize at the end of my day: Coming home.

Sometimes we are all faced with tasks which aren't so very pleasant, and yet must be done. What I do on those tough days is that I 'give myself' a little reward. Sometimes it is dark chocolate, sometimes a glass of Chardonnay or some new essential oils for my bath. Whichever or whatever, setting a tangible short-term goal seems to help to make these uncomfortable times all that easier.

And so I am off - the little engine that could. That's me.

As it neared the top of the grade, which had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly. However, it still kept saying, IthinkIcan, IthinkIcan. It reached the top by drawing on bravery and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself by saying, I thought I could, I thought I could.

What yucky thing will you conquer and slay today?