Solitary confinement.....

That has a negative connotation in terms of prison or places where a person is forced into their aloneness.....and being here among the people helps me see the contrast that lives inside of me even more. I love being social and being with people, I mean hello I am a teacher and a coach lol:) But I also deeply love and perhaps am learning that I NEED to be alone sometimes.....something I never fully realized before, and maybe because in my marriage my ex did so much side work, so often and I was often alone, his using his work for his own purposes too.......I have been opting to head to bed at a decent time here on and off to recharge.....and this morning has me grabbing my coffee, and coming to my room to write my blog, instead of doing it amid the morning hustle and bustle that is the top floor with many families congregating:) And it has been amazing to be among all of my people and family so far.....do not misunderstand:) It really has.....and today is sorta rainy, we were blessed with three amazingly sunny days but today rain and wind is on tap indeed......so some shopping is in order;-) and reading a book, and cozying in.....some playing pool, a family movie day in the theater room here.....I have brought movie candy, and popcorn for the kiddos and little buckets:) But I guess I write this today to express that initially when I was thrust into this solitary journey it perhaps felt more like confinement, punishment maybe, or something I hadn't yet understood in the aftermath and the carnage......and today it feels like freedom....recognizing my needs......recognizing that I need some of this quiet time amid the rest to reboot.....no longer confined but untethered........and I love that for me.....a gift indeed......Once I finish my blog I will head up and congregate.......but having these moments to myself matter.....maybe more than I realized until I haven't been grabbing them the last couple of days......walking on the beach has been magic too the last few days......finding some quiet there too, in the small group of walkers.....and it touches my heart to see all the littles and their sweet families doing the things.....remembering how hard that time of life can be......but also so magical......I guess my seeing things from old lady perspective without feeling like an old lady lol:) The elder cousin and her older family amid the littles:) and maybe it is just feeling the wisdom of taking a break from the normal beginning of year hustle and bustle, also a gift since I just came off of summer and September in schools is yikes.....so sort of an interesting place to dip into some rest and gain some perspective......so today I realize that my plunge into solitude was not punishment......it has served an important purpose......one that has changed me so fully...and one that I understand so much better now:) So I am feeling the mix of peopling and solitude here and it has been a balanced one......and I look forward to spending the rest of the week with my family, and soaking up the love and support:) And the peopling:) Tonight the kids and I are on dinner duty! We will be heading to the store to grab what we need:) Excited to cook for everybody:) Enjoy your day! xoxo