Good Morning everyone!
I went back to work yesterday after being gone for over a week: three
days last week to attend the conference in Petoskey and then three days this
week fighting off illness. It was good to get back to the office but I may have
pushed myself a bit too soon by going back before I was feeling completely up
to it. I’m glad that today is Friday, however, and I’ll have a few days over
the weekend to continue to mend.
When I entered the college yesterday morning, I smiled as I was greeted with all sorts of
Halloween decorations that have sprung up while I was away. One of our student workers
decorated the college library (where my new office is located) with hanging
bats and pumpkins. It’s cheerful and festive.
I’ve always enjoyed the festivities and fun associated with Halloween,
but as a rather conservative Religious Ed director, I never really embraced the
“dark” side of the holiday, and always objected to any ghosts, witches, devils,
or ghoul decorations in the school, but enjoyed the pumpkins, scarecrows, and
the friendly, happy décor of autumn.
Despite my protests, I never won that battle and even in the Catholic
School, I was out-ruled.
Even though I hated
the “witches’ and “devil” costumes, I always enjoyed dressing up for Halloween
and won several costume contests in my younger years, mostly because it allowed
my “little child” to come out to play, and for a brief time, I could be ‘someone”
or “something” else. It was easy to hide behind a costume and just simply allow
my “somewhat silly and quirky” personality to come out. This, of course, was several years ago, and
for a period of about 8 – 10 years (that dark period of life when loss, weight
gain, and pain ruled) I didn’t participate in the festivities at all. It was a
true sign that “New Theresa” was beginning to find the joy that she once knew
when I donned a costume for the first time two years ago, and then again last
year. It is good to be able to have fun again.
There was a lot of
talk on campus yesterday about Halloween and how the students and staff will
enjoy the day. I won’t be able to dress up this year for work because the college
will have a costume contest and students and staff a day early this year because
we won’t have many students on campus on Halloween Day because we have only a
few classes on campus on Fridays. Unfortunately, I have a big meeting that day
with Michigan Works employees and it wouldn’t really be too professional to
show up to that meeting in a costume. I will, however, dress up on Halloween
night because I am going to take my friend Marcia and her three children
trick-or-treating this year. She told me recently that due to her financial
situation, her elementary-aged children usually can’t partake in the
festivities. I was saddened to hear that they typically can’t go
Trick-or-Treating like other kids in their school, so this year, I will take
them….and have a perfect excuse to be a kid again for an evening. Last night I spent some time digging around the
garage in the many costume boxes I have trying to find costume ideas for myself
and the kids. Such fun…and reminded me of the 15+ years I dressed up entire
classrooms of 5th graders as saints for the All Saint’s Day parade
we had each year during mass on November 1st. So many wonderful memories….
So....Halloween is two weeks away…..and I’m getting ready
for it now. I am no longer usually
tempted by Halloween candy and treats, but always have a plan, just in case, to
ward off any moment of weakness. Yesterday, I shared that I always buy candy to
give away that I don’t like….as a preventative measure. “Old Theresa” could eat
an entire bag of peanut butter cups all by herself. “New Theresa” is wise
enough NOT to bring that stuff in the house anymore. There is NO REASON to push
the envelope. Instead, I’ll buy candy with nuts….something that I would never
be tempted by. Being successful means “you
have to do what you have to do” to stay on track.
How are you going to handle it? NOW….is the time to plan ahead…..to set
yourself up to succeed; not fail. I won’t
allow myself to eat even ONE piece of candy….but that is just MY OWN strategy
and I readily admit that I don’t trust myself to eat just ONE piece. You know
your own strength….your own level of self-control. Perhaps you can eat just one
or two fun-size bars. Perhaps you can enjoy a ‘cheat day” for one day only and
get right back on track the next day. Your plan is YOUR PLAN….and what works
for you….is up to you. But, I’m curious….How
will you get through Halloween without totally sabotaging your journey? Please share your tips with us…..
I have a week or so to decide on my costume…and to help
Marcia put things together for her children. Whatever I choose, I’m sure it
will be fun. I’ll make it fun, regardless of what happens. Opportunities to have FUN and LAUGH: Another great motivation for me to continue
on this journey. Three years ago I was
thinking only about getting through the day…..NOW….I’m thinking about costumes,
trick-or-treating, and fun! Oh, how
different life is for me….and how different life can be for you too….when and
if you decide that you want it to be!
The leaves are falling by the hundreds now…..blowing in the
wind all over the yard. Try to enjoy these remaining days of autumn glory….the
dreaded “snow” is only a few weeks away!
Happy weekend!
No comments:
Post a Comment