Ahh, summertime and the living is ... hectic! Once upon a time it was easy, but then you introduce all of those responsibilities and it's just hectic. Sometimes a conscious choice has to be made about where in your life to spend your hours.

But who has time to slow down and think about that? There is work to be done. I need to get back to the gym after taking a 10-day hiatus, I have a 5K to train for, I need to help my daughter master potty training, keep my son's math and reading skills sharp, start thinking about back to school, and oh yes, try to enjoy the time while my husband is home on R&R. Hectic crazy times, but it all sounds about right, normal for how life is now.

I've been thinking about what to blog about next and the topic of grace came up for me quite naturally. In the form of —"I wish this was easier and I could manage this life with more grace." The definition I focus on is "Grace: elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action." I would love to embody that elegance rather than the stumbling but happy mess I tend to resemble. It called up memories of the show Seinfeld where the character Elaine applied for a job once held by Jackie O. and Elaine's grace (or lack thereof) was called into question.

It was while I was thinking about this entry, running around the house and doing housework that it happened—I kicked the ottoman. That piece of furniture had been in the same place for 6 months and had never caused problems. As soon as I kicked it I heard the cracking noise and remembered back to when I kicked a metal cabinet (quite accidentally, while in a similar fit of rushing) and broke my baby toe on the same foot, about 2 years ago. I thought "whew, at least I didn't break it!" Within an hour I realized the folly of that diagnosis.

So now I hobble. I have to prioritize yet again, put on hold my 5K training as the 6 week healing time commences. I watched another TV show last night, 30 Days, where various people place themselves in unfamiliar situations to learn something about themselves and others. On this evening, the host was the guinea pig and he learned a lesson about slowing down and really being in the moment. Wise words; I will try to remember that lesson.

I hope your summer has been fun and fracture-free. Before the days spin away, vow to do something for yourself—
make a promise to slow down and really see where you are, just for a few minutes. It's a powerful lesson if you are one who rushes (like me). For the next few weeks I am going to try to just slow down and enjoy the summer or what's left of it. Take a mini vacation right here at home. Feel the hot Oklahoma breeze and get down on the floor (foot elevated) to play with the kids. Embrace the hiatus from running and take another yoga class. Get in touch with my inner grace.