Almost lost it this morning. Optimism and Meditation - such a happy couple!

I glance at the clock and see that it is 7:59 a.m.

Okay, the bus comes in 36 minutes and all I need to do is:

1. Finish emptying the dishwasher
2. Clean up the breakfast dishes
3. Clean out the coffee maker and tea pot
4. Wipe off the table and counters
5. Get the 4-year-old dressed, teeth brushed, bed made, shoes on
6. Help the 9-year-old with the morning care of the Guinea Pigs
7. Make my own bed
8. Shower, brush teeth, get dressed, put on make up
9. Make my own bed

I am running through this mental to-do-list as I am cleaning up the kitchen, and the thought that I really need to meditate pops into my head.

I need to be ready to go at 8:35 so I can get my big girl to the bus, little guy to pre-school and be home for my first phone meeting at 9:15 a.m.  While my own shower and getting dressed could technically wait, I like to look relatively presentable when I am speaking with clients.  Hmmm…  How on earth am I going to make time for a meditation this morning?

Then it just occurs to me that maybe I can be open to all of this working out perfectly.  Yes – that feels really good actually.  Okay then.

I finish up the kitchen duties, glance at the clock again – 8:07 – and proceed upstairs with the thought that whatever gets done – gets done.  You never know how the morning might turn out, I tell myself.

Little guy gets dressed pretty quickly, and to my surprise, both children have already brushed their teeth.  Woo Hoo!  I am making the little guy’s bed when I hear my daughter finishing up all of her Guinea Pig chores by herself.  Double Woo Hoo!

Okay kids, I’m going to take a shower, can you guys get your socks and shoes on and meet me downstairs in a few minutes?  Sure mom!   Excellent.

I head down the stairs and walk by the clock. 8:12

I walk into my bedroom, make the bed, and sit down in the corner.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes.  Breathing in love.  Breathing out anxiety.  Breathing in peace. Breathing out stress. I start saying my old mantra from my meditation class, but it feels too forced – like I’m hitting my head against the wall hard with it.  So I let it go.

I just bring my hands together in prayer and say: Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

I open my eyes and check the clock.  8:17.  I was meditating for 3 or 4 minutes, but it’s time to shower.

I’m in and out fast.  I get dressed, brush my teeth and comb my hair.  8:22.

Make up on.  Kids ready to go.

We are in the car at 8:35.  Damn!  I still have to drive to the bus stop.

I back out of the driveway, start driving up the hill, and see the bus stopping.  I go faster and get the driver’s attention.  She stops and waits.  I give my little girl a kiss and send her off.  I think I even have lipstick on.

What a great morning!  It turned out much better than I thought it could have 37 minutes ago!!

I am home by 9:05!

Even though I was a single mom today, I managed just fine because I decided to be optimistic and was determined to make time to meditate.   All this is getting me thinking about a holiday meditation challenge.  Anyone up for it?

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