"We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi

At this time I'm reading The Not So Big Life by Sarah Susanka. She previously wrote The Not So Big House. She's an architect and speaks of life in a way I can relate. This morning as I began to assess my day and what I wanted to accomplish I stopped. I had gone as far I as could with the bathroom at this time and I was free to enjoy another scorchingly hot day with a book and iced tea. I have my list made but I have to wait until the tub is removed on Sunday to go any further.

Although having a completely functioning bathroom is very important, I've decided to approach this project differently. I'm going to enjoy each step of the process until at some point I will look around and see that it's done. Then I will enjoy that.

I curled up on the sofa with my tea, started to read and found a chapter that spoke of an element gone awry in the lives of most everyone.

"If we are trying to accomplish a project by frenetically racing around in a vain attempt to get everything done, the results will embody that frantic energy. But if we return to our original vision and hold that clearly in heart and mind as we engage each moment fully, the completed project will be an embodiment of this much more authentic expresssion of ourselves. This is the only way for something to be truly effective."

from The Not So Big Life by Susan Susanka

My daughter was witness to last year's kitchen/great room/bedroom projects. On more than one occasion she spoke of this frenetic energy with which I approached each room. I justified it by the awful condition of the house and my needing it to be liveable. Today I heard her and understand.  She's not here this year to share in the results of my personal growth. When she does come to visit she'll probably have to shower outside under the pine trees and yes, possibly use a port-a-potty also. I'm taking my time with this one.