Working for myself: How it started

In January, I stepped down from my staff position and away from the organization where I’d spent the last 18 years. I wanted more flexibility to spend time with family, grow my business and personal creative practice, and live at a slower, closer pace. I’ve been reflecting on my progress since then and found these notes. 

On my long run,  my first day, Wednesday, January 17: 

A crow glided by, making slow, languid loops in front of me. It was making its way to meet me where I was on the trail. It flapped and landed on the fence as I passed by. I stopped and walked back so I could be closer to the crow. I stopped and considered it for a few moments. And I think it considered me. Rather than taking a photo, I considered the crow a bit more, then continued on my walk. And the crow took flight, too. 

At the end of my walk, I approached a woman walking in the opposite direction. Her arms were crossed, and she looked somewhat concerned. As she neared, I realized her arms were crossed because she was protectively holding an iguana. Indeed, it was a little cool for an iguana to be out and about, and I would have probably wanted to provide it warmth. I tally that as something you don't see every day, even in Los Angeles. 

I considered: Are these things that happen every day that I've been too head down to notice? Am I noticing because I have more mental and emotional space? Or is the universe tapping me on my shoulder to let me take note of events that are out of the ordinary? I might have missed my meeting with the crow. I might have assumed the woman with crossed arms was unhappy. 

As the months have passed, I've tried to be more present on the trail. Even though I use my runs to mull over ideas, I try to lift my head and appreciate what's going on around me, not just for safety but also to notice details of my new daily habits. 

What remarkable things are going on around you that you might not usually have noticed? Keep your head up!