In and around planning and prep for my South Dakota trip, life goes on.
There’s client work, family commitments, change-of-season tasks around my home, book presentations,.work on my new book and the basics of laundry, cooking and cleaning..
Somewhere in and among all that, I’m trying to get enough sleep to ensure that I am strong and healthy during my 11-days on the road.
One of the things not on my schedule right now is down time, but that is exactly what I enjoyed tonight thanks to my special friend, Michelle.
Weeks ago, Michelle and I partnered on a project for her business. She works in the field of medicare insurance and is one of the leaders in her industry as she is deeply commited to her clients and their health care needs. When we completed our project, Michelle and I spent some time chatting and she aske about my upcoming trip.
As I reviewed my South Dakota timeline, Michelle decided that before I headed west, I would need some pampering. Not waiting for me to respond, this sweet lady called her daughter, an accomplished esthetician who owns her own skin care business (https://www.holisticskincaresolutions.org) and arranged a facial, days before my departure.
She then instructed me that, following my facial, I should plan on dinner at her home. As I gratefully agreed, I found myself looking forward to the prospect of being so wonderfully pampered.
Since then, in addition to life happening (see paragraph one ) my last-minute, to-do list for this South Dakota trip has gotten longer and more detailed as my addled brain keeps churning.
With the date for my facial and dinner approaching, it was clear that self care and relaxation were simply not going to be an option. Yet I didn’t want to offend my thoughtful friend by refusing her kindnesses.
This morning, when Michelle sent a text confirming our dinner and time, I decided the best tact was one of consideration. I replied that if her schedule was too busy, I would understand. We could postpone or cancel. Immediately she replied, “Let’s do it!”
And so we did.
Despite running late for my facial, forgetting a hostess gift for Michelle and delaying our dinner time, I followed her pampering plan from start to finish. By the end of the evening, my body felt refreshed (thank you Melissa!) , my mind was relaxed and my soul was renewed by the loving care of Michelle and her daughter.
And thanks to my wise friend I will be heading off to South Dakota feeling good …not just about myself, but about my life that goes on with the love and support of so many wonderful people around me.