Taking a Breather

Katie D.

October 24, 2010 - 8:38 PM

Finally, a chance to calm down a bit. This term has been so incredibly busy. I've had some amazing experiences and some really exciting opportunities. There are all these ideas stacking up for future plans, and all these fabulous stories I'm compiling already for this fall.

But I've been busy. So very, very busy.

I love my classes for the most part. They are really challenging, and I've learned an incredible amount, both in a theoretical and a practical sense. I have a much better grasp on the background of conflict resolution programs, and also have a good deal of practice in mock negotiations. It has been such a joy to be in class with my peers in the cohort, and to meet these new professors and dive into the field of Appropriate Dispute Resolution, and the folks who work in ADR at the University of Oregon.

But, friends and readers, I am tired. I am tired down to my bones after this wonderful week with Sister Helen. I'll write more about her visit soon, with the reflection it deserves. But right now I can't imagine much beyond a pillow and some tea. A novel, maybe. I have been working straight for months and months to arrange for Sister Helen's visit. Everything went so amazingly well, and resulted in this past week, which was so full of inspiration for myself and many other people. Sister Helen spoke to hundreds and hundreds of people in the past week, as well as meeting with small groups and individuals. She helped raise money for the University and for her work in social justice.

Except when I went to class, I spent all of last week with her. I took her to the events, attended the events, got her meals, and attended to last-minute event details. I soothed hurt feelings when the schedule didn't go according to everyone's desires and I fixed last-minute changes and needs. I learned a huge amount about event planning, in addition to everything I learned from Sister Helen.

But when I dropped her off at the airport on Friday, I was in desperate need for a moment to my self. So that's what happened. I didn't check my email until this evening. I stopped returning phone calls. I didn't open a school book (hopefully that doesn't come back to haunt me later). I watched movies, went to a used book store, and took long naps. I hydrated. I took care of my cough. I watched leaves fall and the rains come in to start the Oregon fall.

It is a rare, rare thing that I take a weekend completely for rest. Weekends are busy times for me: prepping for the week ahead and reviewing the week previous. But this weekend I rested. Took a breath. Even if this week proves a busy one (which it will) and I could have used the extra time to prepare (which is inevitably the case), I will be happier for this moment of self-care in the midst of a crazy schedule.

So here I am, writing from Sunday. Wish me luck with this coming week, and congratulate me for my brief vacation. It's been wonderful.

Now, back to work.