100 Days of Wonder -#59
Did I tell you about the time I met Spider-Man? Probably not because I don’t really remember. In fact before scrolling through and finding this photo from September 2016 at Disneyland Paris during the race weekend I would have said I have never met Spider-Man.
This happens with running related things. I have enough of a hard time just putting one foot in front of the other and reminding myself that this stupid race over this stupid distance was something I wanted to do, that I have no bandwidth for remembering stuff that happens out there. But I do often remember little snippets of joy. And I think that’s why I like doing stupid long Disney distances and challenges because ‘I know every mile will be worth my while…’ no not that (sorry Hercules) – but you did sing it, didn’t you? Because there is joy and wonder to see everywhere. Some of it through the entertainment on course, Spider-Man with no queue for photos for example or the elaborate mile markers, the music, the people cheering, the other runners. There is joy everywhere early on and then it turns into a just getting it done vibe and then to one of wonder and maybe disbelief that we got this far and then to joy when that finish line is finally behind you. And somehow that is a good metaphor for all sorts including work. The excitement of a new project, the ‘hm a bit bored with this now but getting it done’ phase and the ‘will this never end’ bit before ‘yay, did it’. So that’s a long way round of saying, celebrate the yay I didn’t moments!
So anyway, I met Spider-Man.
100 Days of Wonder – #58
After yesterday’s brain shutdown, I feel better today. There was definitely joy to be had. It was in the conversations with colleagues, the teaching, the individual chats with students and in the black, hot, strong coffee I sipped while finishing off one thing before immediately moving on to the next.
But I had to look for it. Joy wasn’t exactly jumping out at me. Work at the moment is just ticking things off. None of it particularly difficult but there’s just too much of it so I never feel like I’m doing anything properly and I never have time to stop and reflect. I find not having time to reflect (some might say overthink) hard. And I hate the feeling of just rushing from one thing to the next without pause.
Maybe that’s why I am particularly looking forward to Disney World this time. I don’t feel the pressure to do all the things or even anything when there. I’m happy just being. If I can’t really manage to have little brain re-sets during the working day right now then maybe a full re-set is just what I need. 43 days to go and I can’t wait to stand and stare at this view
100 Days of Wonder – #57
Nope – not finding the joy today. I’m just not. And maybe that’s ok for a day. I am feeling rather like Mickey the sorcerers apprentice in Fantasia when this guy splinters and goes rogue. Tomorrow is another day and I’ll try again to find some joy – hopefully this guy doesn’t splinter and create an army of water carrying brooms to flood the place in the meantime.
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