Feeling the Pressure
I’ve been watching a lot of reports on the news lately about how financial stress is taking a toll on the your health.
No kidding.
Since I lost my largest freelance client, money has been tight. I’m still waiting for the photography business to start turning a profit; we’re making enough to cover expenses, but that’s it at the moment. In the meantime, I’ve been looking for ways to make a little money on the side. I’ve also started to find ways to save money, by cutting WAY back on eating out, finding creative ways to entertain Alex, and carpooling to save money on gas.
When did I become so responsible?
But there is the occasional splurge that I cannot live without. The first and foremost; my new jetski. This thing has saved my sanity already more times than I can count. Yesterday, amidst a flurry of deadlines, personal crisis, emotional blahs and general depression, I launched out on the lake and ran away from my life. After ten minutes, I let off the throttle and just coasted to a stop in the middle of the lake.
The smell of briny water and sunscreen in the air, coupled with the comforting roll of the small waves reminded me of home. I closed my eyes and let the sun warm my skin, listening to the quiet sounds of the still lake; a boat in the distance, the screech of a bird, the breeze in my ears. A far cry from the hustle of work, the insane schedule, the animated toddler, the stress of single motherhood…. here I was, completely visible in the middle of the lake, yet I felt as if I’d disappeared.
And it was wonderful. For just a moment, to BE…. without anxiety.