Present Place

In my Google Keep notes, I save words I love. Words I love the sound of, new words, and words I want to use. The word Monochopsis is the subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place. It is the perfect descriptor for several seasons of my life. I see belonging as a comfort but not always a necessity.

Author and podcaster Christy Pulfroy defines a “placemaker” as someone who makes their place even if you know you will only be there a short time. She started me thinking of the gifts that place gives us. I suppose in the grand scheme of things everything is temporary.

I feel I am in temporary spaces most of the time and I am always waiting for the next thing. This idea isn’t all bad but can lead to frustration sometimes. I believe this is why I write about characters who are lost and are searching for something most times.

My place today is where I am. I need to be the gift and receive the gifts in this space. I need to be present today no matter how tired I am. The potential for knowledge and connection is great and I need to recognize that fact. When I run, I need to pay attention to how I feel and the nature surrounding me. Moving forward, when I am connecting with the two new staffs I am working with this fall I need to be all in and not concerned with how many years I will be at these schools. When I talk to people I need to listen to what they are saying, not…