The weight feels heavy, heavier than usual. The start to the school year has been rough, and it has nothing to do with the students, who are energetic, enthusiastic, and welcoming, or with my colleagues, who are funny, supportive, and loving. It has everything to do with all the other factors that surround us at any job. Luckily, I decided to run home today, and The Decemberists came on my iPod with “Don’t Carry It All”:
“Here we come to a turning of the season
Witness to the arc towards the sun
A neighbor’s blessed burden within reason
Becomes a burden borne of all and one
And nobody, nobody knows
Let the yoke fall from our shoulders
Don’t carry it all, don’t carry it all
We are all our hands and holders
Beneath this bold and brilliant sun
And this I swear to all”
*
And I felt better. It may have been the endorphins. Or the heat. But while I also am spring-loaded with tension waiting for results from a publisher who is actually considering my manuscript, and the stress builds up, I will turn to my family and my friends to help with the yoke. Don’t carry it all.
Lightness and serenity to you this week, Donna. Keep doing what you’re doing. xo
Thanks, Hannah. Lightness and serenity is a good thought.
<3 You're awesome.
Such a good thing for us to remember: we don’t have to carry it all ourselves. Something which I frequently forget. Thanks Donna.
Fingers crossed for your manuscript!
Glad you ran, glad you listened, glad for the endorphins, and wishing you luck!
Best wishes for your ms. and thanks for the great reminder about not having to carry it all.