As I began my meditation practice at daybreak on Tuesday morning, this problem was sitting right there with me. I was having trouble with letting go of the angst this problem was causing me.   

I opened my eyes and in front of me was one of the beautiful sunflowers that are throughout my garden. It’s beauty and energy brought a smile to my face as it reminded me of the beautiful yellow finch that has been flying around the garden since my sunflowers have arrived.

Every one of us at some time or another has had the opportunity to wash a sink full of dishes - whether we wanted to or not.

During the aftermath of recent party we hosted, the dishes were over the top – literally - and my main goal as hostess was to be with my guests and just make sure the food got put away and the dishes were “soaking” in the sink.

As I thought through this whole idea of letting dishes soak, I realized I had learned the most important part of washing dishes at the young age of 10 when my dish washing days began. Soaking was and is such an easier way to wash dishes. It made my mother crazy back then and my husband crazy today because technically the task is not complete.

Last week I felt my brain go numb as my daughter Bailey headed off for her new life adventures in Southern California.  Watching her drive down our street waving all the way until we could no longer see each other (a long term family ritual) my heart broke in two. My baby was leaving the nest once again. 

Did I know this day was coming? Of course. It had been the plan that she would leave the nest again after her return home a year and a half ago from her college adventures. A brilliant business opportunity in Southern California had come her way recently and it was crystal clear she should move forward with the offer.