Today was my short day of work. I’d planned to finish work at noon, get a very long overdue haircut, and then pack for our trip to Manitoba. This would have worked out well, except for the fact sometimes, people need a little bit more.

And so, as I always do, I filled my afternoon back in with “just one more” until I looked at the clock and realized it was four pm.

This was my short day this week. It made me stop and shake my head at myself. 

Once again, my attempt to take time off had disastrous results, simply due to my inability to turn off the feeling that I should be able to be everything for everyone at every moment.

It’s a skill I’ve been working on, but so far, I haven’t mastered it yet. 

There’s so many books out there about this- whether it’s leaning in, leaning out, finding your zen or discovering balance,

There’s as many opinions as there is ass…umptions. 

We assume that people have control over their choices. And sometimes, they do. 

Today, I had a choice.

I could have chosen to stick to that half day. And maybe another day, I would have.

Today, I fit in those people who were having a hard time.

People whose worlds had recently crumbled,

And a few that were just hanging on. 

I didn’t need to do it,

but I chose to because they hadn’t chosen to see me- 

they needed to. 

As much as my plans were delayed a few hours, I like to think that those hours that would have been used in packing 

Were instead used to make a difference in someone’s life.

Today, I feel grateful that I could take time from my day and give it to someone else.

Maybe someday, I’ll have the favour returned 

and be thankful someone was able to give me a few minutes when I needed them