Finding Calm
Sunset over the Oquirrh Mountains
If there’s been one constant over the last week or two, is that it feels utterly chaotic in our world right now. Reading posts from my friends and family online…people are angry, and scared, and confused, and wondering how far off the rails this thing is gonna go. I think it was in a show I watched about Seal Team Six where the main character talks about his three foot world. While I’m certainly no Navy Seal, that idea makes sense to me right now. My three foot world. I can’t control what’s behind me, or in front of me, just what’s immediately around me. My camera helps me see and reach out past that three foot world, and for that, I’m grateful. And I guess that’s comforting enough right now. For now.
Sunset over Oquirrh Lake
So, within my three foot world, I try to find my peace…
I find peace with my son, and our dog, and my camera. I find it reading a book at night, or walks around our neighborhood (like in the photo above). I find peace with my tribe of friends; my chosen family. I find peace with my own family, and spending time with my folks while I’m lucky enough to still have them around. I know that time is shorter every day. I’m also finding peace in learning to paint and quieting the chaos outside, by calming the chaos within. I find peace reading to mY son, and dancing to music in the kitchen while getting ready for school, or making dinner. Of all the ways I find peace, my most calming moments are at night, putting my son to bed, and watching him fall asleep. He’s a great kid, and so good about getting ready for bed. It almost makes me feel like I’m doing this parent thing, somewhat okay on my own. It’s just the two of us these days, and after four years since losing my wife during Covid, our normal almost feels normal.
Watercolor clouds at sunset over the Wasatch Mountains
I’m not sure what’s next. No idea what’s in store for us, for me, for my family, friends, and loved ones. But I do know that as long as I stay in this three foot world of mine, I can only keep the outside chaos at bay for so long. Wish me luck. We’re gonna need it.