RuthAnnHarnisch.com

Telling Myself A Different Story

Day 70
My houseguest asked yesterday, “What is the difference between what you do on your sabbatical and what you do when you are working?  Because last year, when you are working, you are on the computer.  When you are on sabbatical, you are also on the computer.”
That’s easy.  What I’m doing on the computer now is [...]

It’s Simple

Day 69
You might not know it by looking at my life, but I really love minimalism.  If you do too, you’ll appreciate the “Becoming Minimalist“  blog.  (Credit where it’s due: I read about it on the Zen Habits blog.)
Next week I’ll share a new e-book with you compiled by Jean Russell.  It’s on Thrivability,  a concept [...]

The Art of the Well-Lived Life

Day 68
That little gasp you heard was the sound I made when I signed on to Caring Bridge  a few minutes ago.
It’s the second time today I got a message saying that one of my friends had posted a new update.  The first one was such good news that I was going to base today’s [...]

And The Winner Is….

Day 67
I like the Red Carpet spectacle, the gorgeous people and the state of costume art – it’s the most sparkly and glamorous tribal ritual in the United States.
Last night, during one of the manymanymany commercial breaks in the Oscar telecast, I took out the garbage.
I looked up…and there were the real stars.
Nothing humans invent or create can rival that show.  [...]

What’s The Headline?

Day 66
It’s probably possible to avoid all Oscar hoopla, but I haven’t.
So I’ve seen most of the nominees being interviewed, and it’s amazing how many of them refer to their obituaries.  They know that if they win tonight,  their obituary headline will contain the words “Academy Award Winner.”  And many of them also refer to [...]

The Plan For Today

Day 65
Someone close to me is in an unfamiliar situation today:  there’s no plan for the day because of a travel snafu. 
This is creating discomfort, because the person always has a full schedule.  The surprise shutdown of the customary flurry of activity brought this person to a  revelation.  It’s the same one I had when I started this [...]

Pearls of Wisdom

Day 64
What am I doing that is counterproductive to what I want?
Here’s what made me ask myself that question today: a man is suing CBS  because he feels he was duped into appearing on a television show and he’s embarrassed by the result.
Let’s just say that I never heard of “pearly penile papules” before, and if [...]

What If…..?

Day 63
What can change if you take a sabbatical?
Just your whole life, that’s all.
Filmmaker Nic Askew  created a five-minute portrait of a woman  who changed careers twice.   (She went from “nun” to “academic” to “coach.”)
The second change came about after she stepped away from her work for a year ,  just as I’m doing now. 
I’m tempted to feel [...]

Not Getting More Done

Day 62
A few minutes ago I was feeling a tad oppressed by the volume of my Inbox. Then I opened this message: 
___________________________________________________________________________

Of all the things that matter, Ruth, that really and truly matter, working more efficiently and getting more done is not among them.Chill,
    The Universe

So I am chilling.

The Universe is always sending messages.  Sometimes they [...]

Busted

Day 61
Some of you think you’ve caught me red-handed – working.
I’ve had a number of messages (thanks for your sarcasm, your curiosity, your concern) referring to evidence that I’m doing things that look like work.
(Pause)
(Reflect)
(Accept intervention  message)
Maybe you’re right.  I am having more temptation than I expected to dip my toe into…OK, I’ll say it, [...]