Breaking Through

[image error]I wanted something to happen this winter. I knew the outer landscape would be different, but was hoping for big changes on the inside, too. Now that I’m into my second  month in St Pete, I’m making progress on those inner goals: to figure out my reluctance around writing, to work on my health, and to make friends.

In December, I was ready to take a three month break from novel writing, that’s how confused and conflicted I felt about my current project. To my amazement, one day last week I realized I was ready to get on with it. Not only ready: absolutely eager. Writing breakthrough, check!

Another pleasant surprise is how well the whole self-improvement plan is going. I wanted to work on my health: exercise more, eat less. And I’ve been doing that, faithfully attending Weight Watcher meetings (the ones I’m going to in St. Pete are so inspiring). I surprised myself by joining a line dancing class. Whew, those ladies work it! I didn’t take a correct step all night, but nobody minded, which helped crack my third goal, making friends.

[image error]Besides dancing, literally like a fool, I have been going to the weekly coffee our community hosts. Just trying to be friendly and open to meeting people. That’s working out, too. I met a few neighbors I really like. I’m even going to the Valentine’s Day dance this coming Saturday. Despite not being so great at line dancing, I really love to dance. My new friend was going alone so I said I’d go with her. I bought a ticket and everything!

I’m not sure if me buying a single ticket is what prompted one gentleman to ask “Are you a widow? Divorced?”I got a chill having those labels applied to me, however innocently. I felt disoriented, even a little shocked that somebody would just come out with a statement like that. “I’m married,” I said. “And my husband’s at work.”

Which is true. Al is at work. In Michigan. Wish he was here. Six more weeks!