True Confessions of a Workaholic

Pete calls in the afternoon, interrupting me in the middle of an important project. I’m always in the middle of a project. “‘Looks like a great day for a motorcycle ride,” he says cheerily. He says this almost every day, but on a weekday I usually get more time to work we usually go out after dinner. “I’ll be home soon and was thinking we could get out a little earlier today.”

I glance at the clock and make a quick calculation. My mind runs over the mental list of things I was hoping to get done. It’s always longer than the day, and now my day just got shorter. “Um, okay,” I say, trying not to let reluctance creep into my voice. I love riding, but I feel like Pete’s just added another thing to my list. “At least I can use the time to think,” I remind myself.

As usual, I’m down to the wire, working until the last possible moment. When I hop on the bike my mind’s still whirring. I’m thinking about paint projects, pictures I need to take, posts I want to write … .

Usually if I’m not actively puzzling over an issue or toying with an idea, I’m making observations, taking mental notes about the places we pass. Pete says I have a brain that never stops. But this time we pull out of the driveway, and it really is a perfect day. The summer sun is brilliant and I feel the wind on my face. It’s great to be alive.

I watch Pete in front of me, and I know he’s not thinking about anything except the way it feels. Pete lives through his senses, all five turned way up. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Does a field of clover smell faintly of cinnamon? For the next hour or so I don’t think. I just drink it in. The way Pete does.

My brain feels unusually at rest. And I’m reminded yet again why my husband is good for me. As much as I bristle when he interrupts my schedule with his impromptu ideas of play, I know this is exactly what I need. All work and no play — that’s me. Without Pete, I would be a dull girl.

Who in your life is really good for you? Have you thanked them lately?

UPDATE
Linking up with Women Living Well: Reviving Your Marriage Through Friendship. Courtney talks about the importance of spending time with our husbands “shoulder to shoulder.”

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