The businesswoman who got out of bed at 5:30 every morning has been replaced by a woman responding to a less pressured lifestyle by "sleeping in", sometimes until 8:30 (don't tell!). Walking on the treadmill has once again become part of my daily routine. Coffee is enjoyed cup by cup as I wander throughout the house, picking up, watching Morning Joe, reading email or pages from my latest read.
The dogs follow me from room to room. They have their favorite spots; as I settle into the big chair in the living room, Leslie is on the ottoman, Kate behind me. Following me into my office, Leslie again finds her spot under the desk while Kate parks herself nearby on the rug.
On-line connections have become increasingly important as there is no immediate, daily interaction with coworkers. My use of Facebook has surprised me; I've found that I enjoy knowing everyday things about people I almost never see. Cousins who are a part of my past and present, former coworkers, email buddies, new friends and acquaintances, my neighbor, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, mother.
Establishing an independent practice sucks up worktime. Meeting with current and new clients, networking, marketing, setting up partnerships with insurance companies, navigating the Medicaid maze; it is a challenge to set priorities when everything is important. Time with clients is the best, making the other tasks worthwhile.
Finally, I have always enjoyed writing, and a client encouraged me to start this blog. So here we are, and I look forward to sharing more with you and dialoguing with you here, another part of my extended community.