Between the Margins

Thoughts From Cheney McGowen, LMP 2023

"The space between our loads and our limits." -Richard A. Swenson. 

"Margin is the extra amount of something (such as time or space) that can be used if needed."  Margin is also "The space between our loads and our limits." -Richard A. Swenson.   Margins create a buffer - think of a document - the margins around the text make reading easier. 

I've been told (more than once), that I don't leave any margins in my day.  Space for things not to go as planned.  Or, space for something or someone to unexpectedly step into my day.  Sometimes these spaces can be the most beautiful part of our day.  An unexpected call from a friend, giving a hand to someone at the grocery store or sending a note to a hurting friend. Margins create space.  Space to rest, pause, and notice. Space to give a bit of ourselves to someone else, or receive love or care from others. How do we do this, create these margins to maintain our peace, and experience more joy?  Reduce our load.  I have been asking myself when I am rushing, "Does this have to be done now?"  or "Can this wait until tomorrow?"  
Create moments where good can fill those margins...slow down and see what happens.