Open...

Since starting work at Sac State, I feel the need to leave my personal time outside of work generally open. I’ve found myself emptying my evenings, weekends, and holidays of most obligations.

The freedom of an evening, open after a long work day is pure luxury to me. When I enjoy an open evening, I visualize myself as the only swimmer in a wide, placid body of water. It's the golden hour with nothing, but miles of gentle coolness to quietly wade through. Or, I see myslef as a great pine, planted in a tall stretch upward, a fragrant climb of pathway towards the big blue sky.

"Planted" Acrylic on Canvas

Leaving my down time open has become a necessity for me. My time spent alone, relished. Time alone is time to process, and replenish. Someone very close to me, and wise said, “you can’t add to an already full cup.” I definitely needed to open up some room in my "cup."

My time is not the only thing I'm keeping open. I’m open. I’m open to new experiences, and possibilities.

Being open, opening up my time, keeping myself open, it’s about being vulnerable. Not in a bad way of being vulnerable, in an honest way. Though, still protecting the delicate muscle of my heart. 

Maybe this is an expression of an openess, I've yet to achieve. Open is freedom. Open is a way of life. It’s the way I want to live my life from now on... Open.

Thank you for reading,

Michelle