In a recent Weight
Watcher’s meeting that I attended, someone was talking about a strategy he was
using over the holiday to be intentional about food intake and still to enjoy
the holiday. He raised his awareness of white
space. White space on a plate when
partaking in food. Every item on his
plate surrounded by white space. White
space in this context allows for choice with boundaries. Partaking is possible yet overindulging
doesn’t happen when one creates white space on a plate. I love this simple message. It seems to be a message to live by in all
things.
As I enter 2014, I am
aware of my need to create white space in my day-to-day life. Soon the bustle of teaching, consulting,
adjucting, and family obligations (my daughter is getting married in May and I
am supporting a couple of family members who are dealing with illness) will be
at an all-time high. Creating white
space for writing, for downtime, for reflection and for play is a priority to
balance the busyness and to make my life rich.
So in this season of white
(I am sitting in my den, with the fireplace to keep me warm as I stare out at a
white landscape and the swirling of white snowflakes), I am committing myself
to be aware of the white space and to be committed to allowing white space in
my everyday life.
Happy New Year!
