Being in the zone.
Photo by Martin Reisch on Unsplash
When I hear the phrase being in the zone, my sports wired brain immediately thinks of Peyton Manning at the line of scrimmage wearing his deep blue number 18 Colts jersey, scoping out his protection and route while spewing out “OhhhmaHA. Omahhha. O.MA.HA”. And let’s make one thing clear…. Being an avid Raiders fan, the years between 2012 and 2015 were dark, difficult and heart wrenching seasons. Seeing my idol and hero don the orange and blue was heart breaking. The first season I completely boycotted my all time favorite player. But I missed watching this MVP. So I decided to root for Peyton and also root for the Broncos demise each game. He was still my number one pick for fantasy football every year.
In the past week I have been in the mental zone, in the flow. Like my football superstar, my brain is scanning my surroundings, feeling the creative juices flow. I’m not thinking, not trying, just doing. Both Nike and Yoda would be proud. Yesterday, despite laying around in bed until 11AM and sans caffeine, I:
Made a delicious breakfast consisting of French toast and maple bacon.
Cleaned my kitchen, living room, guest room and family room.
Caught a mouse. I’m in a battle with some mice that somehow snuck in my house. Clearly my dogs are slacking on their responsibilities.
Measured, cut and sewed curtains for my rav4.
Washed three loads of laundry AND put the laundry away.
Researched countless microphones for my iPhone with my sister’s help.
Connected with a friend on the phone, listening patiently while he discussed his tribulations and titillations. And then argued which Foo Fighters song is better: February Stars or Everlong. The accoustic version of Everlong, of course is the clear winner.
Tested out the sleeping arrangements in the rav4 including blowing up my new foam/air camping mattress from Nemo, hanging my solar fairy lights with the newly sewn curtains, and figuring out how to prop my feet up with plastic storage boxes since my back seats don’t lay flat and create a serious slope for the mattress. The only pro in the sloping scenario is that I can literally slide right out of bed.
By the time 6PM hit, I was starving and had no idea it was dinner time. This is what they call being in the zone. Having a high level of focused energy while performing a task or project. When I was creating the curtains for the SUV, I didn't let not having a pattern or instruction slow me down. I just winged it by holding up the fabric to the window, pinning, cutting and sewing. They are not the most professional looking window coverings, but they are cute, fun and get the job done. Plus I was able to use some fun white floral fabric from Ikea that I had stashed away for a rainy day.
It has been two weeks since I have been unemployed and I am already sensing the energy I once had, the calmness in my being and the creativity that somewhere along the way I lost. I feel the fulfillment and satisfaction in my life that I haven’t felt in years. New beginnings full of brightness, hope, enjoyment and contentment are unfolding before my eyes. Being in the zone might just go beyond football after all.
