Doris takes a holiday

This is Doris. She likes an old aunty to me. But we aren't related. No, we are much closer than that.

I have known Doris practically all of my life. She has been working hard, trying to keep me safe.

She warns me when I might do something stupid or courageous. She whispers to me when I stuff things up in my life, work, money, family, relationships. And she cares so deeply that she won't let me forget - just in case I might do something similar again.

She has really been piling on lately, though. Being critical and wanting to keep me in my box. She knows I am tired - like many people  - with a COVID hangover. This is when she knows she will be most effective, so she has been doing double shifts.

She has been at this such a long time, being vigilant and diligent at her job, that I can only imagine she is pretty tired herself.

While Doris isn't interested in retirement just yet because she feels there is still so much for her to do and more ways to keep me protected, we have agreed that for the next month, she will take long service leave. So here she is, relaxing in the sunshine.

With her not here, I have to admit I feel pretty tired. I am suddenly aware of the energy I have been expending on battling her over-zealousness. Like when you put down a heavy weight, and suddenly you feel how sore your arms are.

But when I am a little more rested, ONE THING I am look forward to is using this energy on something more creative and fulfilling.

Do you have a Doris? Maybe he'd like to go on vacation too. I know a couple of places.