Now that I'm a homeowner, I'm responsible for ensuring that my lawn is mowed on a regular basis.
Much to my surprise, I actually really enjoy doing it!
There's just something about seeing those clean lines appear in the grass as I push the mower through it, and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish and survey my handiwork.
It's a pretty good workout too, and a nice alternative to my daily run.
Mowing is also symbolic.
The blades of grass that we have to cut represent the many things that cause stress in our lives.
Hundreds of little things that, viewed individually, seem minor and minute, but when allowed to grow unchecked, can form a ten-foot tall wall of sh*t that you just can't seem to wade through.
If we let the grass in our yards grow too high, we couldn't see out of our windows. We couldn't walk in our backyards. We'd be overrun with bugs and creepy crawly things that live in it.
It would overwhelm us.
So we have to mow, at least once or twice a week.
We have to figuratively and literally cut down those blades of grass that have piled up since the last time we mowed. Methodically work our way through them.
Some of us use riding mowers, some (like me) walk behind and push ours. Some of us make fancy patterns, others diligently try to make their lines as straight as possible.
Whatever method works, we all need to do it.
To maintain our sanity.
And, of course, to make sure our homes look nice to others who are driving by.
The hour or so I spend mowing my actual grass gives me time to think about those figurative blades of grass that are challenging me.
As I walk behind my mower, I enjoy the quiet and get inside my head so I can look at the current state of my life objectively. I map out a plan to overcome the challenges I can and ways to let go of the ones that are beyond my control.
When I think about it that way, it doesn't surprise me that I enjoy mowing the lawn. It speaks directly to my need to be both productive and logical.
So...
If you drive by my house when I'm mowing and wave at me, please don't be offended if I don't wave back.
I'm likely lost in thought, chopping down those blades of grass and enjoying the clean lines I'm leaving behind me.