It’s messy, time-consuming, and hard on the back, knees, and wrist, but I love to paint.

I’ve been working on staining all the decking, pergolas, and screen house in our yard this summer. Seeing the progress makes it such a satisfying job. Not to mention anticipating how great everything will look when I’m done.

Best of all, though, is the quiet time to think. I’ve always loved solitary work. Not that I don’t also enjoy being around other people, but it really doesn’t bother me to be alone. Painting is something I can do that gives me focus and puts me in the moment.

Do you have an activity that helps you be in the moment?