What's mine to do

I've reflected this week on a phrase David LaMotte uses, of focussing on what is "mine to do". Many of us notice things that need doing. Sometimes we can be the one to do it. And sometimes we can't.
Whilst out walking the dog before work I might spot litter or dog poo that needs picking up. It might not be my "job" to do it, but sometimes I'm able to pick it up, playing my part in helping create a more pleasant environment. But if I went on to pick up every piece of litter or poo I see, I would never make it to work, to do the things that actually are mine to do. It's not that my local park is that disgusting, it's that sometimes we can get pulled away from what we're supposed to be doing, by the other calls on our attention.
I think it can be easy to be distracted from what is ours to do. Often that can be because we've not really decided what is ours to do. I'm lucky, my paid work is something I do feel is mine to do. Parenting is also what I'm meant to do. And in many beautiful and occasionally difficult ways, I'm also sure that what's mine to do involves loving whoever is in front of me, stranger or friend. I can feel the pulse of life when I'm in my element, encouraging someone, sharing, listening. This weekend has given opportunities to do that outside of work and reminded me that what's mine to do goes far beyond my employment, and also happens when I engage with an audience in a gig, or take time to chat one to one.

I love the contact that the internet affords me, but I know it can also pull me away from other things I want to be doing. I'm pleased with myself this afternoon for not logging in til now and instead reading my book group book. It's not something I would have chosen - whilst I have enjoyed other Stuart Maconie books, this one is historical/travelogue, so not usually a genre I'd go for, but I'm finding pleasure and interest in it so far. This afternoon relaxing is what was mine to do :-)