Recovery

The trip home felt quick but relaxing. I expected to have to decompress for at least a week upon my arrival, but I already felt rested when I arrived.

In the Army, recovery is what you do after returning from the field. It’s a process to get everything ready to go again. Normally, this process is done as soon as possible, but I’ve been spreading it out.

Not unlike returning from the boat, my first task was to repack my bag. I have a potential job coming up, so I want to be ready. I did loads of laundry, washing clothes and bedding, and rolled a ridiculous number of socks and underwear.

I’m still gradually emptying the truckped and the cab. I seemed to have over-packed some, so I’m working on scaling everything back. I like to be prepared and to have what I want when I want it, but moderation is good too.

I’m still not entirely sure what is coming next, but I’m oddly calm about it. For now, the best I can do is prepare. I still have knives to sharpen, and there’s housekeeping to do. I have no problem keeping busy.

The weather is dipping below zero in the mornings, a sure sign of change. I made an appointment to have my winter tires put on. It’s best to do it early rather than wait for the snow…then, everyone is trying to get it done.

Recovery is a reset; a chance to be ready for whatever is next. There’s something very satisfying about preparedness. It provides a sense of security and reinforces self-reliance, two things of great value to the anxious mind.