After a hectic week directing and teaching at a music camp, I packed for vacation and set off for a week at the lake. Packing is an intricate process of choosing the best books to fill two tote bags, throwing a bunch of clothes in a suitcase, and calling it good.My book selection this year was perfect. I relished moments rocking on a swing, listening to waves lap against the shore, and flipping pages in my chemistry book. Yes, chemistry.
How Chemistry Essentials for Dummies made it into my carefully packed book bag is a question I'll let you ponder. The why is not as important as the what that I discovered in chapter four. After agonizing through a chapter on electron configurations with their orbits and energy levels, I was surprised when chapter four touched my heart.
The opening paragraphs explained how every atom wants to be satisfied. It wants a full set of eight electrons in its outermost energy level. Atoms with seven electrons can gain one, and they're complete. Amazing satisfaction.
But what about those poor atoms with only one electron in their outermost level? Is it possible for them to be satisfied? The rules of chemistry say they can't gain more than three electrons.
Thankfully, there is a path to satisfaction if they're willing to lose an electron. If they release that lonely electron in their outermost energy level, the energy level disappears. Now an inner level that's already full with eight electrons is the farthest out. It's satisfied, and so is the atom.
Why am I so excited about a satisfied atom? Because I realized I can become satisfied the same way.
I have so many dreams spinning around, never coming to fruition. I structure my days and use every minute in a hopeless attempt to fulfill each vision. But sometimes I just have to release the electron, let go of the dream, and realize that underneath I'm already complete.
I'm not giving up. I'll still pursue my hobbies and give the dreams a chance to come true, but I don't need them. I'm satisfied.
