I was wondering if we thought
about these times in our lives and maybe identified the one or two things that
we can do for ourselves, that are a kind of “bare minimum” in terms of personal
recharging, then maybe these things will become non-negotiable from now on. I
mean, not only would we not dream of driving our cars without gas, but we
simply couldn’t even if we wanted to. So when the car flashes the “low fuel”
light, we may think, Shit, I don’t have the time or money right now to run to
the station and fill ‘er up, but, damn, I have no choice, I have to get to xyz.
Maybe if we know what fuel works to keep us sane—and while we may still protest
“I have no time”—we will force ourselves to get to that particular station—and
fast. Because otherwise we might run out of gas and stutter to a stop by the
side of the road, with a busy signal from CAA (the road-side assistants) and no
passing vehicles to help us, and we have to sit there, helplessly stranded, no
good to anyone.
I’m not talking massages and
spa treatments here (although for some of you that may indeed be a bare
minimum!), I’m talking about the daily vitamins: tennis, a favourite TV show, a
walk, gardening, a bath.
I have a few rechargers,
although on a crazy day, I sure as hell can’t do all of them. That said, I want
to remember to do at least one of
them! Just a stop at the station. Just a quick run up to the pump, a retrieval
of the nozzle, a slow filling up. Then back to the busy business of living.
My basic replenishers are
these: a 20-minute uninterrupted read (to feel replenished, FB or Twitter posts
don’t work, it needs to be a few pages of a book or a substantial article in
the paper—it has to be a real thing in my hands that I am reading), 1 hour of
creative writing (this is maybe my top rejuvenator, although, if I’m not “done”
when I need to walk away, I must make sure I appreciate the hour and don’t
resent the hours I no longer have), yoga (my one class a week will recharge me
for my whole next week. But if I miss even one class, I am really going on
empty after that), and—very new for me—10-minute meditation.
If I can do even one of these
things, I can do do do for everyone and everything else. What about you?
Deb: Wowzer, Barb, this is so bizarre that you should do this now.
Inspired by my friend Neil and his wonderful publications, “Enter Laughing”, I
am starting tomorrow to take my tea and breakfast outside and sit. Just sit. No
newspaper. Just sit. Then later, add paper. Then sit. Then no matter what else
the day brings, I have given that to myself. I emailed him and told him how he
had inspired me and in the process we have had a nice e-chat back and forth.
That was the added bonus.
Dear Readers: Kelly from NJ—who you'll see often in our comments’
section—felt so moved by your support over the recent past, and so badly wanted
to make sure you all knew it, that she asked if we wouldn’t mind adding this to
one of our posts. Here’s Kelly!
Kelly: In the past two weeks I have realized something about
this blog and our family of comment posters. I’ve experienced much needed
support with my Mom’s surgery and then the overwhelming support encouraging me
to feel welcome and safe sharing just about anything. (Just as long as don’t
call anyone ugly :) ) When I first found this blog I thought of it
as just a diary that had characters who could talk back to me. Boy has that
changed in the past two weeks! I now clearly view everyone here as family.
<3 I was thinking about how this blog now feels like we are all gathered in
our own private coffee house just sitting around chatting about any and
everything. Sitting and confiding and laughing and crying and all just knowing
that you have people just a click away who will listen, offer support, and all
without a single thought of judgment. You guys were there in that coffee house
ready and willing when I was alone in that hospital waiting room a week or so
ago. And then again when I was learning that sharing can result in people
respecting and listening and encouraging me! So a HUGE ‘Thank You’ to all of
you comment posters, Deb and Barbara! You guys have boosted my confidence and
have been such a loving bunch of people. I am so glad to have found you all!
<3 Truly a life changing experience.
