WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2019
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Morning, afternoon and evening, all...
Love all the different perspectives! When our discussions range from panties to the perils of positive thinking in 48 hours, it's definitely a wide range... We make me happy.
I think the biggest impact for me in terms of happiness/joy etc. is simply being able to recognize when you are happy. So very many people who've walked through my life simply don't know when they're happy and continue to search for it, mourn for it, and believe they don't have it. Those "mini-moments" simply don't get recognized... possibly because they believe happiness means they are happy all the time, every waking moment. Not sure that, as humans, that's even possible.
And waiting for me when I got home from my day at camp (not MY happy place, I might add--pretending you're homeless was never my forte... ) were two emails - one saying we didn't get a small grant, and one saying we did get a larger one. Life and work are a mixed bag, always.
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR8 -
When granddaughter Olivia was born 2 years ago and had such a rough start after being born at home, my stepdaughter & her husband had a strict rule for visitors in the NICU predicated on the advice of their friends. These were the same friends that convinced Katie to stay home in labor another 24 hours after she had reached the point where she was saying "maybe I need to go to the hospital". They were so adamant about the "rule" in the NICU, that they would banish anyone who had a sad look on their face! They had only happy talk, music, & positive energy in various forms, 24/7, and even instructed the nurses...it was way over the top, even for me, but we totally understood where it was coming from in a desperate situation. The only people who were allowed to discuss her current medical condition at the bedside were the doctors. If we wanted to discuss Olivia with the doctors/nurses, we had to be completely away from Olivia. And as most of you know, Olivia had a complete recovery.
Now, same daughter-in-law (Katie) recently started Facetiming with us, so Olivia & Phoenix won't forget who we are, since they are so far away. The calls start out great, but children have short attention spans, so they run off to play, & Katie starts to talk about her estranged husband & "what a loser he is". Katie is understandably self-absorbed while she is talking about him, so she doesn't notice what it does to the kids, who we can see in the background. It visibly upsets Olivia, who becomes more & more agitated, and acts out, getting Katie's attention. After this happened a couple of times, I said, I know you need to talk about this, but it's agitating Olivia. And Katie went into a major rant about how all of her friends are telling her to banish the negativity, etc., like before, but she needs to talk about it & we are the only ones who will listen to her. So the pendulum has reached the other zenith. I told her to call twice. Once for us to interact with the grandkids & once while they are napping so she can vent. So far it hasn't happened.
Having said all of that, my 2 cents' worth on the Power of Attraction is that planning to succeed or attain a goal, using positive affirmation to do so, is amazingly powerful stuff. It's how I succeeded in school & career from about 8th grade on. It is not the same as denying negative/sad feelings or refusing to acknowledge failure, all of which were inevitable in my quest to succeed. And, most importantly, whenever my personal 'power of attraction' quest imposes on or influences another person, or fails to take facts into account (terminal/dire medical conditions, autism, psychiatric issues, physical limitations, e.g.), it has the potential to do great harm.
My dear departed Mom used to say that she tried always to do everything in her power to get the outcome she wanted, & then...let go of the outcome. She said she sometimes had to pray on the letting go part, LOL!
Love you all,
Karen in Virginia6 -
Hi everyone!
About the pea protein- the first decision was whether to get unflavored or not. I decided it would save me time to get a vanilla flavor with a sweetener in it. It's a personal choice, but it's not fair to buy the unflavored then complain about the lack of flavor. So I got Bob's Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder. It is sweetened with monkfruit. Tastes pretty good, just a little bean taste. The taste blends well with oatmeal. The ingredients aren't too bad for a powder. Nothing I wouldn't eat daily. I got it from Amazon. So far I am really enjoying it, and I feel better with more protein in my diet.
Annie2 -
Did the Peak Fitness Challenge DVD. The plan for tomorrow is to do Jillian Michaels Killer Arms and Back DVD.
Barbara – Yes, Vince feels a bit better (his back) but he doesn’t want to push it, he wants to be all healed for when we take Jess to Iowa State. Which reminds me, I have to tell her that a truck rental would be a little less than $1100 whereas the Pod she was looking at was something like $2000. Vince and she can drive out to Iowa with Shadow and I’ll just fly out there, no problem. That is, IF she decides to go this route. I would think so since it’s less money.
Newcomer tidbit: I noticed that new members aren’t on the mail list. I don’t know who is supposed to be doing this. I did explain that the mail list and the website have nothing to do with each other which is why you need to add a new member to both. Oh well…not my problem. One day someone will say something like “I’m not getting Newcomer notices”. Personally, I find it a bit funny, they’re so concerned about new members yet simple things like this aren’t being done. The last person who was added was someone I added in late May because I added them.
You won’t believe what I started doing last night. Yup, went on the deck and started stringing popcorn. At least I can really take my time, plus I’m not sitting after dinner thinking about food.
Lisa – that’s great that you got the larger of the two grants
Anniesquatas – The Tone It Up protein powder comes in vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter and I THINK strawberry. Admitted, it doesn’t have strong, say, chocolate flavor but it does have a chocolate flavor. Plus, it doesn’t have any added sugars. Personally, I like the vanilla. I mainly like the fact that it isn't a strong flavor so the flavor of what I put it in is what you really taste.
Will be leaving in a few to meet up with Jess.
Michele in NC
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bananasandoranges wrote: »Some say there is a tyranny of having to be happy especially in the Usa.
In Europe there is, in many countries, a tendency to complain. it's kind of the opposite and can also be oppressive.In France if you are positive and optimistic, in certain circumstances, people often treat you like you are stupid and try to counter you or make fun or you, etc. It's much more normal and socially acceptable to complain and be suspicious here, than to expect the best.
There was some of the pursuit of happiness (and the pursuit of "passion") in Canada too. Right from some point in my 20s I became aware of an apparent "need" to find my life's passion and attain happiness.
Only ... I never did. I never found a "passion" (especially not one at which I could earn any money) and never found a place of constant happiness.
Then I moved to Australia and stopped hearing about such things. However it wasn't until I had been here a few years that I attended a personal development seminar about writing CVs, and the presenter mentioned that in the US (and perhaps North America in general), people are encouraged to pursue a "passion" whereas in Australia the idea of finding a "passion" doesn't really exist or at least not very strongly. She just confirmed my perceptions. Maybe that's one of the reasons I feel comfortable here.
During the early days of my husband's situation, a number of my Canadian friends did exactly what you've mentioned: "Like if you say things are not great, people feel a need to say something positive to counter it and get you to look on the bright side." I'd mention that he's still in a coma and they've no idea when he'll come out or what the results will be if he does come out of the coma ... and I'd get "At least he's still alive!" Whereas my Australian friends would say much more comforting things.Morning, afternoon and evening, all...
Love all the different perspectives! When our discussions range from panties to the perils of positive thinking in 48 hours, it's definitely a wide range... We make me happy.
I think the biggest impact for me in terms of happiness/joy etc. is simply being able to recognize when you are happy. So very many people who've walked through my life simply don't know when they're happy and continue to search for it, mourn for it, and believe they don't have it. Those "mini-moments" simply don't get recognized... possibly because they believe happiness means they are happy all the time, every waking moment. Not sure that, as humans, that's even possible.
Regarding the happiness side of things, I mentioned I never found the place of constant happiness I felt like I was expected to find. In fact, I've never been able to nail down what "happy" is or is supposed to feel like. What I found instead was a general contentment with a portion of my life, and enjoyment in certain aspects of my life. I figure that's close enough.
Machka in Oz4 -
All that said ...
M in Oz6 -
Did the RushFit DVD. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. The plan for tomorrow is to do the Peak Fitness Challenge DVD. That’s not as long as I usually work out but I have to leave early to meet Jess to pick up Shadow. We’ll be watching her while Jess is in Iowa. She’s a worry wart so I was going to tell her that Vince was home cutting the grass but he feels that I should tell her the truth. I’m just afraid it’ll spoil her vacation.
Rebecca – It’s nice to go away, but it’s nice to come home. How do you make the faux stained glass?
JR – you really impress me taking in all those children. I honestly don’t think I could do it. It takes someone real special and that’s you!
M – how right you are that our bodies change. I had a REALLY nice skirt suit, but when I went to try it on, it was just too tight around the waist. Still fit me in the hips but way too tight in the waist. My body just changed
Lisa – I’m not even going to waste my breath trying to get Vince to not worry about things being perfect. I’ll just do it my way and if he doesn’t like it, he can do it himself! Of course, he didn’t go to ceramics last night, I did. He was turning the steering wheel on the tractor (if I’d done it it just would have taken longer – that’s all) and pulled his back.
Pip – when was that pic of Bullwinkle with the underwear on taken? A friend of mine just had her dog spayed and the dog absolutely hated the “cone of shame” so what she did was buy an infant onesie and put that on the dog just until the stitches healed enough that she wouldn’t chew at them.
Barbara – normally, I would tell Vince to do it himself. I have. But I know right now the excuse will always be “my back” and nothing will get done unless I do it. Like today I grouted the spillover from the spa into the pool. Sure enough, Vince was right there even doing it. Poor me had to stand in the spa to do it Don’t you feel my pain??? Lol Anyway, there are things that I just can’t do (like screening, that takes 2 people), but like I said, if I don’t do it, it won’t get done at all. So rather than listening to complaints all the time, I’ll just do it myself
Went in the pool. Boy, do I feel good even tho I didn’t have the sound of the waterfall. Tonight the plan is to put the sealer on the new grout and hopefully I can get Vince to let me cut this wood. See, we want to put the ceramics that will go by the house on a piece of wood because right now I have to put them so far into the mulch that you can’t see their feet. Update: the grout wasn’t dry so we couldn’t put the sealer on
Welcome everyone new! Keep coming back and let us know more about you. Post when you feel like what you feel like
Whenever I purge something, it goes to the Salvation Army if it’s decent
Protein Powders: I use the Tone It Up. That was the only brand I could find that didn’t have added sugars or sugar substitute.
Drkatie – Getting protein powders in individual packets isn’t an option around here either. The only place I’ve ever seen that is in a health food store in FL
Kim – Yea for you!!!!
KJ – you always have such neat things that you have the kids doing. Wish my kids had that when they went to preschool
Michele in NC
That pic was a long time ago, maybe when she was 2-3 yrs old? Old trick from when I was a kid. Works great with boxers2 -
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Karen in VA - very, very wise. I like your summation on using positive affirmations. Visualizing positive outcome and letting it go.... your mom was a peach.
Lisa - "discussions range from panties to the perils of positive thinking in 48 hours" - LOL! Yep, what a unique group we have here.
Margaret - the Rumi poem is right on the money. He's one of my favorite poets/writers. His perspective is ageless and so very kind.
Barbara AHMOD - hope you can find a way to live in harmony with that bear and he/she doesn't turn into a rug in someone's den. I see there are bear repellent trash cans for $200/up. YIKES! Your blue garbage can looks like the one provided by our garbage utility. Our can sits out all the time by DH's shop.... I am surprised a raccoon or coyote hasn't tried to pry its way in.
Katla - WA State has very lax laws about 4th of July fireworks in my opinion.... too many days of the racket. That being said, every county has the option to totally ban them, and some counties have. What you are hearing and seeing is most likely fireworks purchased on reservations and being used illegally. Even with burn bans, the "kids" of all ages will set them off. And there aren't enough police to respond to the hundreds of complaints. Sigh. I've loaded up on "calmative" pills for our older dog. I'm going to try some CBD treats and see if that takes the edge off for her too. Being the vengeful sort at times, DH and I always get a thrill from hearing an ambulance during the week of night-long explosions and hoping some drunken dimwit has lost a body part.
Machka - I see a lot of myself in your discussion about not being a natural caregiver.
Heather - As I read our chatter here about positive thinking, I wonder what your DIL's take would be? I know I pick up little gems from everyone's viewpoints.
A couple years ago, I ran across Dr. David Hanscom who wrote "Back in Control" about how to deal with back pain. (I know I've mentioned him in this forum before. Apologies for the rerun, lol. )
One of his primary rules was to not talk about your hurting back - don't give that pain power. He's not saying to deny it. I've noticed when I'm out with my girlfriends, my aches and pains seem to disappear. I think of my grandmother and my dad (her son) who had various surgeries, and their motto was "don't give in to it" - move past it and get on with what needs to be done. As farmers, there was a lot to be done.
And, they treated their pain as a temporary visitor, much like Rumi's outlook.
On that note, time for some stretches. Make it a wonderful Friday, ladies!!
Lanette
Sunny & cool SW WA State3 -
Spent some quality time with Alfie and my DFIL in rare.form this.morning.. he had me cracking up..
Gonna be a hot one today so going to keep the shades pulled ..
Working 11-5 today.1 -
Lanette - Her take would be to be in the moment and see the reality of the situation. Not to catastrophize. Not to be blindly positive. She would say it's important to feel our feelings and listen to them. They are the best indicator of what we need to do in a given situation. Then you need to take action to improve the situation and be good to yourself. Being compassionate to ourselves is important, but so many of us ignore the messages we are getting from our feelings. We must distinguish between what is real and what is just fruitless anxiety. But it's ok to be human.
For me....
The minute I feel uncomfortable about a person or a situation I take notice. I don't let things ride and get out of hand. Listen to your feedback. The absence of feedback is feedback.
Clarity of vision is what I aim for, not telling myself stories. But I have many times experienced the power of changing my negative thoughts into something more positive. Retreating from life in a negative slump is useless. Reaching out, taking a risk, going forward, acting as if - all this can work wonders as long as you don't kid yourself.
When I was in my forties I spent four years belonging to a 'Personal Growth' organisation. There were a few woo woo elements to it, but generally its feet were on the ground. I experienced many examples of what can be achieved with a change of attitude, when you take the risk. It was a very worth while four years, but it did not inure me to sad feelings etc. Nor would they want it to.
Today, for now, I am generally very happy. I am not complacent about that. Anything could happen at any time. But, like Lisa's mum, I will do what I can to change the situation and then, I hope I can let go.
The thing is, we have much more choice than we think, we just need to think outside the prison we have confined ourself in.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxx4 -
I got all caught up on reading 6 pages back this morning and had replies written when my ride showed up and I closed without posting. I’ll try again tomorrow.4
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M again I recommend Beauty in the Broken Places I read this while son was in intensive care. It helped me because I did not feel alone in all the emotions flowing through me.
When the author described how she let the mail go because she just couldn't face it, and then when the building super stopped her and told her there was so much mail she would have to go across town to collect it I could relate to her anguish. My situation is different from hers. What I understood is you are in a crisis and on your last nerve then one more thing happens. Melt down!
Son will get to go home Tuesday. They want all the medication that he had a toxic reaction to out of his system. It will all be gone Sunday. I go to the cafeteria and buy lunch for him and DH takes him a dinner. We have done this daily for the last two weeks. They do have hospital food but this is the best time for us to see him and after what he went through we are willing to do this for him.
Margaret
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Lanette Thanks! Yes, my mom WAS a peach. Such a good role model.2
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Did in painting class yesterday..
Working on learning how to paint something clear..
Peonies from son's yard...
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Carol: Thanks for your good wishes on the RV repair. We hope it is ready in time, too. We’ve already paid for our spot in the park. We’re anxious to get the dog out of the war zone that will surely be in place for the whole week that includes the 4th. Hunting dogs with drop ears probably tolerate the noise better. :ohwell:
Annie: Welcome! I thought I’d become allergic to milk, too. It turns out that I’m lactose intolerant, a form of sugar in milk. There is lactose free milk available in the grocery stores. It works for me. I take lactaid when I’m in a restaurant situation where I have no control over food ingredients. It works well, too. I need to take it before I eat the food containing lactose. I also know of some people who use almond milk. Good luck. :flowerforyou:
Kim: Great news so far. Yay!!! :bigsmile:
Machka: My DH also has chronic health issues although they’re different than your DH’s. I admire the ways you have managed to both cope with reality & include adventure and happiness. Your positivity and persistence is powerful. I admire you for all that you do. I know it isn’t easy.
Heather: I’ve stopped consuming alcohol for the foreseeable future. Alcohol turns into body fat in a blink of an eye if I allow myself to indulge. I’ve also cut out dark chocolate treats for now. I’m down a tiny bit today. I need to get rid of enough weight that my knee quits hurting. :ohwell:
Allie: 80 hours in two weeks seems good to me. I know you’ve been working less hours for many years, and it probably feels like a huge change. Don’t forget to rest when you can.
Karen in VA: Your mom was a Wise Woman. I think you are, too. :flowerforyou:
Lanette: Our old dog is a gem and we go to great lengths for him. Like Pip’s Bullwinkle, he is showing his age. He now has hip trouble that we manage with a combination of a prescription from the vet and CBD oil. Spending a week in the RV at the park for $$$ is worth the trouble and expense. Fireworks are devastating for him. Our neighbor has a Goldendoodle with floppy ears. The noise doesn’t seem to affect her as severely as our poor little guy. When he eventually goes to doggy heaven I’ll be thinking about floppy eared dogs.
Margaret: Your art is lovely.
Yoga today and I may go. I need to take care of my health in order to support my DH.
Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon
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cityjaneLondon wrote: »Clarity of vision is what I aim for, not telling myself stories. But I have many times experienced the power of changing my negative thoughts into something more positive. Retreating from life in a negative slump is useless. Reaching out, taking a risk, going forward, acting as if - all this can work wonders as long as you don't kid yourself.
When I was in my forties I spent four years belonging to a 'Personal Growth' organisation. There were a few woo woo elements to it, but generally its feet were on the ground. I experienced many examples of what can be achieved with a change of attitude, when you take the risk. It was a very worth while four years, but it did not inure me to sad feelings etc. Nor would they want it to.
Today, for now, I am generally very happy. I am not complacent about that. Anything could happen at any time. But, like Lisa's mum, I will do what I can to change the situation and then, I hope I can let go.
The thing is, we have much more choice than we think, we just need to think outside the prison we have confined ourself in.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxx
Love this Heather
Margaret your paintings are peacefilled and I adore your son's peonies.
Got tons of little things done today, including a start to some summer painting (railings and trim work, not artistic painting). I also made some delicious chopped salads, blackbean/corn salad, fatoush salad, pico de gallo and some pesto to freeze. I love to putter!
I'm a loser (according to the scale) and feel better/lighter. Loads of veggies and no red meat is part of the reason. I am working on lowering my LDL #s, so oatmeal and oatbran are the start of everyday as well.
NYKAREN
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Hi friends. It is one hell of a hot and humid day here and I can see the weeds growing by the minute LOL. I guess I will have to get out there this evening.
I'm amazed at the number of posts there are; we always have been a chatty group, but this seems like a lot even for that! I've really enjoyed the pictures too, especially of Pip's dog. I'm sorry to hear about him. (((Pip)))
Viv: I'm sorry for your loss! Hugs to you too!
I started my phentermine this morning. So far so good; no jitters or anything like that. We'll see what happens. I feel like an old bat, I'm taking so many meds! Hopefully "one day" I can get off the psych drugs and maybe cut down on the diabetes meds. I'm taking so many meds that Walgreens called me wanting to know if I wanted to get on a "one trip per month" to the pharmacy by having them re-schedule all my refills for the same time. Good grief!
The maintenance for the water softener is going on right now, then I will leave for work. Believe it or not, I have a 4 pm meeting. On a Friday. Seriously. Bleh!
Today is DH's halfway mark! We are counting DOWN now! Woo hoo!
I was interested in the discussion about attracting positives by feeling positive. It sounded very spiritual for some of you. I can say I had the true 12 step spiritual awakening last time I was in Colorado. Ever since then, I have felt peaceful and serene and full of energy. I'm not the kind to get into that "kind of stuff", but it was truly transformational. I am exactly where I need to be.
OK, off I go. The softener guy is about done, so I'd better go....OMG eat lunch! I totally forgot and I'm not hungry. Maybe this med does something after all! Take care Meg from swampy Omaha8 -
Pg 86. Busy again!
RV Rita3 -
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Knees Update: I have gone to the gym 5 times over the last two weeks and walked on the treadmill and used the stationary bike plus a tiny bit of elliptical. Both the replaced knee and the one that needs to be replaced are hurting pretty much for the last few days. Still having trouble getting up from sitting and going down the steps. So finally came to the conclusion that I need to go back to doing the exercises I was given during therapy sessions. Did them and am hoping to see some improvement. Also, need to start taking Aleve each day.
Carol in GA10 -
Finished pg 88.
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Hi there Meg! (Waving from across the pond )
Did slightly better today, so I will weigh myself tomorrow morning. Unfortunately the goat and sweetcorn curry was a little salty, although absolutely delicious.
Julie - I have to do a ridiculous amount of exercise because I love to eat. I try to burn 900 or so exercise calories a day, so that I don't have to 'diet'. At the moment I'm cutting back on consumption a little as I want to lose four creep pounds. I've lost two of them and I'm hoping for one more tomorrow, but I'm not counting on it.
I want to be exactly at target weight, or just below, for the school year reunion, end of July. We are all around 70, so this will probably be the last time. We have had two previous ones, but not for ages. Lots of emails currently flying about. Women coming from all over the country and beyond. I have just arranged for me and three friends to be picked up from the station.
The hostess is buying in a food catering delivery from the supermarket, so it won't be too much trouble and we will all pay a contribution. I'm going to wear the same outfit I wore to the funeral. Maybe minus the leggings if it's hot.
Feel a bit nervous, but I'm sure it will all go fine. My friend from Glasgow is flying down the day before to stay with me, so we will catch the train together and soothe each other's nerves. :laugh:
I've just paid the balance of the money for my 70th birthday cruise. Can't wait! We are going to Scandinavia again. Love it.
Also had our extremely cheap plumber round to estimate for replacing a radiator valve which has jammed shut. He will have to drain the system, but he doesn't charge much. A one man band. It will make a huge difference to the warmth in the sitting room in the cold weather. Last winter it was chilly on really cold days as only one small radiator was working.
We are also getting an estimate for replacing the extremely complicated, very old fashioned thermostat. I can't reprogram it so we have had to use the override button every hour all through the winter. Very annoying as we are in all day. It's set for people who are out at work!
The radiator will be done on Tuesday morning. Hooray!
Monday I am going on the train to visit my friend in Portsmouth for a fishy lunch. Hope the weather will be nice enough to sit under an umbrella, my favourite thing!
Love Heather UK xxxxxxx6 -
Egg 🥚 in a basket 🧺 today (so many names for it toast make a hole 🕳 in the middle crack an egg 🥚 on top ,Pam spray for pan tadaaa then Pam spray again cooked 1 egg 🍳 fried. Air fryer made potato 🥔 to go with it y a 35cal restaurant jelly packet (Sams Club) ,light apple juice 🥤 y water. Been eating easy on the stomach foods today. Earlier was leftover artisan burger 🍔 from McDonald’s y some baked chips on the side with a spot of tea ☕️ y water.
Air Fryer Potatoes 🥔
400* for 18-21min approx (calories 116cal per potato) Shake up y check with fork 🍴 every 7minutes until fork easily goes through them.
Potatoe Decide how many people 1 🥔 potatoe each.Cut into squares or wedges (chips for your fish 🐟) .Place In air fryers basket .Spray with Pam 0cal cooking spray toss spray toss spray.
Optional Sea salt 🧂 ,pepper,garlic powder. Pretty much what you think of when you want potatoes.Even your own garden seasonings (chives place last 7min I bet)
Cook 7min flip
Cook 7min flip check with 🍴 fork
Cook 5-7min check with fork to see if done ✅
Serve
Amber Tx
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Regarding Positive thinking . . .
This has been a very thoughtful discussion. In the "West," we try so hard to alleviate suffering and pain. We think it is noble to do so. But what if suffering isn't bad, like the Rumi poem implied? What if we (I) tried to see the suffering and pain we (I) go through as something to learn from, to grow from, or to heal from something else?
I am generally a positive person, and it drives my husband a little batty because he is a total Eeyore. But I also do allow myself those times when I just dive into the dark. I don't like it much, but suffering, pain, and darkness are a part of life, and the times of light and joy are so much sweeter having been in the dark places.
And how ironic that the little ad at the bottom of this page is currently for Aleve "Proven Better on Pain."
Love you people.
Felicia
Willamette Valley, Oregon5 -
cityjaneLondon wrote: »Machka - good article. 'Caring' is the hardest job of all. Hard enough when it's a physical thing, but especially difficult when it's your soul mate and you have 'lost' them. I am not made of 'caring' material and I hope I never have to do it. I would not last long. I know myself too well.
I really admire those of you, like Rori, who have given this your best shot. Lots of love to you.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxx
I am so incredibly NOT made of 'caring material. It's one of the reasons I never wanted children. It's one of the reasons my first marriage and one of my other relationships fell apart ... they were looking for a "mom" rather than a partner. It's the main reason why I didn't take after my mother and go into nursing or anything nursing-related. I did try to get into teaching, but was not disappointed when I ended up in a quiet office working with databases. Looking after people is not my thing at all.
And yet ... here I am.
I'm probably the most surprised of anyone who knows me that I'm doing this. I don't know how I'm doing this!
But believe me, sometimes I do feel like fleeing, crying, bursting into a rage, curling up into a ball and hiding ...
M in Oz
Ditto!
I never had kids because I really don't have that maternal, caring gene in my body. Today I am full-time caregiver to a 75 YO with the mental competence of a 4 YO. I'm grateful for all I have learned and experienced in the metaphysical, energetic and mindfulness disciplines, because everything about living with dementia will test you. I am very comfortable in the woo-woo zone, and credit spiritual tools to helping to keep me mentally and physically well.
DH saw the ENT doctor yesterday and he diagnosed "surfer's ear" (bony growths on the ear canals) as well as significant hearing loss, possibly caused by his Air Force experiences in Viet Nam. He would benefit from hearing aids, and so we are going to pursue what he may be able to obtain from the Veterans Administration. Doctor said they take a long time, but they have good hearing aids at a vastly reduced price.
Is anyone else following Women's World Cup Soccer? I'm totally enthralled and inspired by these women.
Rori
Cheering from the
Colorado Foothills7
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