Oh Yeah, Right. I Almost Forgot. Other People Have Problems Too!

June 19th daily write excerpt:

NEWS FLASH #1: Lightbulb on. Veil lifted. Revelation: I am not the only person in the world with problems, health or otherwise.

There are many many aspects of my life that are not problems or even problematical. I could fill a cornucopia with all the wonderful aspects of my life. My eyes often well up with gratitude when I think about these things. I bet you would like an example. Okay:

I loved that interview I saw Charlie Rose doing with the ex-prime minister of Singapore. I was moved by how it led me to a better understanding of how never having had a close relationship with my father...or with my grandfather...so profoundly affected me. I was helped by watching the interview because it led me to an idea re: how I might create an imaginary father and grandfather to take the place of (or let's just say "supplement") the real ones –- to remember fondly, and to draw deep emotional sustenance from -- the kind of sustenance that little girls need from their fathers, the kind that makes them feel unconditionally loved, safe, and carried, whenever they need to be carried. Or just to have their hand held, in a firm protective grip, as they walk along the rocky, bumpy path.

The interview also, circuitously and mysteriously, led me to a better understanding of yew trees.

NEWS FLASH #2: Today I am going to tidy up the living room so that, for twelve hours or so, it doesn't look like a sick-room/bedroom. Using my left arm only, I will hide the six pill bottles, ranging from aspirin to Xeloda, one spray bottle of B-12, and one tube of homeopathic Traumeel cream . . . all displayed in an ugly grouping on the coffee table, and pull the "Earthing" sheet (google it if you are curious) -- along with Emerald's old discarded comforter -- off the couch (Emerald being Jack's grown daughter).

I will also hide the bed pillow that is tucked inside a bedroomy flowery "country cottage" sham. And grab up my wrinkled stack of clothes piled on the chair in the corner and stuff them into the end table cabinet. And hide my black Zorro sleep mask. And pick up my dirty cat-hair-covered socks and pants that are strewn about on the floor.

There. Much better.

 

Comments

[John Underwood]

Roar! Just went through something similar. I got sick of living in my "bedroom". So I just purchase"d a futon and threw-out the old single bed. Went out yesterday on impulse and bought a Senegal parrot named Petey. I think he will have a very positive effect on my chronic depression. I had to laugh at myself when I realized I was pacing back and forth in my room while waiting to go pick him up. I felt like an expectant father! Anyway, what a difference it made in the way my room felt! Jay Bird