Albatross of Opportunity

Posted on by stilllearning2b

 

 

“Everything happens for a reason.”

Has anyone ever  said that to  you?  Or, have you perhaps uttered it to someone facing a challenge.  That phrase, although I do appreciate its intent,is one of my pet peeves.  I guess because I am a student of secular humanism, or perhaps because I do not have a fatalistic view of the world, I believe that things happen.  Then,  it’s up to you what you do with it.

My ex leaving didn’t catapult me to where I am now, nor did it send me down some stream, meandering to my current location.  I had no say in him leaving, but I am where I am due to conscious decisions and and hell of lot of hard work.

I encourage you to see the struggles in your life as an albatross of opportunity.  There will be physcological pain and suffering, but you can choose to use that to initiate desired change in your life.  Accept that  bird around your neck for a time, but when it’s purpose has been served, loosen the bonds and set it free.

Five Signs You’ve Been Raised by a Therapist

Posted on by stilllearning2b

1) The love  seat in the living room was the de facto “therapy couch.”

2) Once you finished reading all the Judy Blume books,you proceeded to the DSM.

3) Instead of being grounded, your punishment consisted of talking about it.  For hours.

4) You used “I” statements to talk your parents into letting you do something (“I don’t feel safe without a dog.”).

5) Personality inventories were administered to all your dates and the results compared to your own inventory.

Downshift

Posted on by stilllearning2b

My biggest struggle in life has always been slowing  down.  I think I was born with my shifter stuck in high gear.  I’ve made progress in that arena, especially as I have welcomed yoga and meditation into my life.  I still have a ways to go, and I am  going to start by using these ten tips on how to slow down.

Sometimes It’s About What You Can Reach

Posted on by stilllearning2b

A small bowl of hot smoked Spanish paprika (pi...

I was engaged in my usual Sunday cook-a-thon last week when I faced a small dilema.   I wanted the smoked paprika (fancy, I know) for the recipe, but it was out of reach.  I keep this particular item on the top shelf of the spice cabinet due to its infrequent use.  Normally, I simply climb up on the counter below to reach the items on the top shelf.  At this particular time; however, my very full and very hot slow cooker was occupying the exact counter real estate where I would need to place my knees.

At first, I became frustrated.  I felt like the recipe wouldn’t be perfect without the addition of the smoked paprika.  Then, I glanced up, spying the perfectly normal and perfectly accessible paprika right in front of me.  It would do just fine.

Some days and some situations are not about trying to achieve perfection.  When you’re in a rough patch, trying to maintain a high standard can be daunting and add unneeded stress.  It is okay to redefine your goals and adjust accordingly.  Sometimes, it’s all about what you can reach.

And, for the record, no I did not think about pulling a chair over to reach the paprika.  There is probably a lesson in that too…

Statistically Speaking, It’s Probably Just Turbulence

Posted on by stilllearning2b

Anxiety has a way of making us think that every uncomfortable situation is the equivalence of a plane crash, but statistically speaking, it’s probably just turbulence.