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.
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.
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…
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.
Lessons From the End of a Marriage 