How to build a happier world

In my morning email:

"It's not as if one could be bored enough, feel frustrated enough, or complain enough that their life would suddenly turn around. Doesn't work that way.

Whatever anyone "is," Sabrina, they become more of. And anyone's is'ness is whatever they say it is."

The Universe

****

Isn't it wonderful and amazing, the way themes emerge and repeat themselves in various ways all through one's life? I spent a fair amount of time yesterday trying to explain a variant of this idea to a friend.
( Read more... )

Relationship lessons

One of the reasons I think people come to love me is that most of the time, I feel good. Sometimes I think about this in good, healthy ways ("Look at me bringing joy to my friends. Yay!") Sometimes I think about this in a dysfunctional way ("When I am sad and depressed, people won't like me.")

I've pretty much grown out of that last thing, though. My friends are very staunch, and they stick by me (probably because I strongly select for people who will do so).

But I do see that during rough periods, periods when I'm not as joyful, this is hard on Michael. Lately, he has been especially patient and kind with me, even though it is clear that he needs his friendly, happy honey back. I've also been learning not to grasp at him when he needs to walk away and spend time with folks who *are* feeling cheery. That was hard. My first instinct was to hold on to him more tightly, but this almost always makes people feel more constrained. It actually pushes them away when you want/need them most. He experienced this, too.

So I had to re-learn how to sit quietly with myself when I don't feel so great instead of clinging to him in hopes that his presence would make me feel better. And it's just not fair to try and force someone to stay with you all the time when you feel bummed. You just have to learn to let go, open your hands, and step up to taking care of yourself sometimes.

Fortunately, this has been one of the many useful lessons of this period. I started out grasping at him, but having little joy to share, and I've ended up able to open up my hands and take responsibility for elevating my own mood. Now, I have a little more joy to give, and I am clinging to him a lot less.

And guess what? He wants to be around me more. ¡Que sorpresa!

And bonus: I feel stronger and better able to take care of myself now.

All around, it is a win-win.

Writer's Block: Multiple Personalities

[Error: unknown template qotd]

How about just two?
( Read more... )

From Leah Shapiro

"You take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing, no one to blame."

Erica Jong

I blame no one.

Except, possibly, the friend who has been sitting next to me for more than sixty whole seconds without giving me a neck rub. :)

(no subject)

"Sometimes I miss dissecting."

Angela

I love my friends.