I loved reading this post as it really resonated. I also find uncertainty difficult. This reminded me of an experience I had at Burning Man the year the theme was Hope and Fear. There was a simple art installation that was like a roulette wheel of sorts. On the left at 9:00 was "Hope", on the right at 3:00 was "Fear", in between the two, straight up at 12:00 was "Action". I have never forgotten that message. Taking action has served me well. Anyway, glad to hear you are healing and looking forward to the UK.
Whenever I get into a worry spiral (which is often) I think about the Mark Rylance character in the movie Bridge of Spies. Tom Hank's character continually asks him why he's not freaking out about being caught as a Soviet spy, and he always replies "will it help?" with this incredibly earnest expression on his face, because he's genuinely asking if it would help. Which of course, no, it won't. I'm so happy you made it to the place where you can walk a mile, it will just keep getting better from here and then you get to go to one of my favorite places on earth: the Hebrides!
Thanks for another powerful message, especially the quote about worry. You're a powerhouse! I love the way you've pushed thru all of this. I'm excited for your trip. ✈️
I'm glad you're healing well. You'll be fine by the time you head to the uk. Healing is slower at 70, but you've obviously come a long way in just the past week. I'm rooting for you!
Thanks, Tricia, I apprecidate the good wishes! And yes, I'm learning 70 is way different healing timeline than 50 or even 60. I've had two different doctors tell me to lower my high expectations of bouncing back more quickly than I am because I'm older. Sigh!
I try to remember that worrying is just using your imagination to conjure up something you don’t want! So much better to use your imagination to conjure up stuff you DO want! You are well on your way, Annie, towards doing that!🥰🫶
The poet John Keats coined the term “negative capability” to describe “when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.”
So happy to hear of your progress! Yay you!! And the forthcoming trip abroad sounds like it will be a proper celebration of your health and wellbeing. Kudos.
The last week has been anxiety city. The cat has diabetes, the roof leaked, the kitchen sink stopped draining, the Nest doorbell got fried, and now, as I type on my phone, the wifi gateway went down.
One thing working in tech taught me was to prioritize and count what is working. Both hubby & my recent surgeries (cataract & kidney stone) fixed the problems immediately. Our weather, though hot isn't life-threatening. We have enough money to fix what's not working.
I'm so glad to hear about your recovery. I've been so task-oriented on keeping the ship running here, I forgot to check up on you. Thanks for the update. The UK trip will be the best reward, even if you have approach it differently. Adapting is just another word for aging, and as the little sign says by my computer, "Life is unfinishedness."
I loved reading this post as it really resonated. I also find uncertainty difficult. This reminded me of an experience I had at Burning Man the year the theme was Hope and Fear. There was a simple art installation that was like a roulette wheel of sorts. On the left at 9:00 was "Hope", on the right at 3:00 was "Fear", in between the two, straight up at 12:00 was "Action". I have never forgotten that message. Taking action has served me well. Anyway, glad to hear you are healing and looking forward to the UK.
Oh, I like that, Patty, Hope - Action - Fear is a good way to look at it. Thanks for sharing it!
Whenever I get into a worry spiral (which is often) I think about the Mark Rylance character in the movie Bridge of Spies. Tom Hank's character continually asks him why he's not freaking out about being caught as a Soviet spy, and he always replies "will it help?" with this incredibly earnest expression on his face, because he's genuinely asking if it would help. Which of course, no, it won't. I'm so happy you made it to the place where you can walk a mile, it will just keep getting better from here and then you get to go to one of my favorite places on earth: the Hebrides!
Thanks for another powerful message, especially the quote about worry. You're a powerhouse! I love the way you've pushed thru all of this. I'm excited for your trip. ✈️
I'm glad you're healing well. You'll be fine by the time you head to the uk. Healing is slower at 70, but you've obviously come a long way in just the past week. I'm rooting for you!
Thanks, Tricia, I apprecidate the good wishes! And yes, I'm learning 70 is way different healing timeline than 50 or even 60. I've had two different doctors tell me to lower my high expectations of bouncing back more quickly than I am because I'm older. Sigh!
I try to remember that worrying is just using your imagination to conjure up something you don’t want! So much better to use your imagination to conjure up stuff you DO want! You are well on your way, Annie, towards doing that!🥰🫶
So happy to read this! As usual - your words of wisdom are so helpful! Thanks for sharing!
The poet John Keats coined the term “negative capability” to describe “when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.”
So happy to hear of your progress! Yay you!! And the forthcoming trip abroad sounds like it will be a proper celebration of your health and wellbeing. Kudos.
The last week has been anxiety city. The cat has diabetes, the roof leaked, the kitchen sink stopped draining, the Nest doorbell got fried, and now, as I type on my phone, the wifi gateway went down.
One thing working in tech taught me was to prioritize and count what is working. Both hubby & my recent surgeries (cataract & kidney stone) fixed the problems immediately. Our weather, though hot isn't life-threatening. We have enough money to fix what's not working.
I'm so glad to hear about your recovery. I've been so task-oriented on keeping the ship running here, I forgot to check up on you. Thanks for the update. The UK trip will be the best reward, even if you have approach it differently. Adapting is just another word for aging, and as the little sign says by my computer, "Life is unfinishedness."