Know just when enough's enough.

[debs]

That didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would. All right.

I've been doing a lot of thinking the last couple of days. Things have been rough, not only for me personally, but for the nation and the world at large, and the following is just what I've decided for myself.

1. Life, like the seasons, is cyclical.
I know, it's a "duh" statement, but I often need to be reminded. Change is inevitable and I should learn to be less affected by it. Change is also necessary; without change, forward momentum of some kind, we find ourselves in a state of stagnation. wintercreek had an interesting take on this the other day, and I hope she'll forgive me for my paraphrase: At one time we were nomadic people, constantly moving to fulfill life's basic requirements. Humans as a species are drawn to rhythm and pattern, and the rhythm of movement served us well. Once humans began to cultivate the land things changed; we were no longer able to just pick up and leave at a moments notice, it would be economically ridiculous. So we stayed and grew accustomed to the rhythm of the seasons and of the land instead.

Unfortunately, in this day in age many of us don't even have this connection with the change in nature, which may leave us with a desire to travel or an overwhelming need to just "disappear" for awhile. I've been thinking a great deal on that subject, but that's an entry onto itself, so let's move forward.

2. My moods are also cyclical.
I will not be happy all the time, it's just not possible. There will be times when I am out of sorts, or disgruntled, or sad, and that's ok. What I have to decide is whether I will allow myself to sink into these destructive shifts, or push through them towards what is undoubtedly a brighter outlook. Too often lately I've been allowing myself to wallow, and I'm going to try and do better from now on.

3. Above all else, I must remember to be KIND to others.
I am grateful for all the stories I've been reading of Americans helping fellow Americans down in New Orleans, not because it supports their political agenda, but because they are human beings. This is so important, especially now. Yes, sometimes life is hard, sometimes it just plain sucks. However, just because I'm dealing with my own problems does not mean I need to take out my frustration on those around me. This is why I tend to retreat when I'm doing poorly. Connected to this is

4. Expect kindness from others.
There are places/people/things that will inevitably bring me down. They may not be doing it on purpose, nor may they be aware of it. I either need to grow a thicker shell, or distance myself from these places/people/things. I do not need to be a martyr to someone else’s meanness. I cannot control the lives of others, just as they cannot control my own, and I should not expect others to fix things for me, nor should I attempt to do so for other people. All I can do is be there when the people I care about in my life need someone. I can listen and sympathize, make suggestions and try to help find viable solutions, but I cannot and should not be made to feel inadequate or stupid in the process. Everyone has their opinions, and no one has the right to make others feel that their opinions are worthless. I will not be goaded into fights that are ultimately destructive.

5. Movement is essential.
In recognition of this, I will be taking the last couple weeks of summer and going. This is irresponsible (gas prices) and unwise (I should be getting a part-time job because I will inevitably only be going to school part time this fall), I'm going to do it anyway. I'm going to go to the falls, and up to Tillamook, and down to see Ben. I'm going to tour Oregon's lighthouses (the one's I can conceivably get to, anyway) and go over to Bend. I am going to take photos, and write, and clean out all the cobwebs. While at home, I'm going to get out more, explore some of those places in town that with which I have had little or no contact.

Things are looking better for the moment, which I suppose is all anyone can say. sifaka, I was sorry to learn about your great-aunt. :*( I hope your trip is safe and that this allows your family some peace.

And for those of you who are just here for what I can give you, behold:
The Art of Virtue - Adrienne Young & Little Sadie

Art of Virtue
By Adrienne Young

Gonna start a revolution,
made of action, not of words
Practicing the Art of Virtue
A joy ride on the learning curve

Gonna keep my eyes wide open
Till I have something to say
Start to put my house in order
Save some money for a rainy day

Gonna do just what I ought to
Finish what I say I’ll do
Spend my time on something useful
Worry less and speak the truth

I’d like to learn some moderation
Know just when enough’s enough
Meditate on being tranquil
Injure none and bear no grudge

I let go of my resistance
Son of God is inside me
I’m waitin’ for the real thing, honey
Ain’t nothin’ wrong with chastity

If I could walk the path of Jesus
Live each day the best I can
Follow in those humble footsteps
I might reach the promised land

Gonna start a revolution
Made of action, not of words
Practicing the Art of Virtue
A joy ride on a learning curve

Come and join this revolution
Made of action, not of words
Practicing the Art of Virtue
It’s all the rage, oh have you heard?

Comments

[belle-fureur.livejournal.com]

Hi. Just wanted to let you know that I envy and whole-heartedly support your slipping away for a while. I completely understand that need. And it simply sounds lovely.

Enjoy!

[shoelacedreamer.livejournal.com]

Er, I suppose I should have been a bit more explicit. These are all, unfortunately, only going to be day trips. I don't have the money to be spending on hotel rooms and what all, which probably means that I'll only end up getting to do about half of the things on that list. Oh well, it's a nice dream, anyway. :)

Completely OT, but only 16 days until History of Violence! If I were willing to go down to Cali for the premier, it would only be 14 days, but whatever. /geekiness

However, it's been all but decided that my family will be coming down to California for Thanksgiving. If Monica can get the relevant time off, she'll be coming as well. Yay, party! And I insist that Pastor HOttie comes to Thanksgiving dinner. :D