coping

The Earth is burning. Are we really ok?

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Living in the northeast U. S., I’m seeing a lot of haze from Canadian wildfires this summer.  It’s not as bad as when it first occurred about two years ago, but today was pretty bad.  I am taking it in stride.  I don’t feel any adverse health effects.  I’m thankful that I have been able to keep up weight training at home since last October and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years.

I also am not feeling anxiety about the smoke.  There’s nothing I can do about that, but the aforementioned exercise has enabled me to handle it better.  Of course, if it gets worse, it won’t matter what shape you’re in, we’ll all need breathing masks.  But I’ll still keep focused on things I can control. It’s all we can do.

The thing about these big problems beyond an individual’s control, though, is that there seems to always be something happening.  These fires are happening more frequently and intensely due to climate change, which brings many other problems as well.  Super storms, flooding, famine, species disappearing.  It can be very overwhelming.

Then you have your normal personal stuff that brings its challenges: relationships, family, work, finances, aging.  Survival.  And it seems like life just keeps getting busier for us all while we try to juggle all the responsibilities and obligations.

There’s no one coping strategy that works for everyone, but I’ve found it helpful to adopt a routine over the last year that includes making time for daily devotionals, working out on the designated days, taking care of the critters (my two cats, feeding the neighborhood strays, and the birds), texting with my mom while I make supper and she has her supper.  It helps her to have a visit by text for dinner since my dad died.  Then it’s time for writing and relaxing on the couch or on the deck depending on the time of year and the weather.  Unfortunately, the writing time is the one that keeps fizzling out, especially after I’ve eaten and the TV is on and I’m laying back on the couch.  That’s where working on the routines comes in. And trying to manage things you can control to the best of your ability. If you don’t beat yourself up and feel satisfied as long as you’re working on those things, then it can help alleviate anxiety and feeling overwhelmed by the chaotic world around you.

And of course, stay connected with others. We’re all in this together, so reach out to your friends and family, and always be ready for new friends.  Try to understand other people’s views so that we don’t feel so disconnected and separate. We can feel a sense of community and cooperation that will inspire us and keep us going.

Living, giving, striving

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A commercial for Shriners Hospitals just reminded me to be thankful for what I have, and not feel sorry for myself about the negative things. The kids in the commercials are not sitting around helplessly. They’re working to overcome whatever obstacles life has dealt them.

I can’t speak for them, of course, and I expect that they sometimes feel sad or discouraged. Everyone does. Still, it’s inspiring to see them smiling and handling challenges at very young ages.

I’ve shared some things in this blog that I’ve dealt with, including some health challenges, but I was born with all my limbs, fingers, toes, sight and sound, organs intact and functioning normally and all the things we take for granted.

I feel like I’ve dealt with a lot and have shown a lot of strength and tenacity, and I have, but I would do well to remember that there are so many others who have challenges to deal with every day beyond what I’ve experienced or could even imagine.

I don’t mean to belittle anyone’s personal struggles which may not be as serious or severe as others’ by some measure. We all have crosses to bear, and they are important. The point is that we can take heart from those around us, or that we hear of through media sources.

It’s a strength of humanity that we experience empathy, and have a desire to help and support each other. Many people lament that we’re losing that capacity as we become desensitized, ever busier and harried, distracted, and perhaps, overwhelmed.  Not to mention, how divided we are in recent times.

But, when disasters happen, or a children’s hospital commercial is aired, or any of many causes, people give. Many people volunteer their time to better the lives of others. Family members make sacrifices to make life more livable for their loved ones.

There is good in humanity and we all should be thankful for what we have, and what we are able to do. Remember to give back because we’re all in this together.

Sunrise, sunset

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A follow-up to Tuesday’s post: I was about to hit the snooze button the very next day, when I spotted a red glow through the closed blinds. A peek through revealed a gorgeous sunrise. I took it as a sign, and opened the blinds to enjoy a good long look at nature’s beauty. Then I went back to bed. Just kidding, I’m happy to say.  Did I get ya?

On the contrary, I turned the alarm off and got ready for work. I got there the earliest I have in a while. I quite accidentally overslept today, but still got to work a couple minutes ahead.  Momentum starting.

Then I was reminded by a news update that today was the first day of summer. It was a good day. Now, I’m watching the sunset on Midsummer’s Eve and enjoying the longest day of the year come to a close.

The lightning bugs rise up from the lawn to meet the day’s last light with their own. Earlier, my cat joined me in my chair on the deck, purring and padding my shirt. He has really soft fur, soothing.  I feel like I can do this. Working a lot, trying to write, keep house, take care of business, and myself.

I guess you have to find inspiration in the everyday beauty around you.  Find strength in the people around you, most of whom are dealing with the same things, or similar that you are. We’re all in this together. We can do it!

 

Photo credit: Eric Ritchey, Summer solstice sunset, 6/21/2018