The Voice of Reason

Sometimes when I'm looking for answers -- even when I don't know that I am -- words of wisdom and support come from unexpected places. It isn't that I don't expect these oracles to be wise; it's just that I am often surprised by their timing. I think many of us miss advice that would help us because we weren't ready to hear it when it came our way. I know that I have had that experience many times, and there are many things I would go back in time to tell my younger self -- not that it would necessarily do any good. I'm a big believer in the saying, "When the student is ready, the master will appear."

This week alone, I have had this happen no less than four times. (That's not even counting the kind words I received from my students; two of them actually wrote me thank you notes, such a nice gesture.) I have lately become bored with the blog, or more accurately with finding something to write about every day. Early in the week, after I night when I had thought about throwing in the towel but had said nothing about it, a dear friend encouraged me by saying that she enjoys reading my posts each day. Just today, my dear auntie said the same thing and sent a note with a cute picture reminding of her love and support. (It has been far too long since I've seen either of these wonderful ladies.) What's better than getting love and encouragement when you need it most? Not much that I can think of.

My trusted advisor always encourages me, and she could see that I was feeling down on my last visit. (And if she hadn't seen it, she would have known because I told her -- and she reads my blog.) So we talked through some things that were bothering me -- it was mostly that I was feeling overwhelmed -- and then she recommended a Youtube video that might help. It was a Ted talk by Shawn Achor, a professor at Harvard, talking about happiness. Never one to just watch a video, I ended up downloading the app and paying for a year's subscription. I'm a big fan. You should watch the video, but I'll warn you, the guy talks really fast! I stopped a few times to let everything sink in. I've been doing the Happify exercises every day since Thursday; I'm not sure they've made me less overwhelmed yet, but I like them.

And lastly, and perhaps most interestingly, my son (who is not always the most patient person when anyone complains -- wonder where he gets that?) offered me some good insights and advice about my current health situation. "Make small changes each day. Mom, I think sometimes you want to do everything now, and you get upset when you don't see immediate results. Small changes can eventually make a big difference." Hmm. When did he figure all that out? Of course, he's right. I've been a perfectionist most of my life, unwilling to do most things if I couldn't be the best at them. And I can keep my health problems from getting worse, maybe even reverse them. Now I'm feeling less overwhelmed by stressors in my life, and more overwhelmed by love, encouragement, and support. That feels a lot better.