(Sun., June 26/16) “But Seriously, Folks…Just Kidding” :)

Context for today’s post: At this point in time, growth requires that I work to change the less helpful aspects of my default setting (characterized by over-analyzing, impatience, self-recriminations and worries).  And, as I seek to balance self-compassion with my desire to do better and be better, I am coming to terms with the fact that it is not always advisable to focus only on the good in others–while ignoring the toxic behaviours that do not serve to create/sustain healthy connections. A theme I’m working on is “loving certain people from a distance”…and, it can be so confusing and painful..and, guilt-inducing…

Hello, deee-litefuls and de-groovies.  As lovely little boy, George–from “Stuart Little”–so astutely observed on a most special occasion, “It’s today, it’s today…!” And, coincidentally, it’s such a day again today…which makes the timing perfect for a non-denominational Sunday (old school) lesson.

But, first–three points of clarification.

  1. For those of you familiar with my free-floating flights of fancy, you might be expecting a parallel between aforesaid movie reference, and a certain 80’s phenom…but, I’m sticking to my vow of keeping this post relatively short…

It just wouldn’t do to be swayed by writer’s(tick) talk that warns that in time (this post) could have  been so much more…(your)time is precious I know…

2. The inspiration for today’s post is another (year-old) FaceBook posting/quote of mine that popped up on my timeline 3 days ago.

3. Don’t beat yourself up if you jumped to conclusions concerning the anticipated Boy George parallel–my mind’s workings are bound to confound even me!

Back to point #2/year-old FB post…

“Okay, it’s too soon to confirm, but I might’ve found a way to help with my–relatively–recent onset of insomnia (falling asleep no prob, only to wake a couple hours later).

Instead of watching a DVD (as a means of heading off all kinds of questions, reminders, and/or worries), I am going to do what I did last night….

I read a few chapters of “George’s Marvellous Medicine”, by Roald Dahl (author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”).

It has all the comforting qualities of childhood discoveries–including the unparalleled inducement to embrace all things magic–that makes the deliberate suspension of belief moot.  And, it drew me in with the ease common to the stories of my childhood.

Then, as now, this genre lulls me…invites me in without over-stimulating late-night’s hyper mind 🙂

So, it strikes me that, just as “necessity is the mother of invention”, discomfort serves the same aim–it drives one to find relief…

The trick is to find relief that serves to make you more of your genuine self.  🙂

Now, this strategy is in direct opposition to my, I-prefer-to-face-my-pain-when-I-think-it’s-behind-me, instincts….

And, I make this admission despite the school of thought that “the the road to hell is paved with good intentions” (harsh much?)…but as far as-phalt goes, I have to agree that anticipation-driven assumptions, and fears, are the (black) ice(ing) on the highway to…

well…cake…it’s the glue that holds the tar-and-(chicken) feathers-f real (and imaginedthoughts in place…

You might be familiar with those birds that stick together…

They are the imaginings that leave one teetering on the edge, roiling with vertigo, and staring into the abyss of “What-ifs?”…

But, here is today’s lesson for self-reliant (over) thinkers such as I…

Yes, I’d prefer to seek lumbar supports; but not all risks can (should) be sidestepped.  So, rather than trying to avoid realities (actual or imagined)

—AKA, chinks in the armour… and sidewalks…

I’m mindful of taking the mother of all steps back…

Yep, time to be proactive….

Rather than waiting for the “w” , I’m trying to face things head on–even if I have to brace for the burst.

Okay, time out for a sec….

In recognize this abstraction is too much,

so, I’m relying on a fair-feather friend to clear up the confusion (and, I feel guilty for using cliches’ that put chickens in a foul light).

So, in the parlance of an old southern soul, here’s clarification…

“Now, lookee hee-yah, friend!  When you don’t have a (Foghorn) Leg(Horn) to stand on, why wait–I say, why wait for the “w” when you can brace for the burst (bubble, that is)—and mit-ah-gate, I say, mit-ah-gate your troubles beforehand.”

We are not obligated to seriously entertain every thought that springs to mind….especially those that call for excessive (mental) juggling, walking on eggs shells and tap dancing as fast as we can….or even (for those over-achievers who  might pressure themselves to try and master pointe shoe) tip-toeing through the tulips…

But, to make my point even pointier, here’s another thought….

Said the brilliant hippie, Humble Hubert…

“I’m only Hugh, man–of flesh and blood, a man…born to make mistakes.  You are doing both of us a disservice by holding me to a higher Stanford–for, I’m no para-Don (Corleone)  of virtue.…no godfather of soulful righteousness.  And, I’m not trying to be funny or Flip (Wilson), but it sure would be Jim-dandy if–given my admission that I don’t have what it takes to pull off that kind of fancy footwork–you don’t become browned off.”

So, in the interest of keeping your interest–if I haven’t, already, outstayed my welcome (to my world)–I’ll wrap up by saying that we can’t be expected to have have all the answers.  And, growth being what it is, being a groan-up can be inherently challenging, but well worth the effort!

(And, even children aren’t immune to frustrating “are you kidding me?” pitfalls!)

But, take heart–and a Nanny McFree-your-mind approach to learning life lessons on a Sunday (and,every day 🙂 )…

When you’re ready to challenge your challenges, you will likely find that they weren’t nearly as challenging as you thought…but, if you try ignore them, they will stay long past the length of time they were meant to teach you what you were meant to learn.

Peace/Piece out, and God bless you, my appreciated and kind friends 🙂

P.S. Help for obscure references:

Deee-Lite sings “Groove Is In the Heart” (de-groovie is a lyric)–also, paves the way for Herbert the Hippie segue; “Stuart Little” is a children’s (of all ages) movie.  Boy George is lead singer of Culture Club–and, writer’s (tick) talk is a play on writer’s block–and, “in time it could have been so much more, time is precious I know” is a Culture Club lyric from their hit “Time” (Clock of the Heart); lumbar supports, sidesteps, chinks in the sidewalk are references to early-learned childhood anxiety/avoidance technique (“step on a crack and break your mother’s back”); “w” refers to why go as far as “bracing for the worst”; Foghorn Leghorn is a wonderful Looney Toons cartoon character; “Tip Toe Through The Tulips” was a dubious hit-song in the 60’s; “I’m Only Human (born to make mistakes)” was Human League hit-song; Stanford (University) is a play on “held to a higher standard’, para-don (paragon) Corleone of virtue, fancy footwork, godfather of soulful righteousness, Jim Dandy (James) and browned off is a nod to James Brown; Flip Wilson is an old-school comedian; and Nanny McPhee is a fantastic children’s book/movie, and girl group, EnVogue, had a hit with “Free Your Mind” (and the rest will follow).

 

34 thoughts on “(Sun., June 26/16) “But Seriously, Folks…Just Kidding” :)”

  1. Ronald Dahlisms abound….and as per my usual narrative…just for you my mad friend…

    Mr. Turkentine: “I’ve just decided to switch our Friday schedule to Monday, which means that the test we take each Friday on what we learned during the week will now take place on Monday before we’ve learned it. But since today is Tuesday, it doesn’t matter in the slightest.”

    I like this concept although being Monday tomorrow….I dislike tests so maybe that is actually unwittingly why I hate Monday’s and not because it signifies the weekend is over…curious revelation….

    Challenges…yes….face the challenges….I have to stop doing those and concentrate on writing….I rather feel my blog has lost its direction…although it might be me…tomorrow is a new day…oh hang about there’s a test to do…..the answers for which I will not know until Friday…I really should stop with these quotes 🤔

    Fabulous post Truly…thank you for cheering up the day my friend

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    1. And, thank you….your comment was highly amusing and also let me know some of what is going on for you….I am honoured to be in a position to get a bit of the ‘inside’ scoop…I am glad that we are friends….have a great day (also, I am about to read your latest post). Be back soon 🙂

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      1. An unintentional amuse…it started off as most serious…until the quite appeared and then things turned away to…or is that tuned into the madness? Oh dear…you are reading mine….dare I go look at the outcome 🤔

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      4. I get it…the writer’s gremlins are often busy….perhaps they prevent us from resting on our laurels…your writing never fails, my friend…it can’t…it comes from your heart and the words find you wherever your heart may be 🙂

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      5. Crumbs don’t read my books then…if that’s writing from the heart then I live in very dark places 🙃 It does fail too…you don’t get to se those 😁

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    1. Hahahaha! I am sooooo delighted to know that you are aware of those references 🙂 I hope you are having a really good day (it’s 1pm onSunday where I am)…thanks for brightening my day 🙂

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      2. I’m in a near border town in New Brunswick Canada…15 minute drive to the Main border….the weather is gorgeous here…sunny, bright, bluest skies…I live in the country, so there is tons of privacy as well…but, we are not isolated…I’m about to visit your blog to see what I’ve been missing…I haven’t blogged for two weeks and have had little time/energy to visit others…I am really privileged to be feeling up to it now 🙂

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    1. Hmm…I hope this is what you mean…
      Much of my growth is accompanied by anxieties—over-analyzing, impatience, and self-recriminations as I seek to balance self-compassion with my desire to do better and be better. I am coming to terms with the fact that it is not always advisable to strictly focus on seeing only the good in others–while ignoring toxic behaviours that do not serve to create healthy connections. A theme I’m working on is “loving (certain) people from a distance”…and, it can be so confusing and painful..and, guilt-inducing…
      Does that clear anything up for you? Also, I really appreciate your efforts to understand me…you are very generous. I am going for a short drive with Justin, but I’m looking forward to visiting your blog….I was going to yesterday when I had to attend to other things….I trust all is well with you, and I hope you have a wonderful day. “See you” soon. 🙂

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    1. I don’t subscribe to Instagram….and, I’d have to publish my last name in order to give you the link to my FB account…but, if you are able to give me the name your FB account is under, I will send you a friend request. Sorry to be so private, but I don’t have a public FB profile 🙂

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    1. I am so flattered! Thank you for your continued support and kindness…it means a lot….and, thank you for the nomination…I will follow through….I just have to figure out how to copy the award logo and tag the nominees/include their blog addresses….also, I will be by to “visit” you in the morning before work (if I get up early enough….or, after work). Thanks for your positive regard and continuing support 🙂

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  8. “When you are ready to challenge your challenges, you will likely find that they weren’t nearly as challenging as you thought”

    Oh how true that is. It’s usually the doubtful and self-deprecating thoughts regarding the challenge that is the real “challenge” to get over, and once you get over that it’ll be a breeze, not always, but I assume you catch my drift.
    This was a lovely read, your wordplay is one-of-a-kind, it’s always such a pleasure to read.
    And also, I love Stuart Little! Thank You for bringing back good memories 🙂

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    1. “It’ll be a breeze…but I assume you catch my drift”….I love it….and, I agree….also, thank you for your much-appreciated comment! It is so sweet that you love Stuart Little…I do, too….I have the DVD in my nightstand….glad you enjoyed the post 🙂

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  9. LOVED this one… especially the paragraph that reads …”When you are ready to challenge your challenges, you will likely find that they weren’t nearly as challenging as you thought…but, if you try ignore them, they will stay long past the length of time they were meant to teach you what you were meant to learn.”

    I am going to keep that one close… great advice for anyone..

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    1. Thank you so much…knowing that people get, and appreciate what I am sharing makes me feel so…so, hmm, the words that occur sound so cliche, so Miss America-esque…but, the truth is, they make me feel like I am making a meaningful difference on a small scale….and, I couldn’t be more grateful and honoured. Thank you for you feedback and support. 🙂

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  10. How you combine so many ideas and create a sense of “flowing chaos” is just amazing. By the way, if the insomnia continues, I recommend reading two of my blogs each night. Let’s face it, doctors are famous for putting people to SLEEP!

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    1. Hahahahahahaha…not at all, you are fascinating and entertaining…and I really appreciate your flattering/affirming characterization (“flowing chaos”)…I’m about to post one that’s under 500 words….funny enough, it’s taking no less time/mental acrobatics as posts twice as long… 🙂

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      2. And, as it turns out, by the time I included context (at the beginning and at the end), it added 200 words…but, at 700, that’s still short for me…my posts are usually 1200 words or so. However, I am going to work on having 600 word posts….and, I can always post more often if I feel inspired to/find the time.

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