I have been a bit quiet this week.
You know those times when things just feel off? And bad things are happening to people around you? And you feel too much? And cry more than is normal? And your eyes feel like someone poured sand over your head and pushed your face to the ground? And your heart aches, your head hurts and overall, you just don't feel quite right?
Yeah, that was the last few days for me.
Despite having a friend in town—and we did enjoy her visit—the purpose for her being in Chicago really just put a damper on the whole thing.
She's visiting a family member who has had some really rough times of late, for health reasons, and just hearing about all that this poor woman is going through (and more precisely, those around her), gives me a little perspective.
I mean, we're talking major health crisis, which impacts her teenage daughter and older son, her loving husband of just 3 years, her extended family, her neighbors, her friends and everyone who knows her. Her finances are threatened, her job is on the line and her disability insurance may not keep up.
Worst of all, she doesn't even realize how long this has been going on. She has no idea that the entire month of June, and almost all of July, have passed by while she was in a medically induced coma. She can't talk, walk, move, gesture, bathe, eat or even breathe the way she used to. And this is a woman with an incredible personality, physical beauty, vivid life and vitality and a contagious energy. I enjoyed just being at the same table as her. And, now this.
It is hard to NOT be affected when someone you know is experiencing these kinds of lows, and it was a double whammy this week. The second incident spurned Wednesday's post about the visciousness of gossip that can wreck repuations, relationships, careers and self-esteem. I appreciate the good karma that all of your support created—strength in numbers and revenge in the truth.
However, as for me, it is time that I gain a little perspective. I need to usher up prayers and kind thoughts for those in need, and yank my self out of the frustrating, shallow rut of self-pity and sadness that can sometimes overtake an otherwise pretty darn good week.
Life is GOOD. I have so much to be thankful for, proud of, grateful for and happy about. I just need to live in the moment, turn the music up loud, give a hug, eat something delicious, celebrate the small things, realize the bliss, laugh harder and smile more.
Oh, and I may need to dance like a damn fool with my arms flinging above my head, my eyes closed and my hair hanging in my face like a greasy hippie drunk at Woodstock.
That makes everything feel better.
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