#81 Take A Breath. Find A Moment.
I have to stop.
I have to stop worrying about things that have not happened.
This does not absolve me from being an active participant in my future.
I very much do need to be aware of events that are on my horizon and make decisions as to what steps, if any, I can take to shape that future.
But once I have chosen my path and committed to my role, I need to absolutely STOP stressing about things before they do – or do not – happen.
That stress not only robs me of joy, it blinds me to all the wonderful things going on all around me.
And I really really really need to take this lesson to heart right now. Because we are eight days out from an election.
Not just any election.
A historic election.
For most of my lifetime I’ve been hearing how “This election matters more than any election before!”
Perhaps that phrase has been overused and inaccurate in the past. Or, maybe we look at this wrong. Maybe it’s actually true that EVERY election matters but we often can’t see how much it matters until we are 10 years past it.
At any rate, it’s not my imagination that the results of this year’s voting will be incredibly consequential.
And, if there were any chance I had the teensiest bit of doubt on that score, the folks behind the campaigns are blasting this message in my face and into my eardrums, and into my very bones on a constant, and I do mean constant, basis.
I don’t know how things are going for you where you live but I happen to inhabit one of those “swing” states. Where millions and millions and millions of dollars are being spent to try to help me make up my mind.
I’ve got news for those folks.
They’ve just wasted a LOT of money.
I’ve known my own mind for quite a while now.
And, frankly, I’m stunned at the reporting that there are truly any “undecided” voters out there anymore.
I have a suspicion that “undecided” really means “I don’t want to tell you. It’s none of your business.”
While it is gratifying to feel that your state is important (and probably incredibly frustrating to live in an area where no one seems to care about your vote) being in the center of the maelstrom is exhausting.
Mind numbingly exhausting.
Especially all the campaigning that seems to involve a large quantities of shouting – whether actually via audio and video or the all caps rants that are arriving in our mailboxes.
(By the way, I’ve been getting these mailings for over a year now. If I had decided to save all of them, I’m betting I could have wallpapered not only my living room but my dining room as well. No one would wish to spend any time in a room with such decor but it might have been an interesting exercise.)
Back in July I made a resolution to try extract as much joy from life as possible.
This has meant spending more time with friends and loved ones, enjoying my garden (even the chores like weeding) relishing the company of my dogs, going to art galleries and museums, taking trips and finding odd little shops and charming communities, and taking meaningful photos that will help me relive those experiences later.
I’ve been doing my best to stick to this resolution and I feel it has helped me a lot.
Which is why I broke a rule today.
I try never to talk politics in this space because my whole mission here is to cheer people up and create a joyful, or at least thoughtful, experience.
But things seem to be at a fever pitch right now and maybe reading this newsletter will help you shake off some anxiety and sink into whatever joyful experience comes your way in the next eight days.
Take a breath.
Find a moment.
Copyright© 2024 Anne Morse Hambrock All rights reserved.
Distractions
One way reduce stress is to settle in with a good jigsaw puzzle.
My dogs like very much to help me make the puzzle assembly experience as exciting as possible. How else to explain their attraction to chewing on, and hiding, any piece that might stray into their space…
Autumn Color At Its Peak
One of my recent joyful things was a trip with my daughter to visit my parents. The fall colors were magnificent! If you have any of this going on in your neck of the woods you should take a moment and revel in it!
The Hangers On
Most things have stopped blooming in the garden but the morning glories are hanging on tenaciously. While not as abundant as they were in August, they are still doing their best to cheer me up every day.
Never Too Early For Holiday Gift Shopping!
It can be hard to start thinking about December holidays when the leaves are golden and there is no snow in sight.
But gift giving season is right around the corner!
These books make great holiday gifts and are listed in my online store .
Keep The Messages Coming!
A big “thank you” to all of you who have messaged me commented or hit “like” after reading my poems and commentary!
I appreciate the feedback and knowing how often I have struck a chord with your lives.
Archives
You can click this “Archives” button to see more or catch up on posts you may have missed.
Thank You
For subscribing and/or following! Your support gives me something to live up to!
Thank you for sharing your feelings. I feel better that I’m not alone in my anxiety.
I'm another anxious one. So much is at stake in this election! Meditation has helped me in the past, but I am having a harder time quieting my mind lately. I'm in Texas, not a swing state yet, but we're getting there slowly. I've voted, so now I can only hope. And try to stop worrying.