When there are too many choices, I have trouble making decisions.
For example, I wasn’t sure how to perform my song about Balint groups at yesterday’s closing of the intensive training in Charleston, South Carolina. The choices were (1) singing the song with a karaoke background, as I do here …
… (2) singing along to that version, or (3) performing it without any accompaniment. I kept going over those choices in my mind, not knowing how to decide, until my friend and fellow group therapist Mary told me the choice was clear. After I performed all three versions for her, she said I should sing the song a capella, keeping my own pace throughout.
Many singers might not choose to perform a song that way, because it’s hard to stay in tune and one’s flaws are totally exposed. However, I agreed with Mary’s choice because I wanted to focus on communicating the words and emotions of my song to passionate people who choose to provide Balint groups to doctors, nurses, therapists, and other treaters.
While I wish I had made the choice to record yesterday’s performance of “What’s It All About, Balint” I can tell you that several people chose to give me a standing ovation. Some chose to tell me they loved the song and hoped I would sing it at future gatherings.
One of the Balint group experts did say, however, that her choice for my performance would have been my original song “Everybody’s Somebody’s Asshole.”
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Her choice surprised me but pleased me nevertheless.
What choice do you have but to look at today’s images (which do include some choices)?
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Every evening, I have to choose a last question of the day.
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There are many choices on that list & pardon me for choosing to celebrate National Ampersand Day.
Here are today’s choices for expressing my daily gratitude for YOU!
There was a short time in my life when I had enough money to travel. Now, when I am reduced to a very small income (SS) and dwindling savings, it occurs to me to wonder whether or not I should have saved more. But that is only a stray thought. I cannot imagine life now without the memories of the places I chose to visit. I have only to look at a photo on my activities room wall of my daughter Caroline, her bestie and a surrogate daughter of mine, Jeanie, and I seated on a crumbling rock with the sanctuary of Athena rising in the background. Or to remember the breathtaking feeling I experienced when I first stepped into the ruins of Tintern Abbey. I am very grateful for having made those choices!
I am very grateful you choose to read this blog and comment as you do, Barbara. 💙
My favorite article of clothing? That’s a tough question, but hands down it is my LLBean Rugby that I purchased from the LLBean outlet store in 1998. Yes, it is frayed in all the places one would expect and it is wearing a little thin in others but it’s my go-to ‘raking leaves in October’ shirt. Of course, I have other rugby shirts but none have the history or nastalgia attached.
Growing up, we were poor. Bare minimum food, shelter, and clothing. I wore hand-me-downs well into HS. The first two items of clothing I actually bought for myself were a pair of jeans that actually fit me (I have muscular legs) and an oversized rugby shirt (circa 1986). I cannot explain my affinity for rugby style, but it most likely stems from my 80s preppie look.
So when I found an LLBean rugby at an outlet store, it became mine.
I appreciate what you share here, Stan. 💙
Congratulations on your well-deserved standing ovation, Ann. That is something to remember and be proud of!
I think that your late evening supper prepared by your loving and talented husband looks delicious.
I think you are so supportive and observant, Maureen!
I’m so glad you’ve made so many good choices, including the very brave choice to sing your song a capella. I never thought about the challenges and risks of singing that way. It’s fascinating to me how much a choice can reveal.
I think my choice of friends (including you, Chris) reveals a lot about me.
Great work, Ann!
Thank you, Mark!