Recently I dropped and broke the lid of a beautiful ceramic box a patient made for me many years ago. When I glued the break together, I thought about how things can be strongest at the broken and mended parts.
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I have many scars from breaks and now that lid with my name has one, too.
Here’s a quote from Ernest Hemingway about breaks:
Years ago, a fellow social worker told my Coping and Healing group that she reframed her regret about breaking a prized possession by thinking it was always broken. We wrote “the vase was always broken” on a large list of “What Helps” in my old office.
I just took a break from this blog by looking for a photo of that and I couldn’t find it. However, I did find this photo of an old “What Helps” list.
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Them’s the breaks!
I’d like to think I get breaks from worry when I sleep, but last night I had an anxiety dream about work. Today, I’m going to take a break from my usual work appearance by wearing this elaborate Halloween costume:
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Are there any breaks in my other images for today?
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Here’s what I find when I search for “breaks” on YouTube:
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Thanks to Dr. Steven Hayes, Ernest Hemingway, all my patients, social workers and other healers, cool cats everywhere, and all who are here for these breaks, including YOU!
On the subject of breaks: Over the years, I have broken a bone, from my foot to my head. From football (tibia and ribs) to being struck by a driver who was not paying attention(skull). From falling during my Army tour (clavicle) to the hammer slipping while I was at work (hand). And I am stronger for it all. Pain is fleeting, but my courage has grown immensely when I realized I can survive the pain.
What do I use my phone for? Well, it was originally for keeping in touch with family. But now it is just a little computer I keep in my pocket. It gives me directions for places to eat when I am out. I play some games. When I am in the office, my wife can call me. My sister calls me occasionally. Otherwise, just another tether in an increasingly untethered society.
You’ve been through a lot, Stan, and I’m so glad you’re here.
I love the old saying – ‘them’s the breaks!’
Me too!
Somewhere around here are two pieces of a colorful ceramic spoon holder I got at a market in Avignon. A house guest broke it. I’m going to glue it back together as soon as I remember where I put the pieces. It’s been a couple of years.
How did that go?
Too many other little things to do (figure out how to change the time in my car), but I’ll find it sometime soon, if soon is measured in months. 🙂
I often think of the Yeats line “Nothing can be sole or whole/That has not been rent.” It does seem like breaks make things stronger and in the spirit of that I’ve taken a break from work.
Breaks are great, Chris.
I hope your mend is long-lasting, Ann. It is a gorgeous gift indeed.
Thanks for the gifts of your comments, Mark.