Yesterday, I was talking to a social work intern about letting smiles and other facial expressions show when facilitating a therapy group. I have never been a “blank slate” kind of therapist. I am aware, however, that smiles might seem jarring to somebody who is feeling traumatized, triggered, or despairing, so my smiles disappear when I witness somebody’s pain.
I look for smiles when I share my songs like Artificial Intelligence, which will be released as a single on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. on November 7.
I hope those non-artificial percussion tracks — which I did by clicking my tongue and popping my cheek — get smiles.
The good news is that my coach Jeff Leisawitz was all smiles yesterday when he reacted to my music and suggested that I reach out to mental-health-oriented podcasts to get my songs out there.
There are definitely smiles in my images for today.
.
In my defense, I’m hungry to share my music, and I think this song gets the most smiles.
.
Thanks to all who are here, now, for the smiles, including YOU!
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.”
.
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)?
Dog owners in Charlestown often choose shoes like these, perhaps because of the hot pavement. Many others choose to put their dogs in baby carriages. I often choose to take pictures of adorable animals. My photographic choices include relevant signs. My ex-husband, who chose to adopt a shelter cat, is considering choices of cat toys. Our cat Joan always makes the choice of the blue mouse, while Harley likes the fuzzy balls. I chose to take only one photo on the plane ride back to Boston. Because the plane was delayed by hours because of lightening storms, I had no choice for dinner except this delicious concoction created by the man I chose for my second husband. Harley often chooses this spot to relax.
.
Every evening, I have to choose a last question of the day.
Yesterday, I was angry, helpless, and hopeless about using technology to release my first album the way I wanted.
However, a customer service rep finally responded to my pleas about my experience with his company’s technology like a human being, which really helped.
.
It’s not so bad dealing with technology when somebody hears you and tries to help.
When I was blogging yesterday morning, technology seemed to be thwarting me everywhere.
Day 4568: Who cares?
Who cares what is happening to the USA?
Who cares if some of care so much
Who cares if I couldn’t find a protest yesterday but I’m going to one today?
Who cares if I blog daily and write songs I want to share?
Who cares what images I choose for today’s post?
.
Who cares about those Daily Holidays?
Who cares that I’m going to release a live album of this performance of my original songs on Spotify?
.
Who cares that these comments are now on my YouTube channel?
.
Who cares to leave a comment, below?
Thanks to all who care, including YOU.