One of the coping skills I use is telling myself “that’s data” instead of leaping to unhelpful conclusions. Because we tell ourselves stories based on the past, “that’s data” helps me observe and move on.
Here’s how ChatGPT describes using “that’s data.”
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When I gather images for this blog, that’s data.
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Is that data or a story?
Here’s what I find when I search for “that’s data” on YouTube:
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Any comments you leave? That’s data.
Thanks to all who are here for this “that’s data” post, including YOU!
Whenever I post on the site formerly known as Twitter, the default text says “What’s happening?” I’m very concerned with what’s happening in the USA, so yesterday I posted this:
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Here are some people trying to make sense of what’s happening:
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What’s happening in my other images for today?
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What’s happening today? A lot.
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Here’s what I find on YouTube today when I search for “what’s happening?”
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What’s happening with you?
Many thanks to all who help me deal with what’s happening, including YOU!
To deal with these caliginous times, I’ve been writing new lyrics to the song “The Age of Aquarius” from the musical Hair, which I’m calling “The Age of Nefarious.”
When I’m feeling anxious these days, I express those feelings here and elsewhere, practice mindfulness and Qigong, and capture images like these:
Thanks a lot, Daily Bitch.
Here’s one of the songs I wrote when I was feeling anxious.
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Here and now, I’m feeling anxious because I need to get to an 8 AM follow-up ophthalmology appointment in Boston and my car has been having trouble starting. I’m trying not to catastrophize about it.
What do you do when you’re feeling anxious?
Thanks to all who help me when I’m feeling anxious, including YOU!
I was already anxious when I saw this Harvard Gazette headline yesterday:
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Apparently, being already anxious can sometimes be an advantage.
I think some headline writers deliberately make people who aren’t already anxious, anxious.
As if I weren’t already anxious enough, now I’m more anxious about birdhouses, of all things.
I’m already anxious about all the things I have to do to prepare for my concert/live album recording in a few months, but it helps to know I’ve got so much great support and good enough songs, including this one:
My son, who helps when I’m already anxious, thinks that “I’m Mad About You” might be my best song. And even though I was already anxious back then about calling myself “The Singing Therapist,” I’m no longer anxious about that.
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Yesterday, in my Coping and Healing group, I suggested to people who were already anxious that they hold their hand over their heart, sending comforting and loving energy to their heart space.
If you’re already anxious, I hope this post helps reduce that anxiety.
On Memory Day, I’m already anxious about my memory, but I guess it’s good enough for a 71 year old.
Here’s what I find when I search for “already anxious” on YouTube:
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Thanks to Tim Box, cats, and supportive people everywhere who help me when I’m already anxious, including YOU.
Earlier this week, Elmo (whose birthday is today) asked this question on Twitter and got thousands and thousands of responses.
I found out about Elmo asking “How is everybody doing?” from people checking in during my Coping and Healing groups this week, where members discuss how they are doing. Somebody wondered why people they knew were being more open about their mental health, and somebody else speculated that it was because Elmo had asked, “How is everybody doing?”
Elmo discovered something I know from facilitating groups: if you ask “how is everybody doing?” and really want to know the answer, no matter what it is, people will respond honestly.
How is everybody doing as you look at my other images for today?
I’m not sure how the Daily Bitch is doing, but I know how I’m doing: I’m relieved and grateful to have made it to age 71.
Here’s what I find when I search for “how is everybody doing?” on YouTube.
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Thanks to all who are here for this how-is-everybody-doing post, including YOU.
