This morning I woke up without dread, and I don’t dread telling you that I’m not sure how that happened. After so many dreadful and dread-filled times, dread was not there today when I opened my eyes.
Even though I can’t really explain in this blog post how to wake up without dread, I can speculate why this happened this morning. Perhaps it’s because:
I’m reading “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach,
I’m realizing AGAIN that dread, worry, guilt, and shame do not help,
I feel ready for the Open Mic on Friday because I figured out how to play a favorite Sondheim song on the ukulele,
I listened to my year-end round-up of music on Spotify and music always helps,
I connected with so many wonderful people on-line and in person yesterday and wonderful people always help,
I went outside for several walks and walking outside always helps,
I expressed vulnerability,
I reached out for help and support,
my subconscious is finally figuring out, after almost 69 years on this planet, that I have so many blessings, here and now.
Do you see any tips on how to wake up without dread in my images for today?
Actually, now that I’m looking at that Daily Bitch Calendar, dread is creeping back in.
While you can’t control the behaviors of others, you can control your responses to it.
Let go, while keeping the big picture in mind.
Ask yourself if you’re just being too demanding.
If it’s driving you mad that I’m not giving more details about those four ways to cope, you can find the full article here.
Can you find any people who drive you mad in these recent images?
Many people drive Harley mad, and there he is maintaining realistic expectations and controlling his responses to the behaviors of others.
Did it drive you mad to notice that my top song of the year, according to Spotify, was “School Days” by Stanley Clarke, during a year when school days drove people mad?
It could drive me mad that I don’t agree with Spotify that “School Days” was my most played song of 2020, but I am not going to give Spotify the keys.
What are your ways to cope with people who drive you mad?
One of my ways to cope is to focus on gratitude, so thanks to all people and cats who helped me create today’s post, including YOU.
This post is dedicated to my old friend, Peter, who helped me let go of anxiety while packing for a trip.
I’m getting ready to go to beautiful Provincetown, MA for the weekend.
I’ve been looking forward to spending some quality time with my sister and her spouse.
I wanted to write a short blog post this morning, because I’m eager to get on the road!
So I’m going to finish getting ready, and have trust that, before I leave, I’ll know how to finish this post.
See you in little while …….
Wait! It would actually help me to play some music while I’m getting ready.
Let’s see what tune comes up in a game of Spotify Shuffle-Play Roulette:
Here it is!
MUSICAL INTERLUDE:
I’m baaaaaaack!!!
I’ve made several decisions about how to start out on this journey.
I’ve been gentle with myself at each decision point, and having faith in my ability to choose wisely. (Also, letting go of the idea that there is One Right Way to Decide.)
Sooooo …. while usually I feel some anxiety and second-guess myself while preparing for a trip, (that’s probably why I procrastinate packing) ….. right now, I am at peace, in the moment, and looking forward to spending the weekend with my sister and her spouse, in a beautiful location.
