Am a bit 'over' 2017. It began with some edginess to it which challenged; it challenged my philosophy, it challenged my personality, it challenged my pocket. Probably, it is fair to say, the latter point was a major part of the challenge to the other two. (That, and a couple of very, very difficult people.) It continued to do this right up until last week. There is an uncanny fluttering in my nether regions, that there is more of the same pending.
However, I'm still breathing, albeit a little heavier, a little deeper. Could be asthma, but am fairly certain it's the psycheffects!
Just have to keep reciting my mantra. "IT DOESN'T MATTER!"
Nothing really matters, when all is said and done. Only so much as we attach to 'the matter', does it matter to us. Yes, being without hot running water for a week might be inconvenient, but it wasn't the end of things. A boiled kettle and a bucket were still more luxury than many have in this world. Now the hot water is back (and the heating, with it), I feel rather indulgent. Pampered. That doesn't mean I am ungrateful for the luxury. Only that some perspective was restored when it was absent.
It can be difficult at times, though, to not feel a wee tad persecuted by 'the world'. Take the Christmas sendings. I made a big effort two weeks back, all in one day, to get all my mail and parcels done. The e-card was created and sent out and that, at least, I know to have arrived at the quite large number of addresses. In Gmail, the 'daemon' sends back what can't go and does so very hastily.
With snail mail, though, it is not so straightforward. Let me say, it is not that one looks for acknowledgement - even I don't necessarily always tell folks their card has arrived. However, to discover that ten days after posting things have not arrived - well that is disconcerting. What do we pay the postage for? Yes, it's Christmas and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and New Year and the snails can only go at a slow maximum speed; but really? Sigh.
Meanwhile, let me say a collective 'thank you' to all who have sent/posted to the Hutch. Your thoughts and wishes are appreciated and they brighten that little corner of gloom which lingers despite all my best efforts!
However, I'm still breathing, albeit a little heavier, a little deeper. Could be asthma, but am fairly certain it's the psycheffects!
Just have to keep reciting my mantra. "IT DOESN'T MATTER!"
Nothing really matters, when all is said and done. Only so much as we attach to 'the matter', does it matter to us. Yes, being without hot running water for a week might be inconvenient, but it wasn't the end of things. A boiled kettle and a bucket were still more luxury than many have in this world. Now the hot water is back (and the heating, with it), I feel rather indulgent. Pampered. That doesn't mean I am ungrateful for the luxury. Only that some perspective was restored when it was absent.
It can be difficult at times, though, to not feel a wee tad persecuted by 'the world'. Take the Christmas sendings. I made a big effort two weeks back, all in one day, to get all my mail and parcels done. The e-card was created and sent out and that, at least, I know to have arrived at the quite large number of addresses. In Gmail, the 'daemon' sends back what can't go and does so very hastily.
With snail mail, though, it is not so straightforward. Let me say, it is not that one looks for acknowledgement - even I don't necessarily always tell folks their card has arrived. However, to discover that ten days after posting things have not arrived - well that is disconcerting. What do we pay the postage for? Yes, it's Christmas and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and New Year and the snails can only go at a slow maximum speed; but really? Sigh.
Meanwhile, let me say a collective 'thank you' to all who have sent/posted to the Hutch. Your thoughts and wishes are appreciated and they brighten that little corner of gloom which lingers despite all my best efforts!
Well, Yam, you matter. The new year will be a good one!
ReplyDeleteAmen to what Joanne said YaYa...you MATTER and I'm very thankful you somehow warriored (is that a word) thru all the turmoil. Had it not been for you I suspect the repairs to the flats would still be PENDING...you cared enough to take that beautiful Scottish highland cow by the horns and get things done.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful post. It reminds us in the end what matters is our friends and family.
Huggles and kitty kisses madi and mom
Hari OM
DeleteHahaha - oh, you made me giggle with the image of the horns! Very apt, actually. You are so correct; family, friendship and capital 'ell' Love are the valuables of life!!! Luv ya heaps. Yxx
I'm so glad that hot water and heat have been restored. I remember some years ago when we were without running water for 6 months. That was a challenge and yet we learned to navigate it quite well. As you mention, these taken-for-granted luxuries we enjoy are such that many in the world can only imagine.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry 2017 has been such a challengingly year. That was my 2016. I am glad you found perspective. The winter we had no power for the 72 hours leading up to Christmas (and no water because we are on a well) our house temperature fell to 11c in the living room (4 in our bedroom which we didn't go in). We had dragged a mattress in front of the fire. We had to add wood every few hours. 2 cats, 2 dogs and 2 people slept on a double mattress. The bath I had when the power came back and the hot tea I got to drink were the best ever. It also reminded me how fortunate I am to have these temporary problems.
ReplyDeleteI hope 2018 is filled with extra joy.
We all matter.
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry this year has been a tough one for you. Paws crossed for a much better 2018.
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
we hope so much that 2018 brings a lot of good things to you and me and to all of us... hugs to you and lots of potp
ReplyDeleteHello, I had to cute back on gifts and Christmas cards thru the snail mail.
ReplyDeleteTake care and I wish you a happy and healthy 2018. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week!
You have handled the year with such grace. Part of why I like to spend so much time out in the forest and wilderness is that it reminds me that, in the big picture, we don't matter.
ReplyDeleteHowever, individual people matter deeply to those who love them. Thus, you matter to a lot of people. I hope that 2018 is good to you.
Excellent Spark!
ReplyDeleteI have been starting my daily journalling each morning with Today, I Start my life Anew!
I can't believe how much my mindfulness has increased and now the days do not gang up on me as I can live one day at a time.
Love barb