Things I learned today…
Going out of town – like really far – spending time with Keith, talking about our goals, sharing our thoughts, and enjoying time together is absolutely everything. And I highly recommend South Dakota.
I was already aware of the difference between sympathy and empathy, but now it’s starting to really sink in, thank goodness. I don’t have to carry the burden of others. I continue to be a work in progress.
The word “boundaries” gets tossed around a lot in the mental health world, and I used to hate it, but I’ve come around. If you design the life you want to lead (we only get one!), we safeguard our own emotional and mental health, and we move toward our goals, establishing boundaries is absolutely critical. Oh…and as if identifying where you need boundaries and setting them isn’t bad enough…you’ll be judged for your boundaries and have to be cool with that. I’m 85% there.
I follow several bloggers. They’re women who have established themselves as feel-good, inspirational, funny women, and they have thousands of followers. All their posts get thousands of likes, supportive comments, and shares. I won’t lie and say that isn’t my aspiration sometimes. I think about reaching people all over the place, sharing experiences, and finding all the misery like mine who loves the company. HOWEVER…big “but” here…I’ve been a little turned off lately with the posts telling me how to think.
Chase this notion with me for a sec…I like (love actually) having my thoughts challenged in a constructive way. I long for it even. I like different perspectives. I love learning. And I always hope I come across as a blogger who wants to share, challenge, collect info, and learn. But this opinion business followed by a lecture on why I should or should not stand for the same issue is not it for me, Y’all. Please always read my posts with an open mind and choose to follow your own heart. These are ramblings about my daily life and thoughts about my own personal crusades. Relate with me or not. Learn from (with) me or not.
So…you’ll laugh…I know hold up a label to read and have to slide it out and in like I’m playing the trombone to focus. Dammit. That only happens to old people. *ahem* I bought me some blankety-blank readers to try with my contacts, and they make me dizzy as hell. If you see me holding something at arms length to read, mind your business.
Oh, and I’ve started taking care of my skin every night. I wash my face, exfoliate, moisturize, and the whole nine. No, I have not given a flip about this ever. Scoff if you will. But now, here I am going to bed with a fresh face smelling of Oil of Olay Regenerist. How the mighty have fallen!
I did replace my nose stud with the loop I’ve always wanted, though, so bite me, Old Age. You won’t take me alive. (but yeah, that’s how it works, right?)
Y’all don’t go all “she’s having a mid-life crisis” on me either. This is just a post that happens to include a dump on the subject of old-lady behavior. I’m fine with it. I’ll be the freshest face, nose loop-est, purple hair sporting, cute readers wearing 46-year-old chick in town…completely unapologetically. And I still have great boobs, so there’s that.
Speaking of boobs…I got this new bark box that brings bras, underwear, leggings, and such every month. (Keith calls any subscription box a “bark box”.) As part of self care, I decided I would never wear terrible underwear again as long as I lived, so my drawer is now being filled with lace, frills, satin, and whatnot. Consider it. Don’t be shy. We all deserve it.
Ok…so since it’s been a minute I could go on and on. I’ll stop here and tell you how much I appreciate those of you who asked and said they missed my writings. I guess I can’t expect to have a massive following if I miss days of posting, but sometimes (as I hope you’ve learned about me), I have to look out for Number One and take time away to regroup and fill my cup. Thank you for supporting me. I have had some new folks like the page, and that’s exciting. Your likes and shares are encouraging and make me want to be better.
That’s all. We learn every day, don’t we?
Amanda Herring, Writer 