This month has been hard.
-My cousin died at the age of 59.
-My uncle died. He was 85 and ready, but watching my 88 year old dad grieve for his younger brother (on top of grieving for his niece) has been heart-wrenching.
-I’m worried about my dad dying. He’s healthy, but he is 88.
-I didn’t get a job that I really wanted. Now what?
-My stepfather is really struggling with his health.
-I’m turning 59.
-My dear friend called me yesterday to tell me she has breast cancer.
There is a lot of bad going on right now.
What can I do? I’ve decided to try to read and write my way out. I’ve started keeping a list in my notebook about all of the things that are going well.
-I am lucky to be turning 59.
-My husband took me to see a Fleetwood Mac cover band for my birthday and we danced together. (I have always wanted to be Stevie Nicks!)
-My dad is here and healthy, and he lives close by so I see him all of the time. He just called and invited me over for a birthday dinner. He says 59 is young!
-I have a job that I love.
-There is hope for my stepfather.
-In a few days my beautiful, diverse, crazy family will be gathering for Thanksgiving.
-I’m healthy (although my knee is giving me some trouble).
-Fall is my favorite season.
-Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
-My friends and colleagues are incredible.
I’m trying to read some books that will help me out too.
-I’m listening to Educated by Tara Westover. OK, I have NOTHING to complain about.
-My dear friend gave me Happy Dreamer by Peter Reynolds (one of my favorite authors) for my birthday. Here is a quote: “There are the moments I feel alone…boxed in. And yet, I always find a way back. Plunging into amazing, delightful, happy dreams.”
-I read this quote by Kahlil Gibran on Facebook: “Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers.”
I can’t say I feel like my old Happy Dreamer self, but I’m reading and writing my way back. I feel sorry for the people who don’t turn to literacy to save them. It’s right there: All you need is a pen and paper, or to turn a few pages, and you can work to save yourself.
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