What’s Important to YOU?
The macro and the micro
As I write this, I’m a little over three weeks post-knee replacement surgery. I’m pleased to report that I’m doing as well, or even a wee bit better than what’s considered “typical.” Focusing on my physical therapy exercises, as well as plowing through the pile of books I checked out of the library prior to surgery, has kept me sane during what feels like an unprecedented period of chaos.
My biggest challenge has been to not zoom out too far. When that happens, I succumb to immense feelings of sadness and helplessness.
I hate feeling helpless. I hate feeling sad.
I felt pretty helpless during the few days following surgery and I was grateful for those who supported me. But soon thereafter, I started to regain my ability to walk short distances and do things for myself. The first day I walked outside on my property filled me with joy. Mostly out of necessity, I paused frequently to notice the little things.
Spring in Minnesota is not without its challenges, but it’s also not without moments of great beauty. The birds are starting their spring songs and the sound and smell of melting permeate the days. It’s another cycle of awakening.
The micro stands in stark contrast to the macro, and the last few weeks have required me to shore up my inner core, as I constantly reevaluate just how much of the macro I can absorb without succumbing to helpless and sad. There will be more work ahead, as the repercussions from the chaos are revealed. I’m committed to continuing to contribute as I am able, to a society that is just, courageous, and kind.
For example, I’m in the middle of evaluating scholarship applications for students who want to pursue a career in the arts. The cynical side of me worries about a future for the arts. But the optimistic side of me is slapping the cynical side around a little bit.
You see, the future is completely undetermined, so why take the cynical approach?
What small things are sustaining you right now? Let me know in the comments!
Until next month,
~ Debbie
CROSSING FIFTY-ONE UPDATES!
I was very excited to be featured in my local paper for my presentation at the Big Lake Public Library!
The audiobook has gotten its first reviews, and they’re good! Woo-hoo!
MARCH BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
NONFICTION: How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz, PhD
There are a lot of books out there on how to manage our minds and emotions. The author’s focus on winter and people living in Tromsø, Norway, was fascinating! It was one of my reads during my time on restriction, and it came in at the library at just the right time!
FICTION: How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
I’ve now read all three of this author’s books and I’m all in on the formula for bringing together different people who are lonely, untethered, or in some other way dissatisfied with their current situations. I consider these books a salve for my soul.
Glad you're on the mend!
I’ve escaped to things that give me joy and hope; reading and talking books with friends who love them too, connecting with small groups of friends such as book club, neighborhood euchre group, memoir group and a current events support group.
I’ve also turned off all of my notifications on my phone, deleted apps that don’t fulfill me and only go to the sites I’m interested in one or two times a day.
I’ve also been thinking about the small things I can do like shopping local, avoiding purchasing items from the big stores that support Trump‘s agenda, project 2025, volunteering, and focusing on my corner of the world. There’s so much good to be done with so many good people out there.
With my pullback from social media and my phone in general, I’ve had so much more time to read, to spend time with my dogs, hiking or walking, getting together with friends, It’s all about connection, and focusing on making a difference in whatever way I can.
So happy your recovery is going well, and thanks for always helping your readers the good things that abound❤️