Happy Wednesday, friends!
I had planned a happier post for today, but sometimes life finds a way to mess up our plans, doesn't it? Anyway, one of the not-so-good curveballs I was thrown over the summer has returned. I don't want to go into specifics because it's kind of hard to talk about, but I'd really appreciate any positive thoughts you can send my way.
Over the years, I've learned that one thing that helps me when I'm down is poetry. Its language is universal, and when we read it, we all take something different away. I find solace in the words of others; I get lost in them and am able to forget (for a time, at least) whatever it is that's bothering me. (And sometimes a little chocolate doesn't hurt either!) When the curveball came yesterday, though, it felt right to lose myself in some poetry, like this piece by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins:
(Read by Billy Collins and animated by Julian Grey of Headgear.)
Where do you turn when life gets you down?
Wishing us all a wonderful Wednesday. ☺
God...pure and simple.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. ☺
Delete*hugs* Hope you're okay over there!
ReplyDeleteI usually head for chocolate and comedy DVDs when everything gets too much.
I was so sad last night that I didn't have any chocolate. The poetry—and also an episode of The Voice, which I forgot to mention—helped a lot. :)
DeleteI am sending positive thoughts your way my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keith. I'll take every one. :)
DeleteSorry to hear you are down, Dana. Prayers and peace to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Dawn.
DeleteI try not to let life get me down and look at the good things of life. I think we all have our different ways of dealing with problems even going as far as to forget about them and they go away. I don't feel I am very religious but I do live visiting churchs as you know from one of my blogs. They are peacefull places where you can be and gain strength from them. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice, Bill. I find a lot of solace in churches as well—and also in nature.
DeleteGreat minds, so do I especially in the woods of along the river
DeleteBoth sound lovely! I miss walks in the woods. There's not a lot of woods to be had here, I'm afraid...
DeleteI love that short film - the skittering ink creatures, the mournful green sweater, the poem itself. I loved the fact Budapest had almost nothing to do with the pen.... it's all love for that this morning. No wonder you turn to poetry when you're sad. Here's to feeling better! And more poetry...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. I agree—more poetry!
Deletemy flash crashed, so i was only able to hear the very beginning of the poem---i am so sorry to hear you are dealing with the same issue in your life---my life is dependent on a relationship with Jesus Christ--it is truly the only thing that has gotten me through, my life thus far---i will be in prayer for you, dana---i have missed you <3
ReplyDeleteI've missed you too, Lynn. Thank you for the prayers.
DeleteHugs and happy thoughts for you. Chocolate and cookies are my helpers. Plus a good book or a great writing session.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes. I should try working on my NaNo notes. There's nothing like immersing yourself in someone elses's world. Thanks, Christine!
DeleteHappy to send you a million good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteSending you positive thoughts. Long walks with my dog help me.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I love that idea!
DeleteSending positive thoughts your way from across the ocean. I hope things resolve themselves quickly for you, great poetry and I love the animation, some people are just so clever, I really admire artistic people.
ReplyDeleteI do too. They amaze me.
DeleteThanks so much for the good thoughts.
I'm sending good thoughts your way! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteFor me, how I try to feel better depends on what it is that's wrong - sometimes chocolate and TV helps, sometimes curling up with words (mine or someone else's), sometimes prayer, sometimes crying and getting it all out. Sometimes, all of the above. :)
Thanks for these wonderful suggestions and the good thoughts. I think some mind-numbing TV is in order tonight. :)
DeleteMore good thoughts coming your way from me. I tend to turn to reading and writing, also playing with my pets. They can always make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteTake care and I hope your troubles are resolved soon.
Thanks, Julie. ☺ Pets are really wonderful that way.
DeletePrayer helps...then the chocolate.
ReplyDeleteHere's sending you a bit of chocolate (-:
Thanks for the chocolate—and the wise words.
DeleteBeautiful poem, I love chocolate! Perhaps the colors of my photos also make you forget!
ReplyDeleteLeovi, you're so right about that! I love your work!
DeleteChocolate always helps! I usually play music to get through my tough times, but anything artistic is a good outlet. I'm sorry life threw you a curveball. I hate those things! Hope things get better for you! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sherry. ☺
DeleteHope things get better. I surround myself with family when the curveballs come.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. I'm writing this comment on Thursday, and already things are looking up!
Delete*hugs coming your way*
ReplyDeleteThis experience called life and the curve balls that come along. I become very still when sad, and very quiet. I find and listen to beautiful music, and search for as much uplifting words I can find. Hope things feel better , and much brighter soon x
Thanks, Dawna. Uplifting words are important to me too. I find so many of them in poetry, but they come from other sources as well, sometimes unexpected ones, like television shows.
DeleteHope things get better. Sending bunches of good thoughts your way and yes, I agree, chocolate doesn't hurt either.
ReplyDeleteIt sure doesn't! I went and bought some yesterday, and it definitely helped me to feel better. :)
DeleteThanks!
Sure thing. And thanks for sharing this post with us.
Delete☺
DeleteI try not to stay down for too long but I'll allow myself a day or 2 to re-group and just go with those feelings and know that I'll be returning to normal life very soon. There was a time when I'd take too long to stay down and then it would be too difficult to pull out of it. Prayer,inspirational quotes, and staying in touch with friends helps me.
ReplyDeleteThis is good advice, Sharon. Thank you. I've allowed myself to stay down too long in the past, and you're right: it's so hard to pull out of that. I'm feeling much better today. All of you have helped immensely!
DeleteI try to be a "glass half full" kind of person. I'm convinced that things happen for a reason (which is probably obvious), but I'm also convinced that things usually (not always-I'm not insane) turn out okay.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth...
Thanks, Al. That makes a lot of sense.
DeleteSending you love and prayers for brighter days soon, and virtual chocolate if I could! I've found a nice pan of warm brownies is pretty cheering! :-) Seriously though, no matter what life throws at us, given time it's significance will lessen. Hang on tight to friends and family and furkids, and wait for the storm to pass. OXOX
ReplyDeleteSometimes in the midst of it all it's hard to remember that the storm will pass. Thanks for that reminder. I'm writing this comment the day after I published the post, and I'm happy to say I'm doing much better. You guys are awesome!
Delete"Happiness can be found in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
ReplyDeleteI'll just leave that quote there and send lots of good thoughts your way.
That's a great quote. Thank you, Rachel. ☺
DeleteDana, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you. That means a lot. ☺
DeleteLove, peace, smiles and happy, joyful vibes from Romania.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I can feel the joy! :)
DeleteWishing you a lot of strength with what you're going through right now. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Vanessa.
Delete"This too shall pass."
ReplyDelete"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Look around -- somebody else has it worse.
Wishing you a happier tomorrow.
All so true... Things are looking better now, thanks to all of you. ☺
DeleteIt's nice that you know what works for you in times like these. Music does it for me.
ReplyDeleteMusic is wonderful! It's a lot like poetry. ☺
DeleteGreat poem, I loved the animation!
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Leovi. Happy Friday!
DeleteSo sorry you're having a hard time. Hot chocolate, a good book and some music helps me - getting lost in a different life for a while. I'm thinking of you x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Annalisa. I'm feeling much better now, largely because of all of you!
DeletePrayers and good thoughts for you. Losing myself in a good book or art always helps me. Do something just for you and what makes you happy even if it is just to sleep. HUGS
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great advice, Kathy. Looking for happiness in spite of the situation is a wonderful idea. ☺
DeleteI am fortunate that my family ...my whole family...is supportive. I would say that I find Art and Film very therapeutic. They both offer me something; Art makes me feel I have the power to create beauty and positivity where I am reacting to feelings (or actions) that are not either. Films (favorites) just help me escape and occasionally comfort me with wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI love that the Arts CAN provide a feeling of sanctuary in this topsy-turvy world we live in!
I love that about the arts too. They're so important to ours lives. That's why I get so angry when public schools start cutting them from their budgets.
Deletewhat do I do? Try to do things that distract me from obssessing ( one of my fatal flaws)
ReplyDeletebut sometimes only being with friends and socializing...and singing in the shower! I am sending you big wishes for a better day !