MANAGING A MINI MELTDOWN

It probably happens to everyone: a series of mishaps in a short period of time that overwhelms your nervous system. I’m not talking about a car crash, house fire, or tornado. Those are major events with life changing outcomes. But sometimes, it’s a bunch of little things that drive you to the brink. Managing a mini meltdown with the help of alternative therapies such as mindfulness, meditation and tai chi can help.

But still, it was a tough weekend for me. Friday was the first anniversary of the death of a loved one.. Heading into the weekend, my husband’s fragile health condition took a turn for the worse, and we had to decide whether he should call the doctor. (Who isn’t available on weekends) The next afternoon, I lost my credit card at the grocery store. Later that day, had an unexpected visitor who we really didn’t want to see. When the mail came, I found two letters chiding me for overdue payments that I had already made through online banking.

And to top it all off, the 2022 election has turned out to be a nail biter. . I can remember when we knew the winners of all races on election night. Now, the counting goes on for weeks, with thousands of mysterious mail in ballots cropping up from out of nowhere to turn everything around. And when the person running for governor in Arizona is also in charge of the election, you lose faith in the entire electoral process. It’s disturbing to realize that our nation could be run by people who weren’t elected legitimately.

By Sunday night, my stomach was churning and I wondered how I could even fix dinner. Turned out I didn’t have to, because my husband only wanted a fruit smoothie, which suited me just fine. Then, I sat in the recliner, closed my eyes, and took a few deep breaths. Mindfulness has taught me to accept my feelings, thoughts, and body sensations, without being overwhelmed by them. Concentrated on my breathing, meditated, then did some tai chi.

Breathe in. breathe out. My husband made it through the weekend without having to go to the ER. More deep breaths. The people who sent the deadbeat letters admitted they hadn’t gotten around to posting payments for over a month . Feeling calmer, Put my credit card on hold. Think I’ll become one of those little old ladies who write checks at the grocery store. Went swimming on Monday, and felt the gloom begin to lift. I can’t control the election process, so we’ll have to live with whatever happens.

The next time you have a mini meltdown, remind yourself that nothing lasts forever. With the help of meditation, mindfulness, controlled breathing, and other calming techniques, you can mange to come out on the other side. .

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020

THESE PLACES MAY GIVE YOU FEVER

What do bars and churches have in common? In our city this week, they’ve been hotbeds for spread of the coronavirus. I think I reported a similar situation some time back, when the Department of Health issued an alert about those who went to a particular gentlemen’s club on the same weekend others went to a certain church. Saints and sinners alert! These places may give you fever.

Why do people go to church? Most importantly, because they feel closer to God. But that’s not the only reason. They love the sense of community, singing, finding comfort in troubled times, and relieving stress.

Few people who go to bars are alcoholics. They’re going to meet, see people, relax, wind down, and break the monotony of life. Due to the relaxed atmosphere, they’re more apt to share ideas and talk about their problems.

These places may give you fiver — Whether you’re singing in a bar or a church, these places can give you fever.

In both venues, they’re doing what humans like to do. Getting close to people, finding comfort, sharing ideas, talking, singing, maybe even dancing.

Now, look at how long we’ve been in lockdown due to the pandemic. Almost nine months. It’s no wonder people decide to attend church and go to bars. Covid-19 cases are spiking because of coronavirus fatigue. You get to the point where you just can’t take it anymore.

As seniors, we’re feeling that same fatigue. We’re lucky enough to have sons nearby, but they’re afraid to stay very long for fear of infecting us. We really can’t afford to take any greater risks than going to the grocery store.. At least there, we have a little interaction with another human being at the check out counter.

We’ve even started missing the pizza delivery man.. They now have a no-contact policy. You order online, pay with a credit card, and include a tip. They guy runs on your porch, and leaves a pizza on the swing. It would be nice to at least exchange a few pleasantries, and hand him a cash tip.

I don’t know how long this can go on. Eventually, people will go to places that may give them fever.

October 16, 2020October 16, 2020

HAVING A COVID-19 MELTDOWN?

Here’s what a covid-19 meltdown feels like: Hours after you’ve done something a bit risky, you start feeling apprehensive, and the worry begins to build . Were you too close to someone at the grocery store? Did that guy without a mask at the pharmacy breathe virus on you? What about that small family dinner? You don’t go inside restaurants except for pickup, but did one of the workers have covid-19? Now, you’re feeling lightheaded. Before you know it, your thoughts are spiraling out of control. Are you having a covid-19 meltdown?

A covid-19 meltdown may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. During this time, you’re constantly checking the list of symptoms. Can you still smell? You go around sniffing coffee and lavender and a bar of soap. Yes, you can still smell. But now, your nose is dripping, and your eye looks bloodshot. Is it your spring/fall allergies acting up? Or, the virus? . You have an upset stomach. Was it that Mexican food you ate last night, or covid-19. You feel tired. Was it that long hike you took yesterday, or something more serious?

My first covid-19 meltdown happened in late March. This was when our city had less that one tenth of one percent covid-19 cases. The CDC was telling people not to wear masks. It wouldn’t protect you at all. Apparently, they were really were just afraid they were going to run out of masks for essential workers. When it turned out that people really should wear masks, we’d been running around for weeks without them.

Having a Covid-19 Meltdown? Try mindful breathing or a walk through the woods — Having a Covid-19 meltdown? A walk through the woods, or mindful breathing may help.

Around that time, we hosted a small family gathering , including someone from another town. That was when I first began to feel anxious about contracting covid-19. During the next four days, I symptom checked on and off every few hours. At the end of that time period , I relaxed, and put aside my worries.

Now, our city has become a hot spot, with 11% positivity rates. The fear is spreading. Over the past few months, I’ve had a couple more meltdowns. Since I suffer from both spring and fall allergies, any dizziness, fatigue, or dripping nose is alarming. My worries escalate. My husband is diabetic and close to 90. What would he do if I got sick? Where would I go to isolate? Mentally, I began to make plans.

Coping mechanisms that work best for me:

1) A walk along the river or through the woods.

2) Meditation and mindful breathing.

Here’s the thing– in the coming year, it’s probably not going to get any better. No matter who is elected president, the virus will continue to spread. I’ve resigned myself to the ever present danger. We’ll either get the virus, or we won’t. And until the plague has ended, I’ll probably have a few more covid-19 meltdowns.

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020

COPING WITH POST DEBATE DEPRESSION

Even though I’ve tried to stop watching so much news, it seemed un American not to watch the first presidential debates. But it wasn’t long before the two candidates–Biden and Trump– began trading insults and yelling at each other, and my husband wanted to turn off the TV. I owe him an apology. Because I kept hoping things would get better, but they didn’t. Consequently, we stayed up way too late, compensated for our frustration by eating too much popcorn, and today, I’m coping with post debate depression.

In my freshman year of college, I was on a debate team. If any student had behaved the way Trump and Biden did during the lst presidential debate, they would have been kicked out of the class, or if it was too late for that, received a resounding F on their report card. You don’t interrupt. You show respect for your opponent. And hopefully, you bring some new research or an intelligent argument to the debate. None of that happened last night. We didn’t hear anything we hadn’t heard before. Yes, we know all about Hunter Biden, and we know how Trump handled COVID-19. There was absolutely no surprise, nothing at all to be learned. Except that we have a poor choice of whom to vote for come November. Because neither candidate showed the slightest bit of class.

Only a masochist would want to watch the next debates. If you like having nightmares and feeling like the world is a dreary place, that’s what you should do. I don’t. I want to feel cheerful and optimistic about the world my grandchildren will inherit. Before that happens, I have to get back that hopeful feeling. Here’s how I’m planning to do that today.

First, a great big shopping trip wearing my pretty new cloth mask, sent to me by Humana. It’s soft, and has three layers, so I think it will give me good protection against covid-19. If you don’t like shopping, this won’t help you one single bit. But I do like to shop. I’ll spend some time in my favorite supermarket, splurge on some gourmet food items, and try a new recipe tonight.

a walk in the woods will help cope with post debate depression. — Coping with post debate depression: . A walk through the woods may help.

After lunch, I’ll close the shades and take a nap. It’s going to be a sunny day, so when I awaken I’ll probably drive down to the river. When things go wrong in my life, I always head for water. I’ll sit on a bench and admire the bend in the river. There’s going to be a good strong wind today, so I’ll dress warm enough to enjoy the cool cleansing breeze . I’ll take a short walk in the woods. And then, I’ll go home and start thinking about my new recipe..

And in a couple of days, I’m going to feel much better.

May 1, 2020May 1, 2020

FINDING SOLACE NEAR THE RIVER

When something stressful invades my life, I always find myself returning to the solace of the river. Living inland, I can’t enjoy the comfort of deep blue water or the sound of crashing ocean waves. But there are peaceful lakes and rivers all over the world, and they are there for you in times of despair.

In times of anxiety, find the solace of water by returning to the river — DURING TIMES OF ANXIETY, FIND SOLACE BY RETURNING TO THE RIVER.

My river—the Wabash—isn’t blue like the ocean unless the sun is very bright and the sky is cloudless. It’s often a cool, pale green. While watching the gentle, rippling waves moving up toward the bend in the river, I begin to relax . The Wabash is here for me now, and tomorrow. It’s steady, predictable and comforting. And even if I’m not stressed out, it gives me a feeling of calm and clarity that heightens my satisfaction with life in general.

The river front in my city isn’t a particularly popular destination. A cluster of subsidized senior housing units nearby doesn’t add much glamour.. Consequently, it isn’t a ritzy, fashionable spot. But the city maintains parks where children can play, and shelters where folks can picnic.

The banks of the Wabash are lined with towering trees and leafy bushes. Geese wander in the grass, guarding their fluffy yellow goslings. Around noontime , you will see many parked cars with solitary drivers, reading books or cheering themselves up from whatever might be wrong in their lives. Strangers may nod, but they keep to themselves.

There’s a movement in the town to do something like the river walk in San Antonio, Texas, I’m hoping that doesn’t come to pass in my lifetime. Right now, I like driving past the small childhood home of musician Paul Dresser who wrote, “On the Banks of the Wabash,” He lived there with his brother, Theodore Dreiser , author of the scandalous novel , “Sister Carrie.” Then, there’s that moment of joy when I see the sunlight shining across the water. And I’m glad I found solace by turning to the river.

April 24, 2020April 24, 2020

Recycling: We called it Making Do

As children coming of age in the forties, we had never heard the word “recycling”. For most families emerging from the great depression, and going into into World War II, we called it “making do.”

For instance, Tupperware was invented in 1946, but it wasn’t until the fifties and sixties that it became popular. Before that, we reused grocery store food containers to store leftovers: Cottage cheese buckets, margarine bowls—anything that could be washed and dried. Tupperware parties were all the rage, but it was expensive. It didn’t cost a penny to re purpose sturdy containers. And most of us did.

Cloth diapers were still used, With two babies in diapers, I spent a lot of time washing and folding them. But I didn’t have to spend money on plastic diapers.

Cloth dishtowels are environmentally friendly, and save money. They’re more absorbent, and feel softer. I use paper towels only for draining fried foods–maybe one roll per year.

Yes, I’ve succumbed to paper napkins. But I have fond memories of using cloth napkins as a child. My mother painted clothes pins with each siblings names to keep them straight. And the napkins were washed every week.

Computers, wireless phones, or others electronic devices weren’t available, so there was nothing to recycle. As a result, our main source of free home entertainment was television. No one paid for Netflix, HBO, or streaming services. If we wanted more entertainment, we went to the movies , a concert or live theater performance.

Hand me down clothes were welcomed. If they didn’t fit, they could be altered. As the youngest of three girls, I seldom had a “new” outfit except maybe at Easter time, when we all dressed alike. However, even my older sisters wore hand me downs. We had 2nd cousins all over the Midwest. Every year, they sent boxes of their outgrown sweaters and dresses, and we were thrilled to receive them.

Flower seeds were cheap, and started plants from nurseries were considered a luxury. Cuttings and starts from other gardeners cost nothing. My husband lived on a farm, and his mother generously shared her wide variety of plants and flowers, Consequently, even a poor person could have a beautiful garden, if they had the time and energy.

Darning socks. Yes, people still did that , even in the fifties. There was something called a “darning needle.” My husband’s grandmother was shocked when I said I would never darn a sock. And I never did. I guess I was ahead of my time.

Brown paper sacks from grocery stores could be repurposed to wrap packages for mailing. Or storing things in the basement or attic. Because brown paper bags are recyclable, they don’t fill up landfills with plastic.

In the early 20th century, women repurposed feed sacks for dresses. We called it making do. — Recycling: we called it making do.when women made dresses from feed sacks.

Farm wives repurposed feed sacks to sew men’s shirts , women’s dresses, towels, and other household necessities. If you lived in the city, you got the sacks from your country cousins or friends. Those pretty cotton materials were soft to the touch,,and immensely comfortable.

It looks like the Coronavirus pandemic is going to throw us into a recession. Hopefully not a depression. Perhaps we should take some lessons from the past, and recycle the old fashioned way by Making Do.

March 18, 2020March 18, 2020

DAFFODILS BRING HOPE TO DARK DAYS

The world came to a stop this week. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people lost their jobs. Almost everything that makes life interesting is closed. Restaurants, libraries, theaters and concerts, to name a few. The streets are deserted. The only way to socialize with other humans in the outside world is at the grocery store or pharmacy. We try to keep our spirits up, but the uncertainty is nerve wracking. When will it all end? And yet, today, I looked out the window and my heart soared at the first signs of spring. Blooming daffodils bring hope to these dark days of quarantine.

In these dark times of the coronavirus epidemic, blooming daffodils are a sign of hope — In this frightening time of the coronavirus outbreak, blooming daffodils bring hope to dark days.

Daffodils are a special gift from nature. Just when we’ve tired of winter’s barren landscape, the friendly little flowers appear on a warm, sunny day in March. Yes, it may get cold again. It may even snow again. But the daffodils will tough it out and remind us that better days are coming.

I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud, was written in 1804 by William Wordsworth:

I wandered lonely as a Cloud
That floats on high o’er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host of golden Daffodils;
Beside the Lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:—
A Poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the shew to me had brought:

For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils.

Daffodils are a sign of hope and rebirth. Like the dark days of winter, the coronavirus epidemic won’t last forever. This great nation will endure and prosper.