Radical
Self Care
“Everyone
is screwed up, broken, clingy, and scared, even people who seem to
have it more or less together. They are much more like you than you
would believe, so try not to compare your insides to their outsides.
Also, you can't save, fix, or rescue any of them, or get any of them
sober. But radical self care is quantum, and radiates out into the
atmosphere, like a little fresh air. It is a huge gift to the world.
When people respond by saying, 'Isn't she full of herself,' smile
obliquely, like Mona Lisa, and make both of you a nice cup of tea.”
Anne
Lamott (April 8 at 11:30--One of her thoughts on being 61)
Anne
Lamott is simply, in my opinion, the best, most honest writer of our
time. She can lay it out clearly, without flinching even once, and
then walk away, leaving you to ponder her folksy, profound wisdom for
the rest of your life. How often we observe someone from a distance
and compare our insides to their outsides! Whichever way it goes;
'wow, I'm glad I'm not like that,' or 'wow, I wish I were like that,'
doesn't matter—we are like that, and they are like this. We are all
here trying to make the most of it, or trying to get someone else to
do it for us.
Radical
self care is a necessary step toward making a genuine contribution to
the world. And, we never get it perfect all the time—sometimes we
revert to “screwed up, broken, clingy, and scared.” Sometimes, in
our best moments, nothing can bring us down. The trick is knowing
where you are on that continuum and treading lightly, knowing it's a
tightrope walk with consequences. When you are in a good place, and
“full of yourself,” reach out to others with your fresh air.
When you're in a bad place, feeling empty, reach out to others and to the universe, with “Help me!” and then hang on tight, 'cause help is
coming like a whirlwind. It's going to blow you away!
Human
life is filled with the best-of-the-best experiences, and the
worst-of-the-worst. We need each other to stay upright. Today, I hope
you have a friend to reach out to, who can share this wild ride with
you.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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