Political mayhem is ripping apart this country. Malicious marauders are threatening our lifestyles. And now, on top of everything else, come the damn mosquitos intruding on usually pleasurable activities such as taking a stroll.
Last weekend, I found myself full of angst over the latest political upheaval related to the former president’s actions, reactions, and delaying actions around classified document theft. And, that’s just one in a long list of examples of hogwashing—politicians and others propagating “fake news” because they know stupidity in this country knows no bounds.
At the same time, I learned that one of my neighbors had her purse and car stolen in a grocery store parking lot; and another’s vehicle was stolen in broad daylight while parked at the clubhouse in my complex. The marauders are thick and getting thicker.
So are the mosquitos. Normally I view these insects as a simple distraction. However, this year they seem to be “thicker than thieves.” I learned how bad while taking a walk around the golf course. The critters attacked me like dive bombers coming in for the kill.
This was the straw that (almost) broke the camel’s back. On top of having our lives and livelihoods threatened by loss of freedoms and assaults on person and property, now we can’t even take a stress-relieving walk without being assaulted?
Impact of the mosquito malaise shows how close to the edge many of us are. As Columbo would have said, it may take only “one more thing” to send masses of people into the abyss of total depression, anger, frustration…or all three.
We all need and deserve a break. But, even if we refuse to watch the news and stay inside our homes to avoid criminals and mosquitos, the angst is always front and center. The tipping point could be an inconsiderate neighbor making noise or being exposed to Covid because someone else doesn’t care about anyone else.
No matter what the trigger points are, they will be there for a considerable amount of time. None of this will likely improve immeasurably near-term (except for the skeeter assaults). So, what are we to do?
1. Work diligently to find your “happy bubble” on a daily basis. This can be hard, and is getting harder. But, it’s critical to finding happiness and fulfillment. Creating your own happy bubble is under your complete control, unlike so many of the aforementioned maladies. It can be as simple as looking at nature, cooking a favorite dish, giving thanks for a beautiful and peaceful day, meditating, volunteering to help others, being a supportive friend or relative, et al. Everyone has to find it for themselves.
2. Emote about the “icky stuff.” Anger, frustration, fear…the list of emotional triggers goes on and on. So, at the same time you look for sanguine signs in your daily routine, look for “healthy” outlets for the icky stuff. By healthy, I mean something that helps you diffuse negativity without harming anyone else or yourself. For me, exercise is one coping skill. Another is writing this blog and other writing that helps me express, and therefore address, negative feelings. Still another is hypnotherapy that is helping me identify, deal with, and disperse deep-seated emotional scars going back many decades. And the list goes on.
3. See every day for what it is—the potential “rest of our life.” We don’t know when Putin, a distracted driver, or calamitous health event will alter our life immeasurably. So, while planning to accommodate future needs and wants is necessary and admirable, truly live each day as a gift as much as possible.
And try to manage the impact of mayhem, marauders…and mosquitos on your life.
Gray Flannel Head 