Humor and fun chat diversions during the Coronavirus crisis: Join us

@imallears
Now we know why you go to the octopus place. The truth finally comes out.
Cheers,
Jake

Did I miss something?

Hi, @nannette1941 and @contentandwell, What @johnbishop posted was all in fun, I so agree with JK that we've all struggled with some down days during this past year of pandemic. However, with more getting vaccinated and more sunshine and warmer days coming, I hope all will find more to smile about.

While my state is now wide open with masks no longer required, even after having both my Covid vaccines, I will continue to wearing mine and taking precautions. We are getting so much closer to more normal times that continuing to hang together just a bit longer can make a much happier difference in each of our lives.

@nannette1941, You sound like a fun person to learn from! While I've spent far more time in the kitchen this past year creating new recipes, I've not had anyone but two diff. repair people inside in over a year now.

As for new recipes to try, you would be a great mentor as I find myself growing less interested in attempting anything now but an occasional new easier dish.

Your post also brought a wonderful memory of my mom who always pulled out the stops for dressing our Sunday dinners with china, crystal and a centerpiece. As a working educator during the week, her Sunday meals brought a touch of elegance and were most looked forward to because she also added homemade rolls and great desserts. Alas, I didn't follow her weekly tradition but do occasionally still "dress the table and make a special meal" just for myself. The extra effort never fails to lift my spirits. Do you do that as well?

As an aging single with a changing friend base, the pandemic has brought some added challenges and brought more to the surface an increased sense of my aloneness for the first time. Years ago when bemoaning to a close friend after a move to a new locale that I had yet to make new friends, she wisely counseled: "Then spend more time befriending yourself". An alien concept then but one I've relied on many times since and never more so than during this past year of so many radical changes for us all. Are there hobbies that you enjoy or new ones to try or other small things you do for yourself, like one of my favorites of just giving myself permission occasionally to nothing at all that bring a smile?

I don't know your age, health issues, or circumstances but as @artist01 posted, I hope you'll continue to share here because of the support you'll find.

The difference between then and now is that "then, I could walk anywhere, I could do anything without wearing a mask" yes, I know, I sound bitter, but with the help of all of you I will surmount this handicap... Thank you for being there, thank you for being you!

Hello John,
First, I am old enough to be part of this group; I am healthy and that is the problem, I am confined inside while being healthy, and I am tired of that! I love to write, and I am a published author... I write in English, French, and Spanish. One of my poem made the year 2000 book of poetry a four liner that goes as follows: A walk is only a walk
'Til I walk with you
I am only who I am
'Til I am with you!
I still write, and I am not always sad, I am mostly frustrated because, for me, everything is important. I am told over and over to relax, but there are no suggestions. For my friends and "others" I have always been "too much" or "not enough" Plainly said, I wish I could be more comfortable with myself, and not care so much! Yes, I am complicated, I wish I were not so!

Oh, my goodness, @nannette1941! How impressive that you are not only a published author but one who also writes in English, French and Spanish. I sincerely and literally bow at your esteemed feet.

My mom's most fervent lifetime desire was to travel extensively. I was blessed with what she couldn't achieve. My most fervent desire was to become a published author. That didn't occur but it has for my daughter.

Here's hoping you'll post more of your fine poetry or other pieces. Not sure if another would be a better fit but both the "just want to talk" and "journaling" forums would garner additional interested followers.

For decades I struggled and thus can relate to the need to become more comfortable with one's self. Not until retirement did I eventually become accepting and even grateful for the quirky self I am. Much like you, perhaps, I was either "too much" or "not enough" for others and myself. Now, although my physical support network is smaller, I find myself more content with my life and self than ever before.

Suddenly, with retirement, I no longer needed to continually strive or push myself so hard. Changing gears was incredibly difficult at first. However, time and the discovery of working with my hands in the yard brought such pleasure and new avenues for creativity, that soon I began noticing how much happier and content I was becoming.

No longer grappling with self-imposed career aspirations or the long term caregiving support/decisions required for extended family, I found myself exulting in becoming the ultimate designer of my daily life.

Learning to just stop for a few minutes of deep, diaphragmatic breathing and learning to meditate (first with guided meditations and later without) has helped me not only learn to better relax but writing down those meditations later along with journaling has given me new insights into my inner workings, dreams and aspirations.

As a child, it was confusing and hurtful to hear my grandmother declare: "You walk to the tune of a different drummer" and later my mom say: "You are just too sensitive and complicated". Maybe those traits were true and what contributed to who I am today. Now, that's not only o.k. with me but also enough.

Taking walks three times each week on specific days has helped get me out of "house bound" muddling thoughts as well. At 77 yrs, I can't walk as far or long as when younger but just getting out of bed and walking at all is a plus in my book! If you are a walker, pop over to the walking forum where there is an active group who likes to share. Smiles

To anyone who cares to tune in for these thoughts. I notice a theme of "not enough" and "too much". I have heard those words or variations on those words since I was a child. At first I wondered what they meant and when I finally figured it out I realized that I did not want to limit myself to the limitations of those criticizing me. I am more than the color of my fingernails or a political party. I have noticed that the people with these statements want me to conform to their desires. I don't want to go there. I will work with a group, but I will never blindly follow. Thinking for myself became a necessity when i was taken aside as a child and told that I would have to fend for myself at school; that my parents would not intervene for me. I know more of the back story to that conversation now, but at the time I felt abandoned and unsupported. That could have gone two ways. I decided to take care of myself. It made me become more independent, think for myself, and consider consequences. Those traits have served me well during the years between then and now. Now when I hear "not enough" or "too much" I don't care much. I am who I am based on education, experience, independence and determination. I realize not everyone has experienced what I have, that does not make me less desirable. Perhaps they should get a little of the fule that drives me. At a job interview I was asked how I would like people to remember me. My response was, "driven."

@2011panc. Well said. When my children were in elementary school, they told me their parents transferred them to another teacher because they (the children) do not like their teachers. I could not believe my ears. I told them when they are old enough to work, are they going to change jobs every time they can't get along with their Co workers or superiors? My daughter left home for college at 16 and has been on her own ever since. My son had to fend for himself on numerous occasions as I was working three jobs. I cringe reading about these helicopter parents constantly hovering over their kids. They will never be free thinkers. I told my kids to be the best that they can be, be kind and thoughtful. If people have a problem with them, it's their problem!

@2011panc Well said indeed We where the same way as parents now my son has his Master's degree and works at a university helping students and fundraising for the school
A child that is given everything has a harder time I think 🥺