Finding Joy In The Little Things
Aug. 28th, 2007 01:51 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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multiplicity_archivesI have found over the last few weeks that there is joy in even the smallest thing. My mother/daughter relationship is special. We don't discuss certain topics, mostly trauma related, but we do discuss happy things. It used to frustrate me that the group wasn't getting attention, but then, we all realized that attention can happen in other places. I give my group time to unload or be themselves in communities, and in my writing. As the body, I find it incredible to see them thriving now since leaving therapy in 2006.
Starting up again next Tuesday will be an adjustment, but I think we're at a place where we can handle things better. New professionals are the chance we need to make a first impression, and hopefully, a lasting one.
Today my group is happy. We are spending time with Mom, and puttering around the house. She's sewing, and we're writing, but lunch was a time for her to tell us stories about life in Louisiana. She was born in New Orleans, and lived in Shreveport. Great times, I tell you, great times. I miss her family. They all passed away when I was in high school due to old age, and so we haven't gone back in ages.
Mom misses New Orleans. And seeing Katrina unfold was big for her. We still talk about efforts to help. I even donated to Habitat For Humanity to help build new homes. That was incredible. Knowing I could do a small donation was really big.
When we aren't chatting about NOLA, we are watching her landscape the yard, sew baby blankets, and play with the cats. It's fun.
And I enjoy writing about daily things. It's a good outlet. If I am traumatized, or the group needs to write, I let them. For the most part, I always try to end a written piece with something positive. It helps a great deal. Even a most negative time can turn around.
This week I am waiting on some packages in the mail, music and DVD related things. Next month, I can make my next purchase-an iPod Nano. I am into MP3s now and some would call it an obsession. But it's healthy. Music, coffee, and DVDs make my days go by quicker. Not being able to work is okay with me now. I don't have the means, and I accept that. It means I can spend time with Mom, and the rest of my clan. LOL. Friends are nice too, but family and I are close knit, even if the bad things don't get mentioned.
Family will be family.
I am looking forward to seeing friends soon as well. In the last year and a half, I have lost a ton of friends due to DID and my other disability. I am down to 3 close friends now. And I have discovered that they are all I really need anyway. Others came and went because I didn't "measure up" to their standards of living. It's been quiet around here, but I'm happy. I'm happy because the smaller the group of friends, or even family, the easier it is to live well.
Being disabled is something I will not change or regret. This is my life. People have supported me in various communities here. It's been so great. In turn, I have supported them as well. And it has given me joy each time. Knowing I can help others without leaving home is good.
Even when I was functional in the outside world, I still enjoyed helping others. I worked in several places, volunteer and employed, and loved what I did. Today, I will still love what I do. Life lets me live comfortably with family and friends who care. I don't need to have an outside job to be accepted by them. They take me just as I am.
I hope that in life, you have others around you who do the same. When people meet right where they are, it adds depth to the relationship. Enjoy those around you who care, and it's okay to forget those who do not. I have. It took time, but letting go, no matter how hard, was the best experience ever. The group and I are now at peace. And if people from the past try to make a comeback, the word No will still be there for us.
I'm off to go hug those who care now, so if you need a hug, just leave me a comment or two. I'm happy to share them, just like smiles, because they are free, and in unlimited supply. Cheers.
Starting up again next Tuesday will be an adjustment, but I think we're at a place where we can handle things better. New professionals are the chance we need to make a first impression, and hopefully, a lasting one.
Today my group is happy. We are spending time with Mom, and puttering around the house. She's sewing, and we're writing, but lunch was a time for her to tell us stories about life in Louisiana. She was born in New Orleans, and lived in Shreveport. Great times, I tell you, great times. I miss her family. They all passed away when I was in high school due to old age, and so we haven't gone back in ages.
Mom misses New Orleans. And seeing Katrina unfold was big for her. We still talk about efforts to help. I even donated to Habitat For Humanity to help build new homes. That was incredible. Knowing I could do a small donation was really big.
When we aren't chatting about NOLA, we are watching her landscape the yard, sew baby blankets, and play with the cats. It's fun.
And I enjoy writing about daily things. It's a good outlet. If I am traumatized, or the group needs to write, I let them. For the most part, I always try to end a written piece with something positive. It helps a great deal. Even a most negative time can turn around.
This week I am waiting on some packages in the mail, music and DVD related things. Next month, I can make my next purchase-an iPod Nano. I am into MP3s now and some would call it an obsession. But it's healthy. Music, coffee, and DVDs make my days go by quicker. Not being able to work is okay with me now. I don't have the means, and I accept that. It means I can spend time with Mom, and the rest of my clan. LOL. Friends are nice too, but family and I are close knit, even if the bad things don't get mentioned.
Family will be family.
I am looking forward to seeing friends soon as well. In the last year and a half, I have lost a ton of friends due to DID and my other disability. I am down to 3 close friends now. And I have discovered that they are all I really need anyway. Others came and went because I didn't "measure up" to their standards of living. It's been quiet around here, but I'm happy. I'm happy because the smaller the group of friends, or even family, the easier it is to live well.
Being disabled is something I will not change or regret. This is my life. People have supported me in various communities here. It's been so great. In turn, I have supported them as well. And it has given me joy each time. Knowing I can help others without leaving home is good.
Even when I was functional in the outside world, I still enjoyed helping others. I worked in several places, volunteer and employed, and loved what I did. Today, I will still love what I do. Life lets me live comfortably with family and friends who care. I don't need to have an outside job to be accepted by them. They take me just as I am.
I hope that in life, you have others around you who do the same. When people meet right where they are, it adds depth to the relationship. Enjoy those around you who care, and it's okay to forget those who do not. I have. It took time, but letting go, no matter how hard, was the best experience ever. The group and I are now at peace. And if people from the past try to make a comeback, the word No will still be there for us.
I'm off to go hug those who care now, so if you need a hug, just leave me a comment or two. I'm happy to share them, just like smiles, because they are free, and in unlimited supply. Cheers.
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Date: 2007-08-29 05:41 pm (UTC)The funny thing is, I have just recently started to discover this myself.
Also, I love your music in this post. Melissa Etheridge is one of my favorite singers. :)