Okay, last week I talked a good talk about happiness. But today? Not so happy.
My old cat is waking up at 3 a.m. to go outside - he won't use the litter box for certain of his duties - and he's deaf, so his meow sounds like someone getting beaten. This morning, in addition to wanting to go out at that ungodly hour, he woke us up by heaving on the floor. AND when I got up, I noticed something wet and shiny and realized that one of the cats had also peed. Pee that I had walked through in my boiled wool slippers. That can't be "washed, dried, dry cleaned" but instead should be "wiped with a damp cloth". I don't think cat pee responds to damp cloths.
On a week like this, when I wake up at 3 a.m., the list of things I need to do starts scrolling through my head: buy presents, wrap presents, mail packages, clean up for two gatherings, grocery store, end of year at work, etc etc. Once I'm through with my list, I start on my husband's. It was with those lists in mind that I walked sleepily into the kitchen and began complaining. Now after a while, you'd think my man would get it: I'm over the top with imagined stress, he's trying to eat his oatmeal, why doesn't he just say, "Anything I can do to help?" But no, he has to start in with questions about why I plan all this stuff (Christmas with family? Presents? Grocery shopping and laundry? End of the year at the office? HELLOOOOOOOOOO? I don't plan this time of year; it happens).
Okay. So here I am. Monday morning of a week that will be busy and emotional. A week that others will be stressed out too. A week that we've made into a nightmare. WWMD (what will Mamie do) if I want to achieve happiness? I can remember that it'll all be over this time next week. I can revel in the time with my children and my family. I can think about my dad, remembering the time we went to see South Pacific or the time he sat quietly on my sofa with the old cat on his lap. I can make a list and check things off. I can cut my husband some slack, knowing that in the end he'll help with everything. I can count on my girls to do a few things. I write down my thoughts for you to see. I play a couple of rounds of Bubbletown. I breathe and get to work.
5 comments:
Hey, Mamie, sorry you dealing with "imagined stress" but gotta say you've put things in perspective for me. First, we have 12 cats (all fixed ferals) but they have 6 acres for their "duties" and therefore don't heave or pee on the floor. I love but don't have boiled wool slippers, either, so what gets on them gets off easily.
We're retired so no end of year stuff for us. Plus, all shopping is done and I don't wrap and/or mail gifts.
I'm enjoying granddaughters this week and ignoring the cold. Hah!
I hope you and yours have a peaceful, healthy Christmas.
You can do it!!! :) Just make sure to make relaxation a priority, too. Want to go to yoga together sometime?
Love, Jen
I'd toss back a couple of 5HtPs as well. Stress reduces our serotonin levels making it even harder to deal with stress = a vichysoisse cycle :-)
One day at a time, Mamie. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Hi,Mamie... hug the cats and remember - they won't be here forever! As for the lists, especially those of other people that become yours to do, pitch them. Really! Actually, in the spirit of today's winter solstice, burn them and let that be your solstice ritual.
This time of year should be about reflection and peace and love - not the stress of creating a perfect holiday for an entire family.
There. It sort of sounded like you needed to hear this - if not, toss it too! :)
Take care and happiest solstice to you.
Post a Comment