Remember When?
Planting your own thoughts
Today I have a head cold. Decided to let myself rest for a change. Thought I would take a stroll through social media and get my mind off of my sore throat - big mistake. Social media made me feel worse. Don't get me wrong - we all need to share how we feel so we don't feel alone. But too much time scrolling through other peoples' fears, other peoples' grief, and other peoples' opinions can make it pretty difficult to decipher what's really going on - with you. Am I sad or feeling defeated because of my sore throat cuz I can't get back to singing, or am I feeling sad and defeated because I just read some horrible predictions about 2025? It's quite possible that many of these horrible outcomes could indeed come to fruition. Feeling doom and gloom, however, will not make us stronger or more prepared for the proverbial battle.
Remember when? Way back in the day (some of you super youngins’ may have zero clue of which I speak, er … write) – but there was a time when the thoughts in my head were mostly mine. Yes, I realize I just made a rhyme. I'm a songwriter; sorry, can't help it. I do feel like I used to be a happier person. Sure, with age and loss of friends and overcoming this illness or that, life can become more serious. But I also think a big part of it is that back in the good old days, I only saw the world right in front of me. Now, before you start thinking that I mean "pull the curtains, ignore the world" – I do not mean that. I do mean that protecting our own psyche from too much perceived distress can actually increase - the possibility of our own capacity to be happier.
So I stopped scrolling. Don't get me wrong, I'll probably wander around in virtual land again in a few hours, but while I'm recuperating and wanting to feel better, but not wanting to think too much because my brain hurts from this head cold – I've decided to watch a funny movie or sleep. Or listen to a positive podcast because my eyes don't feel like focusing on a book right now.
It's really easy to be angry. It's contagious. It's really easy to be sad and feel marginalized because, let's face it - so many in this world are. But if we are going to be better humans and create better experiences for ourselves and those around us (and hell, for the entire world) - let's please, remember when.
When we laughed with the people we love. When we laughed at ourselves for our own mistakes and imperfections. When we cared more about our own mental health than how many likes or shares or follows existed on some social media app in a world full of mostly strangers & acquaintances.
Remember when we created MORE - actual things? A handmade gift for a friend. A DIY project you've been putting off. That book you know you have inside you and you still want to write. That song with that catchy hook, you know is good. That friend you keep saying you’re going to reach out to and do that breaking of bread thing.
Recently, I went to Idyllwild, California for the first time. Cell service was extremely spotty. What a piece of bliss it was - just trees and silence. I could hear MY actual thoughts. Turns out the voice in my own head is a pretty happy one.
Remember when? Well, the good old days still exist, y’all. We just have to cultivate them for ourselves. step back more often. Call and see our actual friends, more often. Find the things that feed your Soul and do them, more often. As Ron Finley (The Gangsta Gardener) would say, "Plant some shit."