The first time I read Frankl’s book was in college– in 1970. I remember not fully understanding what he went through nor what his words meant. I was a kid, and not too thoughtful.
It would be years later when this quote would resonate. Nothing, nothing I have gone through compares to his life. But his attitude and philosophy help me realize that so much of what we face can be tempered by changing our thoughts about it.
It is, often, the only way.
When my thumb seized up last month (I mean literally across my hand), I decided I needed to try an anti-inflammatory diet. And, while I was at it, I’d see if I could determine what was causing my digestive distress. It seemed “Whole 30” might be the answer.
We had to make some adjustments as we don’t eat much meat. So we combined the Whole30 vegetarian diet with the regular and made our own plan. That meant giving up alcohol, grains, sugar, dairy (we ate eggs) and processed foods (not that we eat much of those). We ate a few beans, a little chicken, and occasional salmon. David decided to help, which was huge not having to navigate this my myself.
I thought I’d miss my evening wine, especially if we ate out or visited friends. It wasn’t easy, but what I missed the most was simple cooking. We ended up spending lots and lots of time in preparation (making shopping lists), shopping, prepping, and actually cooking. I don’t like to cook, so I didn’t enjoy this. But, again, David jumped in and did most of it.
I also added turmeric to my supplement list.
Four weeks later and I can’t say I am all better. My thumb joint is– the swelling is down and the pain is gone. But whether that’s the acupuncture or the diet is hard to say. Unfortunately, the diet did not lead me to the culprit that turns my stomach upside down. I am wondering if it is not food but anxiety rearing its ugly head.
As we celebrated the other night with wine, we decided to continue eating healthy foods by following Dr. Greger’s “How Not to Die” plan, with some modifications. This all may take longer than 4 weeks, and we’ve adjusted pretty well to lots of vegetable casseroles, stews, and snacks. I had pretty much given up dairy, so that is not a problem. This go around will be eggs free, too.
Now if I can just figure out this anxiety. I see more meditation and yoga in my future!
Namaste.
…about how no one is sending cards or letters any longer. There are many reasons, of course: too lazy, waste of paper, not having anything to say, the speed of technology.
I knew this, really. But I still find it depressing. I LOVE getting real mail– and I often put the cards in one of my wooden holders to display for a while. Every time I walk by, I think of my friend and smile. Can’t do that on a phone.
I’ll keep making mine if only for me. But I am filled with joy when someone else finds my work appealing and buys something. So validating. And I like to think the cards and prints make this world a better place :)
I love this by Austin Kleon.
I awoke today, realizing last week (not an easy one for me) was gone. Instead of relief, I am feeling the need to slow down. A simple shift in perspective makes me appreciate all that I have instead of worrying about people and events over which I have no control.
