SoCS: Whatever Happens… Sing to the Dog

Today’s Stream of Consciousness post from Linda Hill is:

“….. Use the word “whatever” any way you’d like. Bonus points if you start your post with it. Have fun!” Learn more about #SoCS HERE.

“Whatever,” was a popular response from teenagers in the 80s or 90s. It could be frustrating for parents or teachers who interpreted the word as, “I don’t care.” But now I see it as a useful word when I need to let go of something I can’t control, something I’ve been mulling over or analyzing nearly to death.

On one hand, it could be considered apathetic – a word similar to sin in my book once upon a time. But we can’t care about EVERYTHING. This comes from someone who has cared too much over the years. Oh, I still care, but I need to choose how much energy I’m going to put into caring, cause the energy isn’t what it used to be. Prioritize! That’s my word for this year. I don’t really use the word, “whatever” in that way, but it does have its place.

Some things are priorities, though.

Whatever happens, I’ll always love you, said the mother to the son.

Whatever happens, take care of the children. And the pets.

Whatever happens, life must go on.

Whatever happens, don’t let the gremlins get wet. (Just so we don’t get too serious.)

There’s an old song that goes,

“Wherever we go, whatever we do, we’re gonna get through it together…. “

I looked it up before I started writing. That’s not really planning. I was just curious. Turns out, it’s from the musical, Gypsy originally starring Ethel Merman, I think. I looked it up on YouTube. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Sorry. That was my take on it. Then I thought, what if I could find someone singing that song to a dog? or a cat? Well, I couldn’t find that. But what I did find was people singing with their dogs. Let me see if I can go back and find one now as I drop anchor in the stream just for a moment to take a look in the down below the surface…..

Well, that always takes longer than I thought with diversions and what not. I couldn’t listen to any dogs howling because Mama Cat is next to me as I type this Friday night and she didn’t like hearing dogs howl. Marley, is in the back room with David, and it’s Mama Cat’s time with me.

Anyway, here’s one that came up with no howling. It’s short and sweet:

The girl with a sweet voice is singing, “You Are My Sunshine” to the dog who they are fostering while the dog’s guardian is deployed for a year in the Navy.

Dogs and kids. Gotta love ’em. If not, then…… whatever.

At least be kind.

I found this on Facebook a few days ago. The dogs looks like Marley, but Marley is bigger and has a big head.

Be sure to visit Linda’s SoCS post at the link above for more streams or whatever.

Simple Therapy

Many years ago, one of my clients told me another client said my therapy consisted of two things: Deep Breathing and Making Lists. That was an oversimplification of course, but sometimes we get in a rut. I incorporated more active listening, which by itself can be therapeutic, with other therapies, broadening my cognitive-behavioral work.

Still, breathing techniques can be helpful in times of stress:

https://joannesilvia.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/remembering-to-breathe/

Our ever-available breath can help us accept the things we cannot change or even give us courage to change the things we can. Have you ever taken a deep breath right before going into a challenging situation?

Making lists can also help us change the things we can. Lists help us organize and prioritize. List making gives me clarity when my thoughts are all over the place.

Here are a few of my favorite lists:

Things to do today. Ideally this should not be a long list, but if it is, be sure to prioritize.

1. Go to work √
2. Call Dad’s doctor √
3. Schedule Vet appointment √
4. Drink lots of water.  (needs work)

Things I’m NOT doing today.

1.  I’m not taking down the Christmas Tree,
2.  I’m not worrying about when to take down the Christmas tree. (Maybe I’ll put valentines on it.)

Things I want to accomplish this week/month/year. Be specific and realistic.

1.  Spend 1/2 hour a week sketching
2.  Spend at least 4 hours a month painting, and
3.  Paint at least one picture that explores ideas for my book cover.

Things I’ve accomplished. Your list is likely a longer than you think.

1. Graduated from  college
2. Got two extraordinary kids through high school
3. Worked on forgiveness
4. Painted the bathroom

Qualities I am was looking for in a partner.

( Be careful what you wish for. “Must Love Dogs” landed me quite a pack.)

 

Things I’m not going to consume:

1. sodas, except an occasional diet soda

( This list has gotten shorter over the years.)

Foods I will only eat on my birthday, and holidays, ………or when I’ve had a really hard day,……or on some one else’s birthday. Or special occasions.  And only in moderation!

1. cake
2. potato chips
3. Ice cream
4. cookies

Things I’m going to consume more often:

1. Green Leafy veggies: kale, collards, arugula……
2.  Water
3. Foods with Indian Spices
4. Quinoa (still figuring out what to do with this)

Ways to say no:

1. Maybe later. NO.
2. No thanks,
3. Been there, done that, don’t want the headache.
4. Sorry. I’m allergic to that.

Ways to stall for time:

1. Let me think about it.
2. I’ll have to get back to you about that.
3. I have to check my schedule.
4. I have to go to the bathroom!

Things I’m going to buy with my income tax return:

1. Put all of it  some of it on the principle of my mortgage.
2. Buy something for the house that will make life easier.
3. Go to the movies.

Things I want to do when I retire:

1. Write more.
2. Paint more.
3. Read more.
4. Teach kids (or adults) to read, write and paint.
5. Putter in the back yard.
6. Take a walk every day.
7. Visit Yosemite, then head north!
   

Things I like about myself:

1. Honesty
2. Open Minded
3. Artistic
4. Conscientious
5. Natural
6. Always Learning

That felt pretty therapeutic to me.

Do you like to make lists?