Shit I Need to do This Year
an open letter to myself
In no particular order and strictly off the top of my head
* Botox. Get some. No one needs to look like that.
* Closets. Edit. Extreme edit. Empty.
* Weight. Lose it.
* Gym. Three times a week. Minimum.
* Be gentler to yourself, but not so easy. It's a fine line. Find it.
* Stop being fat.
* Stop being stupid.
* Stop being ugly.
* Ooops. See above.
* FOCUS!!!!
* Sewing; tablecloths, curtains, buttons.
* Sculpting; steampunk.
* Painting. Anything..
* Find a part-time job. Savings will not last forever, and poor, fat, old and ugly does not a winning combination make.
* Stop that.
* Voices in your head; don't listen to them. He loved you because he thought you were strong, smart and beautiful. Be at least half the woman he imagined you to be.
I just went in the back and looked in the guestroom dresser, searching for the fabric I bought in Paris to make a tablecloth. I realized, once again, as I heard myself form the phrase, "the fabric I bought in Paris..." how glamorous that sounded; what a wonderful life I have lived, what a priceless gift I have been given. I have loved and been well-loved, first by mom and dad, then by my husband. I have been treated generously and with kindness, even when I deserved it least. I have traveled far and with gusto; I have seen wondrous things and met memorable people. Up until the day Russ died, my life was full, and everything I needed it to be. I have been so fortunate in all things but one; that it had to come to an end. Even there I have been lucky; I had a good run.
That's life. I weep with gratitude to all those who gave so generously of themselves. I am still here in spite of my best efforts, and I need to make it matter. I still don't know how, but I have to find a way. I am alone, and I have chosen to be, rather than try and replace the irreplaceable. But there are still friends to enjoy and care for. There are still places to go and people to meet, and I don't want to crawl into my hermit hole, however cozy, content half-inhabiting a shadow life, just me, my dogs, some books and TV. I feel the allure of it, but that way lies waste, and would do a disservice to those who gave me so much. I have to do better. Such a cliche'; live, love, laugh. I cringe every time I hear it, or see it embossed on a stone, pillow or poster. And yet... oh, well. Happy New Year and Carpe diem, Gi. Get off your fat ass and do something.
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3 comments:
I feel like such a bad friend right now, for not checking in sooner. I feel for your loss, but also, your list is worthy. As hard as life can be, it's still life, we may not always understand it, we just have to live it as best we can. Russ may be gone, but he's also not gone, he lives on through you. Do the things you're able to manage that honour him.
Neil! HI!!! You are not a bad friend, you are a very good one. There is little to check in on, as you can see. I've only just come back to the blog for the very reason that no one actually reads it anymore. :D I keep things lighter on Facebook, but less personal. But I have missed reading you. And I am going to go check on you now...It's time for me to go back to old, happier habits. :))
he blog is actually defunct, Blogger locked me out and I can't be bothered to get back in. My Facebook address is https://www.facebook.com/neil.murray.9678 it's kind of like my mini blog where I let it all hang out! Look forward to hearing from you soon. Cheers, Neil
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