tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post5802066299734003146..comments2024-03-01T00:18:27.643-08:00Comments on THE ALCHEMIST'S KITCHEN: Helpful Hints for Hard Times : What You Can DoSusan Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11883699379179129887noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post-40192037234359515632010-08-19T06:52:16.630-07:002010-08-19T06:52:16.630-07:00Beautiful, wise list. It's not possible (or ne...Beautiful, wise list. It's not possible (or necessary) to stay "emotionally present" for every second of hard times. Having healthy/safe ways to take a break or focus outward (your #5) is so important, and I'm so glad to see you taking such compassionate care of yourself, Susan. As I've said before, Otis is very lucky to have you as his human. Sending hugs--<br />ElizabethAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post-61251849631295093772010-08-18T08:05:22.035-07:002010-08-18T08:05:22.035-07:00#5 is a big one. When I was teaching during hard t...#5 is a big one. When I was teaching during hard times, I sometimes baked cookies and brought them in for my department colleagues. Some years ago I came across a book entitled something like "What Would You Be Doing If You Were Happy?" The premise was that you would think about the things you loved to do, the things that ordinarily made you happy, and then you would do those things (not all at once, of course). I'm also big on "Fake it till you make it." It helps. But then there are days when a good cry and isolation is all we're up to.Diane Lockwardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07614479152159652577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post-22770073641315816292010-08-18T06:46:04.338-07:002010-08-18T06:46:04.338-07:00Beautiful picture. Thanks so much for this post. ...Beautiful picture. Thanks so much for this post. I'm all about #4. My husband doesn't understand why I find comfort in movies that cause me to cry. #5 is a great reminder for every day life. Please let Otis know I'm sending him warm thoughts.Sandy Longhornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04735445958970512617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post-33495760136476672492010-08-18T02:39:56.712-07:002010-08-18T02:39:56.712-07:00Dear Susan,
I have been following what you are goi...Dear Susan,<br />I have been following what you are going through with Otis. I also feel sad about him. Hang on in there. I hope he is not in pain or suffering during his last weeks. Our pets become family with all the feelings involved...<br /><br />Thank you for the list of strategies. I liked the one about escaping into novels. Having lost five cats in the last twenty years, I have done a hefty amount of reading! On the other hand, I realize, a good strategy might also have been to put all this into words, like you are doing now, sharing your sadness with us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post-1369707126058783092010-08-18T00:09:07.267-07:002010-08-18T00:09:07.267-07:00Thank you, Midge and thank you Kelli ~ Writing thi...Thank you, Midge and thank you Kelli ~ Writing this list helped -- as does Otis's daily photo shot. He's a reluctant model, but the camera still loves him. I'm blessed to have friends as wonderful as the two of you.Susan Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11883699379179129887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post-61977217912948333072010-08-17T22:57:10.503-07:002010-08-17T22:57:10.503-07:00Hi Susan
I also like number 5. I find though tha...Hi Susan<br /><br />I also like number 5. I find though that I do #3 when in situations like this. After rose was hurt in the triathlon, I csme home and completely unpacked the van, aired out our tent, organized our camping supplies, then cleaned the house and did laundry. I felt that while I had no control with most of life and what happens, I could Create a sense of calmness by cleaning and organizing <br /><br /> So very sorry about Otis. I keep both of you in my thoughts & prayers dailyKelli Russell Agodon - Book of Kellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798460634708905783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294176875047610623.post-85919024495524880172010-08-17T19:15:02.366-07:002010-08-17T19:15:02.366-07:00I am so sad about Otis (what a gorgeous photo of h...I am so sad about Otis (what a gorgeous photo of him), and I'm thankful for this post...I especially love #5, as a reminder that we never know what others might be going through on any given day -- and how a smile always, always helps. And how the kindness you put out there always comes back, often when you need it most.<br /><br />Hang in there; you're both in my thoughts.<br />xoxoMidgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09975623928298261446noreply@blogger.com