Thank you Neil. I certainly wasn't expecting this for Christmas. I did notice the light is already with us a little longer this evening. That is a gift.
Apathy is a difficult place to land. If I hit there, at times like that, all I seem to need is someone to sit with me, until I can observe what has pushed me it of my normally present state. A month ago it was the thought of having the high risk spinal surgery. With no idea if it would actually help me. Once I decided to hold off on that, the weight of my situation lifted enough so that I could see clearly once again.
Teyani, I am glad you decided to hold off on that. I think pain is a big lead into to apathy, whether physical or emotional at the root. When we feel hopeless, we become numb.
A great post, Pamela. “What always saved me was my ability to pull myself up and out of the mire of rocks and stones, and refuse to feel apathetic about my life and the circumstances and situation around me that weighed me down.” This resonated with my own challenges over time. Apathy is a killer, and I fear right now too many Americans have opted “not to care” and just whine instead of pulling themselves out of the mucky woe over the rocks.
I'm glad you are on the mend! I love your pics of Ogunquit. I visited my grandmother there every summer as a kid. I have fond memories of walking the Marginal Way.
That song definitely hit me in the feels. I know that feeling of apathy. It's definitely a defense mechanism, when you shut down, you feel nothing. Been there...Love is what matters, between each other and toward ourselves. Love heals, fills, and makes life worth living.
Janine, My parents would take us to Ogunquit for a day every summer. It really is a special place. I'm glad you have wonderful memories of Ogunquit too.
I think it will be a few more days until I feel like myself again. It does seem like a low grade infection. Fingers crossed.
Many marginal ways. Being on the edge. Not apathy, just taking time to think, will, act. Like the ocean waves taking their time to arrive on shore. Your covid will disappear. I see you as the photographer/plant that is adjacent to the shore. Adaptable to the weather changes and what ever the new year will bring. I am sure to see a photo healing something that will catch your eye.
Thanks so much Richard. Yes the healing will come. I look forward to getting back out with the camera and catching up with my walking soon. The Marginal Way is such a special place.
I associate apathy with my youth, especially high school and college. It seems like once I got married and had children that apathy waned. That makes sense in your framework since I brought more love into my life. (I suffered from recurring bouts of depression throughout adulthood, but in my mind apathy and depression are different.)
I like the contrast between the rocks and sky in both your photos.
Stuart, I feel as though apathy and depression are different too, but there is probably a link with some people. For me personally depression and anxiety are usually situational. Having a significant other in one’s life does tend to make life easier, love in general does. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Hoping to be back on my feet soon. Thank you!
Feel better. My son had it and my husband and I were boosted 4 weeks earlier and never tested positive, but we had odd symptoms that came and went. Shortness of breath and some vertigo that were transient. Never had congestion we had in January that lasted for weeks on end
Thank you Cherie! My daughter's boyfriend just tested positive too. She just had it about 3 weeks ago, I hope she continues to test negative. There are a lot of people with it right now it seems.
I am glad to hear you're recovering Pamela, thank goodness it seems to be a mild case!
Thank you for reposting this essay - If I were to take an exam in how to survive poverty I believe I would pass with fly colours! It is indeed hard and demoralising and shaming, especially where children are involved - a multi coloured shit show at best but... it builds stamina and resistance, it makes us resourceful and proud when another hurdle is cleared and the bank account is not being threatened with closure, it builds character and empathy with others and fiercely protective of those we love. You've got it all Pamela and it shows! Bless you xxx
Susie, I say often that unless you have lived it you don't understand it. I think that of course holds true for many things, I I see and talk to many well meaning folks who say they understand what living in poverty is like, but they don't. I think in truth there is little empathy because there is little real understanding. Thank you my friend! Bless you as well! xoxo
It is not possible to understand the great lengths we have to take to survive unless a person has walked the same walk or at the very least worked with the poor to experience first hand the huge sacrifices we have to make… Pamela I absolutely agree! But its what makes us survivors and strong! Big love to you sweet soul! xx
Hopefully you feel better soon Pamela and may your days be brighter figuratively and literally as we turn the corner from the Winter Solstice.
Thank you Neil. I certainly wasn't expecting this for Christmas. I did notice the light is already with us a little longer this evening. That is a gift.
It's a beautiful reposting. Apathy is an awful thing to feel. There have been times in my life when it has visited me.
Allan, I think we all experience apathy from time to time. Knowing how to release it and step away is key.
Sending well wishes
Thank Kathryn!
Glad you are mending from Covid.
Apathy is a difficult place to land. If I hit there, at times like that, all I seem to need is someone to sit with me, until I can observe what has pushed me it of my normally present state. A month ago it was the thought of having the high risk spinal surgery. With no idea if it would actually help me. Once I decided to hold off on that, the weight of my situation lifted enough so that I could see clearly once again.
Teyani, I am glad you decided to hold off on that. I think pain is a big lead into to apathy, whether physical or emotional at the root. When we feel hopeless, we become numb.
A great post, Pamela. “What always saved me was my ability to pull myself up and out of the mire of rocks and stones, and refuse to feel apathetic about my life and the circumstances and situation around me that weighed me down.” This resonated with my own challenges over time. Apathy is a killer, and I fear right now too many Americans have opted “not to care” and just whine instead of pulling themselves out of the mucky woe over the rocks.
Diane, I agree, sometime people would rather feel apathy than do something to change their situation.
I'm glad you are on the mend! I love your pics of Ogunquit. I visited my grandmother there every summer as a kid. I have fond memories of walking the Marginal Way.
That song definitely hit me in the feels. I know that feeling of apathy. It's definitely a defense mechanism, when you shut down, you feel nothing. Been there...Love is what matters, between each other and toward ourselves. Love heals, fills, and makes life worth living.
Janine, My parents would take us to Ogunquit for a day every summer. It really is a special place. I'm glad you have wonderful memories of Ogunquit too.
I think it will be a few more days until I feel like myself again. It does seem like a low grade infection. Fingers crossed.
Get well soon!
Thanks so much!
Many marginal ways. Being on the edge. Not apathy, just taking time to think, will, act. Like the ocean waves taking their time to arrive on shore. Your covid will disappear. I see you as the photographer/plant that is adjacent to the shore. Adaptable to the weather changes and what ever the new year will bring. I am sure to see a photo healing something that will catch your eye.
Thanks so much Richard. Yes the healing will come. I look forward to getting back out with the camera and catching up with my walking soon. The Marginal Way is such a special place.
It's good to hear you're on the mend. Keep it up!
I associate apathy with my youth, especially high school and college. It seems like once I got married and had children that apathy waned. That makes sense in your framework since I brought more love into my life. (I suffered from recurring bouts of depression throughout adulthood, but in my mind apathy and depression are different.)
I like the contrast between the rocks and sky in both your photos.
Stuart, I feel as though apathy and depression are different too, but there is probably a link with some people. For me personally depression and anxiety are usually situational. Having a significant other in one’s life does tend to make life easier, love in general does. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Hoping to be back on my feet soon. Thank you!
Glad you are in recovery mode. Get well soon. We need you‼️😇🥰👍
Thank you Vanessa. I do hope this passes quickly. I am already bored. 🙃
Good news on the recovery mode, Pamela. Hope you have a healing weekend and thank you for the repost. It's an important and resonant reminder.
Thank you Heidi. I am hoping to feel better soon. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post.
Take care and get well. Don’t rush it.
Thank you Petrena. I managed to escape getting this for so long.
Feel better. My son had it and my husband and I were boosted 4 weeks earlier and never tested positive, but we had odd symptoms that came and went. Shortness of breath and some vertigo that were transient. Never had congestion we had in January that lasted for weeks on end
Thanks so much Jane. I am really stuffy today and just generally feeling a tad worse than the past 3 days.
Ugh :( It takes time. Feel better soon.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Pamela.
This post was so relatable for me. Thank you. xx
Jo, Thanks so much. I am keeping you in my thoughts my friend.
Oh no, Pamela! So sorry you're sick, not fair at all on Christmas. Hope you are starting to feel better. Hang in there!
Thank you Cherie! My daughter's boyfriend just tested positive too. She just had it about 3 weeks ago, I hope she continues to test negative. There are a lot of people with it right now it seems.
I am glad to hear you're recovering Pamela, thank goodness it seems to be a mild case!
Thank you for reposting this essay - If I were to take an exam in how to survive poverty I believe I would pass with fly colours! It is indeed hard and demoralising and shaming, especially where children are involved - a multi coloured shit show at best but... it builds stamina and resistance, it makes us resourceful and proud when another hurdle is cleared and the bank account is not being threatened with closure, it builds character and empathy with others and fiercely protective of those we love. You've got it all Pamela and it shows! Bless you xxx
Susie, I say often that unless you have lived it you don't understand it. I think that of course holds true for many things, I I see and talk to many well meaning folks who say they understand what living in poverty is like, but they don't. I think in truth there is little empathy because there is little real understanding. Thank you my friend! Bless you as well! xoxo
It is not possible to understand the great lengths we have to take to survive unless a person has walked the same walk or at the very least worked with the poor to experience first hand the huge sacrifices we have to make… Pamela I absolutely agree! But its what makes us survivors and strong! Big love to you sweet soul! xx
Thank you Susie! Big love back to you! xo