Dear reader, people are struggling mightily right now. I am having a hard time staying positive. I also know I need you —someone like-minded, open and kind— more than ever right now. Community matters more than ever. Connection makes a difference, more than ever. So glad you’re here.
On a practical level, I avoid flying later in the day and on weekends. In between flights, I also avoid seafood in airports.
I also avoid:
broad generalizations ("survivors have a hard time with _______") and sweeping statements ("everyone loves chocolate!")
time standing in any kind of line
going to bed too late
wearing a bra in the summer
walking under ladders and black cats, especially if said cats are on foot near me
Not me because I also avoid both wearing yellow and heights. Photo via Alexandra Tran via Unsplash
Oy, Gloria! It is SO hard to sit with feelings. For me it often gets easier if I sit with them with a friend who is feeling similarly vexed/sad/livid. Grateful you shared your answer here. <3
Paula, I love that you avoid dogs and I avoid cats! Of all the things! And don't get me started on small talk. UGH. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
Right now I am avoiding the news!
Right there with you, Allison! Ooof.
There is only one answer for me, and it's my feelings. I'm not proud of it, but I really hate sitting with my feelings.
Oy, Gloria! It is SO hard to sit with feelings. For me it often gets easier if I sit with them with a friend who is feeling similarly vexed/sad/livid. Grateful you shared your answer here. <3
Dogs. Traffic jams. Small talk. Boredom (or the potential of it. I always pack a book in my bag.).
Paula, I love that you avoid dogs and I avoid cats! Of all the things! And don't get me started on small talk. UGH. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
I certainly resonated with avoiding small talk and my own feelings (separate from others). Right now, I’m avoiding doomsday thinking. ❤️
I might have guessed you'd chime in on the small talk avoidance here, Holly! :-) Glad to hear your thoughts.