Friday 17 January 2014

January 17, 2014 Chautauqua


From the Editor's Computer


   Of late, different people I’ve talked to have asked me about items on my “bucket list” that I’ll do once my health has been restored.  The most common item suggested to me has been running a marathon.  I can tell you right now, that won’t happen.  Running has zero appeal for me.

   In truth, I don’t have a “bucket list” of items I want to accomplish before I die.  That said, I do have subjects I want to delve into, activities I’d like to try, skills I’d like to learn, places I wish to visit, people I’d like to meet, and more. 

   But, there is no panic or urgency to those wishes and desires.  If I don’t ever get to do any of the items, I won’t in any way feel like a failure, or that my life has been a waste.

   I certainly don’t need to accomplish anything to “prove” to myself what I am capable of doing.  Due to past experiences and illnesses (I have gone through this before), I know with certainty that I am more than capable of doing whatever I decide I want to do – usually the real challenge has been deciding what I want to do!

   As well, I know how far I can push myself – I wouldn’t still be on my feet at all if I didn’t know that, nor would you be reading each issue of The Chautauqua. Not long ago, I had a friend tell me I sure don’t act like someone who is convalescing from a serious illness.

   I have also learnt what happens when I push myself too much!  Or at least what happens when I push myself in the wrong direction for me.

   So, I think the message is not that I need to heal so I can conquer the world - though I am still working at that in my own fashion - and accomplish items on a “list,” but rather, that I need to stop pushing, achieving, and doing. 

   Slowing down, stepping out of the norm, not following the general  societal consensus, and marching to my own beat seem to be what is working for me.  And why not, since that is who I really am at heart.

   And who knows...maybe when I feel more energetic, I may change my mind and create a bucket list after all?  If I do, I still won’t add running to the list!

Beth 
 
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OgqwN7VTxVx4SkuIuK7prQ19bNF_k9vF/view?usp=sharing

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