Blasting the Blahs Away

What was causing my blahs?

For almost a day, I felt them building. Mine usually start with being bored.

I allow moments of boredom as I do to fears and tears. It is natural for what I am going through right now. But I know to grow concerned when my usual coping methods fail to straighten my course under typical time allowances.

This was the case on Monday. I made a list of possible concerns:

Was it the upcoming end of my chemo sessions?
My tenuous housing situation?
Having had to give away my car or even just the seeming endless rain?

I finally settled on the most recent dreams where my late father played a starring role.

The last member of my family, his death in 2011 had released him from great physical pain.

Any and all nastiness he had thrown at me during the last two decades of his life were purposely forgiven as I chose to concentrate on blessings he had bestowed. Not as easy task, I admit, but necessary to move me forward in a positive light.

The answer came to me when I realized this no deep self evaluation was necessary - I simply missed my old man and wished he was only a phone call away.

Rejecting Ouija board and psychics I suddenly remembered his love of march music. Whether it was American, German, Austrian or English and Scottish - he was happiest when piccolos tooted, trombones slide and bass drums pounded a steady beat.

Summer vacations to Washington DC were a delight when an evening military band concert at a park or Arlington Cemetery was included.

A quick search on YouTube found my perfect recovery tool. US Marines playing John Philip Sousa and Johann Strauss, Sr's " The Radetzky March."

I cried through the first listening to "Stars and Stripes Forever." The second brought clapping and by the third, I went full volume and marched around the room to both songs - a couple of more times too.

Did I feel a bit foolish at first? A tad. But Dad and I were talking.

Extra bonus? My blahs had marched away leaving my good humor restored.

Keeping an even keel is so important to your health.

What do you do? Even if it is untypical to your normal behavior, and not illegal or immoral I urge you to do it! Laugh at yourself, if necessary -

laughter equals better health.

Feel free to use my remedies,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4PMZrlsaPE "Stars and Stripes Forever"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7z1I5UC1aY "The Radetzky March"

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