Skip to main content

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"




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

To Wig or Not to Wig

Recently, I discovered my early German ancestors lived in a place once called "Wigmodia." Considering my current bald status perhaps I am being led by my roots (literally) to place a covering resembling hair atop my head. But a little history lesson first (no groans from the peanut gallery, please). Curiosity is a terrible thing to waste. Ancient Egyptian, typically men, often kept their cool with close shaven heads, However, the romantic ladies liked something to run their fingers. Coverings, created from animal fur and other natural sources, became the norm. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like slapping on plaited papyrus held in place with beeswax. Should the object of desire be wealthy, it was customary to place a dollop of animal fat on the outside of the wig. Imagine snuggling up to that on a hot night in Alexandria? Other cultures from the Assyrians to the Greeks and Romans found wigs appealing, as did Asians. Then the fad died out until the 16 th...

Pesky Prednisone

Chamomile  tea warming by my bedside while a massaged glob of  lavender-infused  lotion disappears into my hands. Meditation music at the mere touch of a button ready to lull me into deep and restful slumber.  Insert diabolical laughter here. Too bad the steroids, I am currently taking to combat the nasty  Rheumatoid arthritis   side effects of Keytruda, are working against my desired result. That pesky Prednisone primed to keep me upright and awake into the morning's early hours is my new norm. Aside from the above, I've tried the old standards like reading in bed, wearing an eye mask and counting sheep. The latter proved really bad idea. Prednisone also sends my appetite soaring. Visions of fluffy ovis quickly transformed into succulent grilled lamb chops before they cleared the fence. I have no need to complain. Despite retaining constant under eye bags, steroids have failed to give me an over abundance facial hair or muscles....

Staying Positive

Having a healthy and positive attitude usually depends on how you handle the rain you are given.