Heartwings says, “Expectations can be unrealistic.”
I used to be able… These days these words echo in my mind far too many times. Frustrating? I don’t fault myself for what I cannot accomplish in the time I have; I do, however, regret it. For instance, I have not written a column since mid-September. This is something new for me.
It is not for lack of inspiration. In fact, I have three potential column titles posted in a note on my computer screen, and this isn’t even one of them. Nor is it because I’m tired of writing, far from it. It’s been my joy for a long time, and still is. No, it is because I have not taken the time or made writing a top priority. That is the bottom line. What to do? Simple answer: cut back.
I once wrote my columns weekly. Year in and year out I wrote a new one, very occasionally going back to pull up an old one and revise it a little. Until fairly recently they were in the Grafton News. They were finally dropped as a result of editorial policy. Now I have no deadline and less incentive to produce. I do love to write; however, needs must take precedence over pleasure.
Three meals a day have to be planned and cooked. While Stephen would eat out at least once a day, this practical person never would. Even if my pocketbook could handle that, my digestion could not. Then there’s laundry, tidying, and so forth. No ned to bore you, dear reader, with the details. Worse, my emails pile up horribly. I could handle all this once, to be sure, and therein lies the rub.
Not only must I adjust my expectations, I must also eliminate or at least cut back on my activities. I always answer every personal email response that readers send me. People are very important to me. Then too I enjoy passing on articles of interest, not to mention reading them myself. And I do appreciate any of readers’ kind responses. I post the columns on Facebook as well as on my blog.
Facebook, too needs attending to. I enjoy thanking people for their nice comments as well as responding to others’ thoughts. Perhaps I need to give up doing all that responding. Maybe I need to stop reading the intriguing daily informational columns like the History one…yet they do give me pleasure. If my readers have any suggestions, I would welcome them.
Having Parkinson’s means I will need three or four times as long to do anything I used to do, whether it’s making a sandwich or writing and posting my blog. When I can at least do away with any expectations it does make me feel better. I try to pat myself on the back for what I can do and ignore my regrets. You dear reader will see less of me, however I will stay with what I can do and keep you posted.
May you be happy with your accomplishments.
Blessings and best regards, Tasha Halpert
A poet and writer, I publish a free weekly blog, Heartwings Love Notes for a Joyous Life. My Books: Up to my Neck in Lemons, and Heartwings, Love Notes for a Joyous Life are available on Amazon. My latest publication available there is my first chapbook, Poems and Prayers, and I have two more in preparation. You can sign up for my blog at http://tashasperspective.com.
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