Last week, after I confessed my discouragement with the seemingly endless process of editing my book, I felt sheepish. Was it stupid of me to whine to my friends like that? Then I remembered: in my career as a psychotherapist, I often repeated (and tried to live) the Al Anon slogan: We’re only as sick as our secrets. Every week on Bright Ideas, I share my admiration for senior women who step out of their comfort zones in front of everyone—with their art, their writing, their ideals, their dreams. So, as I tried to fortify myself against feeling humiliated, I signed in to my website thinking: I wonder if anyone made a comment. There you were! My cheerleaders—offering so many words of encouragement, love, and understanding.
Thank you so much … for caring, for reading, for believing in me. Let’s all keep putting one (pretty) foot in front of the other! Love you all! Sheila
Anyone that knows me, knows I have only a precious few secrets. The rest of me is an open book. You’re welcome any time to just let down your hair and cuss if it helps. No judgments here except. I think you are remarkable. Any steps are good too!
Or we could just play our music together. That would do! Love you, Bev.
I echo Wendy Black’s comments. Know that your support system is here for you any time.
Most of all, be good to yourself!
That’s one reason living here in Rock Creek Mobile Home Park is such a blessing! Thank you, Ruth!
Good morning Sheila,
As a professional nurse and experienced artist I understand your hesitancy to admit frustrations/ hesitation / indecisiveness regarding a committment to your life’s dream to write! But I must say in my 79 yrs I have learned that when I am honest and share how vulnerable I sometimes feel it opens doors for others to be honest with me.
When I found out my grown son was gay ( and he swore me to secrecy) I was struggling with so many emotions that I could not share, I decided to invite a few friends who did not know my son to my home to watch a delightful movie about families with gay children. Soon after we watched the film, they began revealing to me that they had gay children, siblings, nieces, etc. We all had found a support system who could share this secret. Such a relief!
My daughter is gay, Wendy. Thank you for sharing!
You are a creative, hard working, resilient person. It is very understandable that you felt discouraged. Many writers have gone through similar experiences. Writing in so many ways are like the challenges of life. Best wishes and heartfelt friendship as you continue your work.
A big hug for you, my dear friend Judith!