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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