Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us
In my spare time, I’ve been writing a break-up book. Figured it’s the logical extension of the other two dating books I wrote
One thing I truly believe is to try to distance yourself from the pain of the breakup – or any pain, really – and try to appreciate the good things that come out of it.
While I don’t believe in that old saw that “everything happens for a reason,” I do believe what this poet named James Russell Lowell said:
Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or by the handle.
I started blogging during a really bad period of my life. But during that period, I had some pretty fun nights, met some incredible people – some of whom are among my best friends today – and, of course, met my favorite person.
And during that time, I listened to songs from singers like KT Tunstall, Camera Obscura, and Imoegen Heap; now, whenever I hear anything from them, I’m reminded of that time. And I look back on it fondly.
Did you know that Robinson Crusoe was based on a real guy? He was a fella named Alexander Selkirk that ended up alone on an island for four years and four months. After he was rescued, he became a multimillionaire and celebrity.
But he realized that that time alone ended up being some of the best times in his life. He died wishing that he was back on his islands with his goats and his thoughts.
In fact, when he could live anywhere in the world, he lived in a cave by himself for a bit. And one of his last thoughts was, I am now worth 800 Pounds, but shall never be so happy, as when I was not worth a Farthing.
Now, this isn’t like my usual rambling post so much as it is a letter to a friend to whom I say this:
Most people handle life as they do bad weather: they wait for it to stop.
Don’t be most people, because you’re not most people.
Try to enjoy these difficult times while you can, as odd as that might sound. Because it’s only just for now and it’ll be over before you know it.
In any case, I’m always (not so secretly) on your side.
Location: back to the gym again
Mood: content
Music: that time of year, leave all our hopelessness aside
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6 replies on “Robinson Crusoe died wishing he was on the island”
It’s not Monday!
Did you know that Robinson Crusoe’s island of landing is thought to be Tobago where I grew up?
But is there anything you can recommend to help you switch from thinking about difficult times like weather? It’s a predisposition of mine to not “rock the boat” and sometimes I just need to get out of my head.
I did not know that! So interesting. Nor did I know that you were from Tobago – ah, I’m learning so much today.
As for your question, I’ll ask you the questions I ask all my legal clients: “What do you want? Why can’t you get what you want? Is it worth the risk/expense to go get what you want?”
While that works well for me getting to heart of what they really want, I find it helps me to figure out what I really want/need out of life.
And rock the boat from time-to-time. After all, you’re the one in it.
I think our association is a bit one sided since I don’t blog!
I would be very interested in reading your break up book.
But the questions you ask are very much coaching type questions that I’ve done before. Was just wondering if you ever read a book or something else that gave you an *ah hah! * moment.
Sorry for the late reply – just got sidetracked.
Well, all the more reason for you to blog!
As for things that gave me an “ah-ha” moment; I think that the books I read on NLP were helpful in making me see how I related to the world might be different. And the thing that makes me really get going on stuff is (a) my advancing age and (b) a good schedule that I try to stick to.
I have a picture of the spirit of robinson crusoe
[…] did you know that it was based on a real person named Alexander Selkirk? Just before he died, he dreamt of being back on his island. Her: You know a lotta useless information, Lo. Me: We’re using it right […]