Posted by Shar on April 29, 2002, at 12:22:42
In reply to What is worth it?? Poll, posted by tina on April 29, 2002, at 8:10:19
I am probably the worst one to answer this.
Even now, the things that make life worth it are not the great big things, but the little things that can make me pause and look and listen in the moment. Not necessarily having a moment of joy, could be curiousity, solving (a simple) problem, a good laugh (very important), celebrating a success no matter how big or small.
I suppose it's stringing enough of those "moments" together that can be rewarding. Then if one does have a big thing--the love of one's life, money, etc., it's even better.
Probably the most important thing of all is what expectations we have....in both directions. Having an expectation that life will/should be continuing joy isn't that helpful, AND having an expectation that life will/should be continuing pain doesn't help either. They are both unrealistic viewpoints.
Sounds good, but hard to adhere to those ideas when in the black pit of despair. That brings us to another thing that can make life bearable--people. All kinds of people. Close, dear friends, all-purpose friends, specialized friends, kick-us-in-the-ass friends. Friends who can understand our illness but don't give us too much latitude to turn into a real mess. Friends who help us come up with plans to make it through another day (such as our therapists). Friends who make us laugh. Friends who let us help them. Friends who are trustworthy. Friends we've never even met.
Bottom line, imho, it's what's inside and outside us, plus a little self-discipline in the form of giving things a chance to penetrate our veil of darkness as often as possible.
These are all little things, but sometimes one of them can be the one bright spot in my day.
Shar
poster:Shar
thread:198
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/2000/20020416/msgs/201.html