Can I get you a cup of tea? Maybe a muffin??? They're gluten-free ;) Come on in, let's have a visit...
Lately, I have had time to consider the ways of the world and the chaos that seems rampant, and I have started the sunflower table runner and placemats for my customer. Returning to my studio with a slower more meditative approach to my next project has been a sort of therapy. I need at least 6 sunflowers each of two different sizes, and I am making certain that I am not rushing the process... taking the time to "pet the fabric" and carefully selecting the perfect colors for the petals, the centers and background.
As I have pieced the petals, I have been listening to a couple of my favorite pandora channels that lift my spirit and mood. I tend to ignore most of the ads that are presented, but there has been one for a good time that has annoyed me... it is about easier access to mental health care.
Don't get me wrong... I know that there have been therapist for years. With an increased focus on mental health over the years, it almost feels to me that they would like us to believe that EVERYONE needs to have a therapist. This frustrates me.
What ever happened to having a close circle of friends to share hardships with and to celebrate victories? As a mom of young children, I relied on the friendships that formed at play groups or library time. We supported and helped each other when a child fell on the playground or required a mom to turn her attention to just one of her kiddos and other moms stepped in to help with a sibling or siblings while she was otherwise occupied. Moms of teens banded together if there was worry or concern for a wayward child.
I cannot express how valuable the time spent with friends was to me... it is still very valuable, though less frequent. In our area, people are spread out and close neighbors can be 1/2 mile away or more as many "neighborhoods" are made up of acreage... anywhere from 5 to 35 or more. Several of our friends live 30 to 45 minutes away. Friends don't just drop in anymore.
I miss the many, many morning conversations I had with a sweet friend who would stop by for a cup of tea and snack as she drove home from dropping off her children at the bus stop. She and I were privy of some the deepest thoughts, fears and secrets of the other.
Life has changed... first off, children have grown, but she now lives in another state. But more than that, society has changed. We already know that time is valuable... but the world has taught us that we need to have "something to show" at the end of the day to prove that we were productive and not just a slug and laid on the couch doing nothing.
I question you... what is wrong with that?!? Society poo-poos the idea of rest and with that the physical and mental health has plummeted into the pits of despair. Children these days don't know what it is like to be bored. They don't know how to entertain themselves... they wait for the parent or guardian to shuffle them off to the next activity. We are not made for isolation... yet that, it seems, is what has happened... and we need to pay someone to listen to our troubles or frustrations. This is just wrong!
I like the idea that more and more people and families are discovering a new-found interest in gardening, raising chickens (homesteading) and living off the land. This doesn't always mean slowing down, though. It can be hard work... But there is a deep satisfaction to the soul to find that you are more independent. It can be relaxing and fun watching the garden grow and collecting the produce - the result of the time spent watering and nurturing the plants. AND the food is better for you... free of pesticides and harmful fertilizers. So, the result is you feel better - physically and mentally. A bonus is that there is often extra produce that you can share with others.
I always welcome excess produce that is sent my way... but even better is the conversation that takes place when a friend drops it off!
I know that gardeners are already starting seeds and nurturing the seedlings so that they will be ready to go into the garden when the threat of frost and freeze is gone. I am not one of those gardeners... well, I used to be. But then I was introduced to quilting! Hahaha.
My personal feeling is that we don't need more therapist willing to listen... we need FRIENDS! I caution that we need to be careful in choosing our friends... not everyone out there is interested in helping and supporting...
Thanks for listening to my rambling... I enjoyed the time with you. I hope that you enjoyed it as well. I need to get back to my sunflowers.
My friend and I used to say... Well, we solved the problems of the world... if only anyone bothered asking us. ;)
What problem of the world would you like to solve?
Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you.
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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Melva, I enjoyed reading your thoughts, and I agree with you! Time spent in the studio and with friends is so good for our mental health. One of my favorite things is to meet a friend for a walk at one of our trail areas here. The conversation is worth its weight in gold. The other day we were walking, and went by a lady whose dog had stopped to do some sniffing, and she said to us, "Sounds like you are solving all the world's problems." Yes, we were!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about therapists. To me they just keep things "stirred up". I miss the easy friendships I had when our kids were young and the work relationships I enjoyed. There are times I feel I should talk to someone, but I usually just bend my husband's ear. In the middle of the night I bend God's ear. ;)
ReplyDeleteAs far as world problems, I would like for others to share the positivity and hope and faith in our country and our leaders that I feel.
Thanks for rambling, because this is so true. I had a "best Friend" who, would drop in just for a chat. We had been friends for 20 years. But then, she got cancer and in a year she was gone. It has been hard to find a good friend. Like you said, you need to be careful who you share your heart with. We as women need a close friend. Someone who loves you, warts and all. Supports and encourages you. Diana was that kind of friend to me.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts about relationships are ones of wisdom. I talk to God all day, and I know He hears. But I love that God tends to send people to minister to one another, and I think we've mostly lost that connection. We think we are connected by the internet and social media, but that's so empty without looking someone in the eye, sharing food together, and hearing one another's sobs and laughter. We have "garage door neighbors," who can leave their homes every day without speaking to any of their neighbors. Since I rarely leave my home, I'm thinking of sitting with one of my hand crank machines outside to catch the eye of neighbors as they walk by in hopes of getting to know a few more of them. We really do need each other. Therapists should not be our friends but should stick to helping those with serious issues.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Everyone spends so much time alone, on the computer, and in their own little world. There aren't normal relationships any more. Thanks for joining Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteI agree that friends are a lifeline. I am losing my best friend to dementia. It's never too late to make new ones though, and that is what i have been doing.
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