Highs & Lows

It's been a funny week. Funny-odd actually. Some great developments and some sad ones.

I was able to help a close friend as he moved. While he ultimately didn't take on-board my suggestions for the organization of the dishes (Which I didn't take personally), I know that leaving his new place with a bed set up, boxes unloaded and gone, and an ability to actually see the floor in most of his new home is a huge accomplishment. For anyone that's moved, you know it's a big job - one that easily overwhelms and depends tremendously on good attitude, a strong work ethic and an ability to organize one's thoughts and stuff. It sounds a lot like work. It was terribly rewarding personally to help, and know that I was able to make a difference. That was a real high-point in the week.

At the other end of the spectrum, someone close to me hit a financial wall, and seemed about to be homeless. Very sad as it was the result of their own mismanagement and choices, and it's always pity to see someone get themselves in that situation. It brought out a very paternal response in me (it wasn't one of my kids), as it always seems the right choice for me is to teach someone to survive, rather than carry them through difficult times. It's really tough to let someone go through this though, as part of the process is hitting the wall. We learn best from our mistakes, and if we rescue someone...then the implications of their mistakes never materialize and they don't learn and won't avoid this in future. So, tough emotional times when your brain thinks it knows the answer, but your heart wants to do something else.

And I've been studying..that's happily a positive thing. Learning new things, becoming competent in new skills. It seems a luxury to spend time doing dedicated learning, and I have enjoyed it. Like physical exercise, I've always found that pushing your brain on an ongoing basis is a great way to maintain mental health (and balance, well being etc). I highly encourage it and it can take different forms - an evening reading on your favorite topic, cooking classes, yoga or whatever. Always keep pushing yourself.

Will next week be different. And the same. That's just life.