Out to Lunch

I wonder if we realize how often we are out to lunch and not in the moment. That realization hit me with a thud in the mall’s parking lot the other day. Everything came to a very noisy stop. I wondered what the hell happened. Then I saw my car met another car I hadn’t seen. I had momentarily glanced sideways at possible parking spots. My thoughts were on parking spots. I was aware that there were also negative thoughts circulating through my mind. My attention was not on what was in front of me.

Lucky I was just inching along. My car sustained no damage. The other car a small dent. We exchanged names and license plates. I apologized and thanked him for not yelling at me. I thought at the time it was my fault. Now I am not so sure. It matters not as we have no fault insurance. The positive thing was the impact jarred and stopped my toxic thoughts and feelings instantly. It clearly showed me how out to lunch I was and have been. But it also left me sleepness that night, pondering and fretting over everything.

I am happy to report that I had a good night’s sleep last night. I want to say I have turned over a new leaf. We all know that it’s not all that easy. I am practicing to stay in the moment. I gave up my morning meditations awhile back. I restarted this morning. I am giving up reading the 2 Heathers each morning. Learning all that stuff about Donald Trump and the Republicans are very toxic for my mental health. It’s not a good way to start each day.

I have started my 100 day project of reading Wayne Dyer’s Change Your Thought, Change Your Life. I am not sure how far I will get in a 100 days but I have started instead of just talking on starting. In my search for the book, I came across a little book by C. S. Lewis called Surprised by Joy. It’s the same old story of meaning to read but haven’t. The book was for my Philosophy of Religion class of long ago. It costed 75 cents. That’s how long ago I had meant to read it. I have always been enthralled by the title. Wouldn’t you want to be surprised by joy? I am surprised that I am finally reading it. I was motivated after watching the movie Surprised by Oxford where the book and the author was mentioned. I think I am suppose to read it.

TURNING ON A DIME

January 18, 2019  2:01 pm

When I bought my Honda CRV, one of the sales pitch used was that it can turn on a dime. Apparently it, or some other pitch worked. The truth is it was the hatch back and large cargo area with its rubber liner that sold me. It was perfect for Sheba. See what I mean? She has plenty of room to stand up or lay down and windows to look out of on all sides. It was her bedroom in summer when we went camping.

I haven’t thought of the dime feature for a long time. It’s just popped into my head the other day. Funny how thoughts happen. It was thoughts that triggered the memory. If you know me, you would know I’m a gatherer of information on how to do anything/be/live better. I collect but haven’t used much of what I’ve gathered. You can call me a hoarder. That is changing – I think. It HAS – really. Already, I’ve changed the header image and font of this blog. It’s looking sleeker, don’t you think?

Ok, back to the dime turning thought. I was feeling sick and tired of my thoughts, feelings, my whole f’ing life. Perhaps it’s the January blues, a new year after the old year thing. It’s not how I want to feel. I felt sorely disappointed in myself. I remembered all the things I’ve done, all the books I’ve read. To what avail? I ask myself. I’m sick of my attitude, too.

I have to change my thoughts or I’m going to be unhappy forever. Those words  popped into my head. Thank you Wayne Dyer for Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. Yes, my thinking changed just like that – on a dime. But let me tell you, it can change back just as quick. I have to keep turning them around. In my mind I’m tossing coins. Sometimes I’m tossing flapjacks. It works. It shakes up my thought patterns. I can’t keep driving ahead. I’m going to end up in the ditch. I have to change directions, left or right? Any change is right to get out of the rut. I can change again when I’m out.