One Day At A Time

It's been a little while since I have blogged, but this time I can blame it on moving. Yes, I am now a homeowner for the first time in my life, and while that can be exciting, it can also be very stressful. Now, if something breaks, I can't just call the landlord. I either have to fix it myself or shell out lots of cash to have someone else fix it.

So far, so good in the fixing department, although we have only been in the house a week. What I'm dealing with the most right now is getting used to living in a new neighborhood and new house. For many people, that may be no big deal. But I have always had a difficult time dealing with big changes in my life. Maybe I'm just overly emotional, but change can be pretty scary for me.

So how do you deal with change? I think it is similar to dealing with depression. You can try to stay in a routine as much as possible. Do things that make you happy. Don't let negative thoughts consume you. Plan small activities to look forward to, and enjoy the small and simple pleasures. Don't overwork yourself or try to take on too many projects. Get enough exercise and sleep. Eat right. Use relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

All those suggestions are well and good, but the truth is, stress is still an everyday struggle, and sometimes all you can do is take it one day at a time. So forgive me if I don't post about the house right away. I'm still getting used to all all its quirks (it's 110 years old). But I'm sure you will get more than an earful about my house in the years to come.

Argument

I have never been the sort of person who likes to argue a point. Even if it's something I believe strongly, I usually keep it to myself because I have found that most people don't want to change their minds about what they believe. They only want to make you believe what they believe. I find it pointless to try to make others believe as I do, so why would I argue the point?

Just because I don't like to argue, doesn't mean I don't like to put my opinions out there. Obviously I put my opinions out there all the time on this blog. But once my opinion is out there and someone rejects it, I'm not going to push it further. Honestly, I don't care much if others agree with me. They can believe what they want as long as they don't try to push it on me.

I know there are people out there who love to argue because they are just so passionate about what they believe. I'm sure that to them I am simply a coward for not standing up for what I believe. In response to that I would say, first of all, that if someone's rights are being violated or they are being severely mistreated, I do try to stand up for them if I think I can make a difference. I don't just lay down and accept everything that is unjust in the world. But when it comes to things like politics, or religion, or personal beliefs, you bet I'm not going to try to change anyone's mind. Most people don't want to open their minds to a different way of thinking, and I'm not a master of persuasion to make them do it. I will leave that job to the people who love the art of persuasion. But even if you love a good argument, learn to know when enough is enough, and when an argument is futile. I think it is the mark a foolish person who always argues, but never changes his own mind.

Life Is Beautiful

It's hard to believe it has been so long since I posted last. Life always seems to get in the way, but I don't want to give up on my blog. Lately, too many of the blogs I read are being neglected or abandoned because their writers can't keep up with the stresses of life and extra things like writing a blog. But I think it is important to keep writing. For one thing, it is a creative outlet and when you think writing will stress you out, it often does the opposite and lifts your mood. Also, you can't let life win. What I mean by that is, you can't let the stress of life overwhelm you.......you just can't. If you do, then you either die, or everything becomes meaningless. Whatever you do in life, don't let that happen. Writing a blog may be a silly, small way of not letting life win, but it is a piece of the whole that makes life beautiful, and thus just as important as any other piece.

Of course, as I always say, don't try to do too much and get overwhelmed. Maybe a blog is too much, and that is fine. But make sure to keep some things that make your life happy. Whether it be cooking or drawing or singing or gardening or exercising or playing games, or spending time with your family. These things are way more important than making more money or having more things or keeping up with the Jones. Forget about appearances and expectations too much responsibility and live a life that is beautiful to you.