“I’ve been trying for some time now to develop a lifestyle that doesn’t require my presence. “
~ Garry Trudeau
Does this quotation strike a chord with you?
It strikes a glorious, wonderful chord with me! Not only because of its delightful absurdity but in light of the unsolicited advice and encouragement I’ve received these past few years from various well-intentioned cheerleaders.
Perhaps becoming newly single does open doors to amazing opportunities and adventures but I’d just as soon leave some of those doors closed.
I never went sky-diving or mountain climbing before – why would I now? (Extreme examples, yes…)
I’d love to oblige my cheer-leading squad – but could do so only if it were possible to arrange for a new lifestyle that didn’t require my presence. ;)
The doors I have opened may be small ones but they’ve made me happy. The essential Beth hasn’t changed. Don’t think she ever will.
photo credit: google images
18 comments:
garry [a distant cousin to our own pierre] is bang on...
Ah the Trudeaus and their wisdom! What would we do without them!
I find the best part of North America is that you can always reinvent yourself.
Being freshly divorced myself I've been getting all kinds of advice. It's weird because I really haven't changed except for losing my house, my family, and a substantial amount of money ... other than that I'm still me, I'm still a working stiff teaching in a prison. Very timely post. I guess my only concern (a trivial one at that) is: when do I change my facebook status from "divorced" to "single." I think it's after getting out of debt. What're your thoughts?
Love this post :) hope the cheerleaders are also reading it.
LW:
I did not know Pierre and Gary were related. Thanks for that tidbit.
I admire both men.
Zhu:
Still in the (slow) process of... ;)
JR:
Debt should have absolutely nothing to do with your Facebook status. If you want to put “single” – go for it!
(Massive changes, huh? And still, at our core, we remain who we are...)
Jaya J:
Ever heard the expression, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”? I’m sticking with that. :)
I know what you mean with the cheerleaders. Being an introvert, my 'cheerleaders' think I need help getting a life and that I'm letting life pass me by. Not so! I am perfectly happy with who I am.
They mean well, but need to know when to give you some space. Perhaps they need a gentle reminder?
Quite right. Just do things you've always wanted to do, but couldn't when you were married. I won't ask what they are.
I just want to live in a Scandinavian forest and die. :P
Trish:
Interesting how some people place their expectations of what constitutes a great life upon others – while others are simply content to live and let live.
I’m going with quality – my version.
GB: Ha! :)
Interwebs Fails: Sounds quite doable. You have my blessings. ;)
Now this is the kind of lifestyle I hanker after Beth! Let me know if you find a way!
Beth, I think you might be my Canadian cousin. Following!
Love,
Lola
always put advice through a sifter with large holes
Juliette:
Alas, if it could be done, I’d have done it years ago.
If I only had an identical twin – a wild, adventurous, extrovert...
Lola:
We are definitely kindred spirits! ;)
nursemyra:
I’m investing in a new sifter...
Very cool blog, supported!
Oh my goodness, Beth, that quote is priceless. I just unleashed a hearty guffaw. Thanks much!
Just be you. You're great and I'll tell the cheerleaders what to do with their pom-poms.
xoRobyn
Being extroverted is over-rated anyway.
anonblog:
Thank you!
Robyn: Glad it made you laugh – you bring many a guffaw and lots of laughter to my life. :)
Lavie:
Agree... ;)
(thanks for the visit)
An encouraging post!
I am not newly single, I am oldly single.
"Re-thinking my inks" on that whole subject.
Singleness is terrific, in so many ways, and "not-the-greatest" in other ways.... if only a person could merge the two things!
The "so many ways" and the "other ways".
Then life, I think, would be singly terrific.
I truly believe that no one is meant to be an island, so to say -- but finding the right "all-inclusive" package -- wow, sometimes I think it's like trying to get to the moon in a Toyota Tercel [with faulty brakes]. And yet, so many lovely people are bounding around happily on this cratered earth of ours, in even a lesser reliable vehicle.
True lasting love is a mystery as grand as a lunar landing. Both things have had their failures and successes.
Your friend here knows more about the former thing.
And yet believes strongly in the latter.
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