This month, as noted before in my newsletter, is Mental Health Awareness Month.
It reminds me of the original “Story of the Starfish” by Loren Eisley.
A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean.
She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t even begin to make a difference!”
The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, it made a difference to that one!”
My immediate reaction: an acknowledgement of the critical importance of just taking One Small Step at a Time. The little girl knew the tide was going out and time was of the essence and recognized the significance of each of her individual actions.
This can also be applied to learning a new skill.
Mastering something unfamiliar can be daunting, but if broken down into small incremental steps, it becomes doable and achievable.
I purchased a machine that turns yarn into firmly twisted straps – for my handknitted purses and totes.
Then I became completely frustrated when I tried to replicate the seller’s instructions once I set up the machine at home.
The machine sat unused for months.
Then I called a friend who is a whiz at machines and knitting – she was going camping.
More months passed.
My frustration mounted.
My friend returned from her camping trip and came by.
Together, we practiced making straps – most of hers were well woven – most of mine were loopy and saggy.
Every day after that, I practiced making my knitted straps with a wide variety of yarns.
Six months after purchasing my machine, I produced the first strap I was comfortable attaching to one of my hand knitted purses.
There is nothing like tackling, learning, practicing and mastering a new skill to raise your spirits and improve your mood. One mouse step at a time.
This point of view can also be applied to beginning a journey toward serenity and a more positive mindset.
Will listening to one self-help zoom call, podcast, or youtube segment improve your mental and emotional fitness and/or change your life? Probably not. Just like one therapy session won’t cure what ails you. It’s unlikely you are going to get a sustained kangaroo leap from just one of anything. And even If you do, it’s probably not going to be sustainable. But what you will get is incremental progress toward greater acuity and self-awareness and mindfulness if you keep at it.
It’s cumulative and IT STARTS WITH ONE SMALL STEP.
I have two zoom presentations coming up. One is a guest appearance and the second is a solo.
If you access my talks, will epiphanies rain down on you, ushering in a whole new way of operating? Probably not.
But it will add an additional tool in your toolbox to draw upon when darker moments threaten to descend.
Here are my two upcoming zoom appearances:
What: The Donna Seebo Show
When: Friday, June 4
Time: 11:30pm EST (EEK!)
Link: https://delphiinternational.com/events/
(mine is not listed yet)
Fire up your neurons to maximize your well-being. Join me for an inspirational chat focusing on jump-starting change through reflection, imagining and re-booting in order to live fully and joyfully.
When: Wednesday, June 16
Time: 7pm EST
Link to register: https://www.jewishtampa.com/jewish-federation-events/womens-philanthropy-event
Keep Preserving Your Bloom and Fighting the Fade,
Iris Ruth Pastor
PS I’m not the only one whose voice should be heard. Voice yours on the subject of PAK – Parenting Adult Kids. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F3W3XMX