FYI: The DDTS Distraction blog—arriving to several via the ‘AI app’--having been “edited” (summarized) considerably, with word and emphasis changes. However, by scrolling down, the original blog appears. AI has been uninstalled from my computer and phone. If my blog doesn’t sound like me, scroll down to the original blog.
Responding to several “why no blog for so long”, and you may have wondered as well, all I can say is: several bigtime distractions such as a 17-year packed upright freezer going out consuming time and energy in finding a replacement. The first one ordered didn’t fit; a long wait for another but the frozen food couldn’t wait, so friends’ borrowed freezer space solved that pressing need. I was certainly handed a huge distraction to practice all I’d been writing about and advising.
The possibility for a follow-up on distractions has been met with encouragement. I’ve been duly impressed with the wide range and significance that distractions currently play and have played in everyone’s life:-at home, work, travel, study, recovering, teaching, cooking, building, writing, worshiping etc. Distractions surround us in adjusting to losses of family, friends, occupations, health and independence. Consequently, distractions come in small, extra-small, medium, large and extra-large; some provide beneficial ideas while others rob one of time and money and by and large are simply a waste of time. We owe it to ourselves to take some more time to understand the ins and outs of distractions. To some, distractions are heartily welcomed lending positive outcomes as the following responses reveal.
Hi Ruth, now that I’m retired, I am more distracted now than at any time in my life & I love it. I embrace them! It’s a treasure hunt of sorts and I don’t mind the endless meandering at all. I make lists upon lists of tasks and happily mark through completed tasks. I don’t care how long they take. Here on this little farm are endless tasks and still more endless distractions. Several lists of important jobs and things to do get done only to be replaced with more...distractions 1) help me keep up with unnecessary chores but necessary order to make my brain work. 2) distractions are fun because they keep my interests stimulated. 3) distractions take me in unanticipated directions of discovery on my way to completing the original task. I HAVE ASKED GOD to help me enjoy fixing this and that. J.
This following response involving an extended family may sound familiar, bringing back many memories.
My brothers” and my story began in late November when brother, Jim, ran into our second cousin, Mike, who said he had been going through papers and family pictures his grandmother (my Dad's Aunt Mary) had saved and had found many items that should go to our side of the family. Developments of a series of family distractions led the siblings to their dad’s unknown service letters-treasures written to our grandmother. This distraction turned into several projects of sorting through many boxes of family photos albums and 50 letters. P.
I’m taking a big leap with this blog from the small personal distractions that we deal with daily to huge disability distractions that some are either born with or grow into that we know little about, that my Philosophy son and his PT wife and I were discussing as they referred to a book they thought I would enjoy regarding disabilities As I wrote the title and author down, Roger said, “We’ll order it for you.
When the book arrived, I was overwhelmed with its size, by far the largest book I had—702 pages. I’ve read all kinds of books since I was ten years old, but this one discusses the afflictions people are born with or become afflicted with later in life such as: Deaf, Dwarfs, Down Syndrome, Autism, Schizophrenia, Prodigies, all affecting their families. I can’t put the book down! I have taken many notes. I have learned so much that I wish I had known years ago. I mention this book, because compared to our discussion of distractions, they are hardly anything in comparison.
Life is not easy for anyone but caring about the needs of others and offering encouragement and assistance of any kind is the best we can do. Learning about the distractions of others highlights the blessings we have. In all my years of counseling, parenting four children and partnering with Jim in loving and encouraging the congregations that we pastored, with parishioners who struggled with all kinds of problems, but the physical and mental distractions from physical and mental disabilities that I’m learning about from this book is new territory. I’ve almost finished Far from the Tree by Andrew Solomon.
Caring about the needs of others by offering encouragement and help of any kind is the best that many can do. Often, the best gift is quietly listening.
That last statemen reminds me of a client I had years ago. When Carol arrived, I greeted her and indicated the chair where she would sit and asked if I could bring her a glass of water. Without any prodding, Carol began talking. I took notes, and occasionally said, “Hmm”, nodding my head with understanding and when appropriate, said “I see”, or “Oh” When the hour was up, she handed me a check, I wrote out the receipt and gave it to her. I walked to the door with her. She hugged me and said, :”Thank you. You’ve helped me more than anyone I’ve talked to.” All she needed was an audience.
We all face distractions of some kind for the rest of our lives. When I was experiencing the freezer fiasco, I reminded myself: “It’s not the situation we’re in but the attitude we take.” (an adage from my teens that still helps to calm me). As we discussed in the original piece, some distractions can be handled quickly and save time. Some are just plain old nuisances. Other distractions have some promise that can be scheduled for a later time. A few distractions are good reminders of what we might have otherwise forgotten. For me, I like to have a pen and paper on hand to take notes and save time.
We are all responsible for keeping our lives as peaceful as possible in the areas of thought and action are considered. For myself, when I am stressed over distractions of any kind whether, big, little, financial, relational or feeling pressed with keeping up with household duties, or something physical or a relationship is bothering to me, I am helped by saying it aloud or writing it down; “Lord, I give you this problem. I don’t like how it’s going, but I’m trusting you to help me get through it by making the best decisions. I want to grow in some way as a result. Help me to keep my attitude positive”.
Reading the scripture helps me to be peaceful and patient, enabling me to make wiser decisions. Like Phil. 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.( Phil. 4:6-7 (Niv).
Jesus said to his disciples: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….John:14:27.
Click on: https://ruthmcrobertsward.com/distractions-follow-up/