Well, it seems as though most of those things in my life are crashing and burning. My family is doing well, as are Lucy and Rabs, so no worries there. My car and house are tied in with wonky finances, so I'm guessing that's all just one issue. Regardless, I'm finding myself increasingly frustrated with... well... myself... as well as almost everything around me.
So what the hell do you do when life goes from being a positive influence (like a friend that helps you study for a big exam; or brings you soup when you're sick; or shares their whiskey with you because it's better than the cheap shit you brought to the party you're both attending) and starts acting like a total dick (like someone that sits in front of you at the theatre and plays Angry Birds with the brightness on their iPhone at 100%; or that asks you what you think about something, only to correct your opinions with their different, but "more right" opinions; or tells you they don't care where you two go eat and then shoots down every single suggestion you offer)?
And don't try to talk to me about life giving you lemons, blah blah blah. I've played Portal 2, and lemons will never be the same. However, I highly doubt that combustible lemons will solve my current problems.
When I'm at my lowest, stuck with lemons with nothing to do with them, I find very few things that help me get through all the bullshit. Painting is a good distraction from negativity, and reminds me that I'm not a total failure at everything (because while my art is not incredible, it's above average, and that's reassuring). Lucy is a fucking trip, and the attention and positive interaction I get from strangers while with her at the dog park (not to mention the snuggles and hysterics she provides) always manages to lighten my mood. Making lists with at least three points is also good for making shitty situations/circumstances/checking account balances feel less shitty.
But, you know, it's rare and amazing when another person (whether one you know well, or not so well) steps in and manages to accidentally, drastically alter your mood for the better. And you can never tell that person how horrifically hopeless you were feeling, or to what extent they managed to pull you out of that emotional Bog of Eternal Stench.
So thank you. If you've ever said anything, knowing that it would make someone feel good (especially unsolicited), thank you. If you've gone out of your way to be a thoughtful bastard to a person you hardly know, thank you. And if you've ever shared your top shelf whiskey with an almost complete stranger because she can only afford Jim Beam, thank you.
Everyone needs that sometimes. And it's incredible how often some random act or random words of kindness will be all that even the most dejected person needs in order to take those first steps, and climb out of the hole they've been wallowing in.
I'd share my Balvenie 191 with you guys anytime.
<3
