It’s one “new normal” after another ...

 



It won’t have escaped your attention that we are all living in a “new normal”.

 

For myself, a transformation to Phil v2.0 signified another one.

 

The birth of Phil v2.0 isn’t the only relevant birth, though. With effect from yesterday evening, normality has changed, again - it now includes the presence of my first grandchild! 

 

Everything went fine for them. Mum and baby are back home, and both are doing very well.

 

By reason of the head bump, I have limited memories of my own children growing up and am looking forward to the creation of new ones, about this young, fellow.

 

In a way, I am trying to replace a grieving for the past with some optimistic anticipation.

 

As I’ve already mentioned, something that I find helpful is a “mindful” approach. In essence, this involves thinking rather less about the unchangeable past and the uncertain future - and more about, good things that might be going on, right now. Of course, the new arrival is experiencing his first afternoon at the moment - and I am enjoying thinking about him, at the same time.  That’s so much better than wishing I was still Phil v1.0 or worrying about the week ahead. 

 

As I alluded to earlier, my current thoughts include excitement about his future. I accept entirely, that it is uncertain - as is the case with us all. I don’t however see any problem with my hopes and ambitions for him, from a mindfulness perspective.

 

To me at least, mindfulness isn’t about a complete disregard of what has happened and what might happen. It is more about getting things in better proportion.

 

The past retains some importance - we will have learned from it, and it can be a source of happy memories. 

 

The future has its place, as well. We can make and put in place, plans. It is also inappropriate to consider an absolute dismissal, of looking forward to things. Doing so would deprive us of much pleasure. All that’s important here, is to foster reasonable anticipation. I think that a better restriction of thoughts about the future, is cutting down on worrying about it - don’t fret. It might never happen.

 

So, nobody’s going to stop me looking forward to watching the lad, growing up!

 

Welcome to this strange old world, little one. It’s better for having you in it.




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