Every now and then, a piece of writing, a post from the past still speaks to me. I smile when I think of these as my very own ‘classic rewinds’. Coming at you on this ICYMI-M (In Case You Missed It Monday). First published in February, 2023.
Singing in the Lifeboats
At first blush, this quote from Voltaire? It’s pretty dismal. Life = shipwreck? Yeah, maybe some days…but do we need to dwell on it? But darn it all, those smart ones, like Voltaire, with just fourteen words, he propels me from despair to delight. Fourteen words that provide just the kick in the pants I need.
Despite my wishful thinking, there’s no bubble wrap for life. No protective shields. We go from day to day hoping for the best, riding out the rocky bits and cheering when unexpected pleasantries roll in. Some might call that having low expectations. I prefer to think of it as cautious optimism. Revel in the sweet stuff but don’t expect a steady stream. 😉
Am I alone in this not-quite-pessimistic approach? I don’t think so. I have a client who continues to navigate one speed bump after another and while her fatigue is showing, her resolve to get through…one way or another…has not. She epitomizes the heart of the Voltaire quote.
Today as we wrapped up our meeting, she whispered that she had a secret. When the tide is rising and the swell of stress is palpable, undeniable, her antidote is shower singing. Full volume, full voice and after a good ‘shower sesh’ with her favorite 80’s tunes, she resets. Calm returns.
Later, I couldn’t summon the exact Voltaire quote, but I remembered something about lifeboats and singing that popped to mind, thanks to my client’s self-care sharing. When I found those fourteen words, I smiled. And then I sent her the quote, which she’d never heard of before. She and Voltaire. Now they’re best buds.
Shit happens. Shipwrecks happen. Shitwrecks happen? 😉 Yup, but if you can, find the release that works for you. Belting out Blondie at the top of your lungs? Works for my sweet client – and who am I to disagree? And yes – that was a little Eurythmics fun, “Sweet Dreams” …from me…and if I may be so bold…from Voltaire, too.
Vicki 💖
Victoria Ponders 
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