Knackered is Under Construction with Benzos

   Hey there, Knackered here.  There’s a lot of stuff under construction in one way or another these days.  Yellow cones are popping up like dandelions on the roads, warning signs send us off on detours, major bridges need fixing and websites that have worked just fine for years now have new verification codes, password requirements, and numerous explanations as to what to do with your cookies.  My head was under construction the other day when the power went out around here.  Fortunately, my wife has just finished cutting my hair when it happened.  Otherwise I’d have gathered some rather odd looks when I ventured out.

   It seems like we’re being pulled in opposite directions these days by factions that want to remain in a stagnant past and those that wish to move on the way things have evolved over time.  One thing is certain, stuff moves, changes, dies, either on its own or by someone else’s hand.

   Sometimes in life, things are best left alone and we can just coast along at the same speed.  But many times if we want to make any progress in the inner self department, we have to get to work on it.  Often it’s something we choose to do, but with others we’re forced by circumstances to make things happen.

   When we have to put up the warning cones and post detour signs, the road is a mess and full of pot holes.  We really don’t know how we’re going to make it through.  The end result may be out of sight and our present path can be quite a mess.  When that happens, we’re going to have to develop the ability and the willpower to downshift for a bit and power up to even make it along at a slower speed.

   We’ll probably have to ‘proceed with caution, lest we wind up stuck in the mud or sidelined in the ditch somewhere.  Personally, I’ve found that I need a pit stop or even have to pull off somewhere and hold up until I get a hold on where I’m going next.  I used to feel like I was a lousy driver, curse my luck, and wonder about my driving ability.  When that happens, I doubt everything and just want to stay where I’m at.  Finding a safe place to stay is key then, lest I breakdown completely.

   It takes awhile, but if we can develop a healthy sense of self compassion, we may be able to pull back out onto the road and travel back on the course we want to go.  I know that it really helps me to get directions during these times from fellow travelers who have been this way before.

   We’re all fellow travelers looking to make our way to the end of this thing.  For most of us, that’s still nowhere in sight.  The best we can do is turn on the high beams, peer through the fog, and hope we can stay on the road.

   Reaching our destination as fast as possible is usually not the safest way to travel.  Having a decent plan and moving along at a speed that is comfortable for us is good enough. And remember:  “Things always seem impossible until we’re done.” (Nelson Mandela)