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Bernardo de La Paz

(48,988 posts)

20. Have to let that feeling go. Accept that you are powerless over some things and it is easier.

Reply to Moostache (Reply #3)

Wed Apr 1, 2020, 04:44 PM

Apr 2020

If you are doing the things that you can control or affect, then it is easier to let the powerless things go. You don't have to be active that instant, but if you have plans in motion or a routine or are planning, then you can accept powerlessness over some things more easily.

It's not easy, initially, but the more you practice it the easier it becomes.

Don't fight it in your mind. That is what makes the feeling of powerlessness overwhelming. Metaphorically in you mind open windows and let the breeze gently blow it away. When it comes back, as it will, say to yourself "oh, you again", and let it go. Then get back to either relaxing or doing or studying (the virus or something else you are interested in for the future). Being forward-looking helps.

Do what you can, accept what you can't do, and seek the wisdom to tell the two apart.

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Highlight:

Had a long conversation with my dad last night... [View all] Moostache Apr 2020 OP

Lovely post leftieNanner Apr 2020 #1

Thank you so much... Moostache Apr 2020 #3

Have to let that feeling go. Accept that you are powerless over some things and it is easier. Bernardo de La Paz Apr 2020 #20

I hope they are going to be ok. drray23 Apr 2020 #2

Thanks...they are in a car, but they must make frequent stops Moostache Apr 2020 #4

Traffic should not be too bad Scarsdale Apr 2020 #31

At their age I'd be scared to have them driving clear procon Apr 2020 #5

We tried to get them to do anything but drive to no avail... Moostache Apr 2020 #9

My dad was just like that too, and now that I'm of that procon Apr 2020 #11

One Day Following RobinA Apr 2020 #28

Hugs to you and yours... Sunriser13 Apr 2020 #6

Yeah having a sense of community, even in isolation, is going to get us through this. Initech Apr 2020 #7

But the Repubicans as a virus will still all be here. :( woodsprite Apr 2020 #21

Yes, that is a good point. Initech Apr 2020 #23

Excellent post DenverJared Apr 2020 #8

Simliar worries here, 30+ extended family over 60 scattered in at least 10 states. Brainfodder Apr 2020 #10

My heart goes out to you. Mickju Apr 2020 #12

I remember the long lines as you waited for your vaccine in the evenings... Dan Apr 2020 #13

Yes I rememberer the long lines too, and my friend crying.. Stellar Apr 2020 #14

Thank you for a beautiful and moving post. NNadir Apr 2020 #15

Thanks for sharing. Stay strong. Let us know when your parents get to Indiana. iluvtennis Apr 2020 #16

As I told many of my patient's family members TNNurse Apr 2020 #17

Nice post - thoughtful and sensitive packman Apr 2020 #18

May God bless you and your folks. spudspud Apr 2020 #19

I am 78 and my wife is 77. We both have pre-conditions. Hangingon Apr 2020 #22

Thank you for sharing. Godspeed to your parents for their safe journey back home. CountMyVote4Reality Apr 2020 #24

A few similarities leighbythesea2 Apr 2020 #25

Godspeed to parents! Anon-C Apr 2020 #26

Such a beautiful essay, I am saving! BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2020 #27

One of the best posts I've read on DU recently. coti Apr 2020 #29

Have they made it back yet? treefarmers Apr 2020 #30

Thank you all for the replies, thoughts and well wishes... Moostache Apr 2020 #32