Last week I asked for suggestions for things to write about that would allow me to quickly drop a thought or two.
Here is one of the first questions asked, along with my response.
Hi there!
I’m Pito from Indonesia. Been following your blog for quite some times but trying to keep myself under the radar. I’m interested with your profession, and on my way to have one like you now.
Funny to meet your writing in my email tonight, because I have a thing in my mind for so long and the incident I experienced this afternoon brought it back to my consciousness: if people say that life is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel, I view it as a tragic comic. Well, just stop me anytime if I’m being too nosy, but have you ever feel like breaking down? If you have, besides your cute, loving, little family, what prevent you from doing stupid things, then?
Thanks! Oh, and have a nice day!
Thanks for commenting Pito, I appreciate you breaking radio silence, especially from half way around the world!
No, you’re not being too nosy at all and yes, I’ve felt like breaking down many times.
Even a support system as strong as my family can’t cage what makes me human. There were plenty of times over the past year when I fell into the abyss. Blind hope is an amazing fuel, but it wasn’t always enough to keep me from wondering how many more times the mortgage would hit the credit card or prevent me from questioning whether the danger I was inviting on my trusting family would really be worth it.
I had my moments of internal tirades and outward tears, yes. But I never felt like giving up, at least not for longer than a minute or two at a time.
Hard work and intense focus kept me from doing anything stupid, along with the knowledge that my family was depending on my and that my breakdown meant we’d probably crumble together. Often, when I was feeling my lowest, I wrote. Though almost none of those pages have been published, they will be someday when they can flesh out the chapters of a specific story. But at the time they were only written as the best means for self medication.
So I guess writing and family were the two things that kept me from going over the edge, but that’s probably two sides of the same need.
We all need to express ourselves, and we all need to be heard. Fortunately, I had both a keyboard and a family that was never too tired to listen.
Thanks for the question, Pito!
About Sean Platt
Hey!
Thanks for promptly posting the answer. Glad to know that you're a catharsis writer as well. I say: I write, therefore I'm (trying to be) sane.
(=
Writing and family make for a potent salvo in my own life, too. There's nothing quite like either.
Nope, nothing at all. The only thing that would make it better is more time. Lots more time.
There's nothing like the support of friends and family when I'm struggling with something. I tend to be internal with all my frustrations but there are times when I have to confide in someone and Trey tends to be my first choice.
Of course, when I was younger, I found solace in writing and drawing but I haven't used either of those in a while. Sean, you're absolutely right, though, in that we all need to express ourselves. Keeping it in just allows the pressure to build and that's no fun.
Hi Sean .. I was in a blank pit last week .. unable to come up with a bright idea for you to comment on – other than your Spanish .. which is admirable .. you'll have to succeed, as the kids will be bi-lingual .. and once you've done one .. then others are a lot easier .. my smatterings are proof of that .. French, Italian and Afrikaans .. can guess quite a lot of words.
Going back to Pito's thoughts and your reply – me too .. I just don't put negative down – but that's my way of dealing with it .. we have to deal with it so much anyway with nortgages, credit cards etc .. I desperately try and not get carried away .. as it breeds more negative.
The winter blues really hit me this year – but we didn't really have any summer til recently and that has lifted everyone's spirits! I remind myself that so many others are in a much worse situation than I am .. but like you if life is extremely difficult .. it can be difficult to raise one's head sometimes.
Let's think happy thoughts .. enjoy the summer and I do hope all will work out for you all – I'm sure it will .. with many blessings from here .. Hilary
Nothing at all.
I probably would be more internal if Cindy didn't see worry bloat my face within its first few seconds of takeover. Thing is, even though I'd never necessarily bring up my frustrations unprompted, I ALWAYS feel better as soon as I do.
Where are you Hilary?
That's the main reason Cindy loves California so much. It's really hard to get the winter blues. It's just to warm year round, even when it's cold. :)
Hi Sean .. down on the south coast of England .. and this year – summer has just arrived .. it's been miserable .. but now very hot – bliss ..
I'm not surprised I loved San Diego when I was there .. but on the other hand haven't experienced the heat! The American continent always gets extremes .. whereas our weather is meant to be softer!
Bye .. have a good week .. Hilary
On breaking down here's a great song by Jack Johnson
<object width=”250″ height=”40″> <param name=”movie” value=”http://listen.grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf” /> <param name=”wmode” value=”window” /> <param name=”allowScriptAccess” value=”always” /> <param name=”flashvars” value=”hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&widgetID=21764329&style=metal&p=0″ /> <embed src=”http://listen.grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”250″ height=”40″ flashvars=”hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&widgetID=21764329&style=metal&p=0″ allowScriptAccess=”always” wmode=”window” /> </object>
I don't think I would trust a father who told me he never broke down or felt low. Much the same way I don't trust people who dislike dogs…
The mind has cliffs and the heart has toxic pits. I have fallen from and into both. What has saved me is my wife's hand stretched out with genuine care and belief in me. And the reminder that God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. We get what we are supposed to be able to handle, the universe is not designed to be mean to us.
Well said, especially about your wife's outstretched hand. I've been fortunate enough to have someone who has always been there for me. Rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but when we have someone to hold an umbrella over our heads, even the worst torrents are bearable.
Hi Sean, my name is Timothy from Malaysia. A father of 2 young children myself, I felt that I could relate to your writings. I find them very interesting. I myself is struggling at the moment and holding on to the little hope I have to press further for my family. I used to write a lot and I think I should start doing so to keep myself sane. I stumbled upon your blog through pickthebrain.com. Thank you for sharing your life. You and your family is such an inspiration.
Hi Timothy!
Thanks for your touching words. I appreciate them very much!