Recently I had an out-of-sorts day and could have easily (I mean easily) headed toward the ledge. But rather than going for the ledge-balancing act, I took a walk to sort out my out-of-sorts condition. One could just go to the hardware store and buy sorts if you find yourself out of sorts, but the only sorts they stock are short term ones.
Sorting works better than ledging.
What exactly is sorting, you ask?
Try a little air, a little movement, and asking yourself questions. Is it real or true? What am I feeling? Where am I feeling it? What is my body saying? Where is my body tight, grumpy, in pain? I stretched my mind as I stretched my legs. I made room for the bad/sad feelings and didn’t focus on forcing them to go away or stuff them.
Stuffing: bad.
Sorting: good.
Through the walking/sorting process, I realized I needed some mothering, some support, and realizing that, I knew what to do. I called on Rita.
Rita is a voice in my head. We all have voices in our heads (quit rolling your eyes). You know what I’m talking about. As goofy as it may sound, I give them names: Priscilla Productivity, Garbage Voice, and Sarah Slacker are probably the most prominent. They are, as you can well imagine, not nice voices, but they can be oh so loud in my head: you’re not good at this, you’re not doing it right, you should be doing ______ (fill in the blank), you’re not good enough.
But last year a new voice showed up, thank God. It was the one and only Rita. She is my loving protector, takes care of me, nurtures me, watches out for me and always has my back. She’s big, buxom, and bold, and when another voice is giving me a hard time, she gets up in his or her face and politely kicks them to the curb, then helps me down off the ledge.
She has appeared twice now in the flesh, as a SuperShuttle driver last September and last week as a Goodwill employee.
I stopped by the Goodwill close to home and dropped off some items. Before I could unpack them out of the back of my car, a woman brought a cart around to the car and helped me with my delivery. We had a great conversation and a good laugh about the items.
She gave me the receipt and then said, “Thank you for making a difference in a life today.” I was so taken aback, I said, “Really?” to which she simply responded, “Yes.”
I asked her if I could hug her, and asked her for her name. Ms. Pat, she informed me as she gave me the best motherly hug I’ve had in quite some time. I told her my name and thanked her for making my day and left.
She was a Rita incarnation if ever I’ve seen one, and a reminder to me to call on Rita whenever I feel the need.
Who is your Rita? If you don’t have one, it’s time to find one. A little good will goes a long way.
I needed this today! Thank you Jeanne!
Good to hear from you. Found your Rita yet, Laura?
Oh, so lovely, Jeanne! Thank you for making a difference in my life today🌞🌞
The feeling is mutual, Ms. Roxanne.
Love finding Rita!
She loved finding you! You are such a keeper…
Jeanne,
We have only met once or twice. I know several of the members of your fan club.
Thank you for the post. My “Rita” is named Mattie and I have a recording of her saying,
‘Bridgette, I will always love you.’ She lived to be 106 and was the person to whom I took my first steps according to my family. I am grateful that you reminded me to ask her for a mental hug before I approach the ledge.
Warm regards,
B
Bridgette,
Not sure where we met but I’m sure it had something to do with architecture!
Appreciate your sharing your story. It will make a difference in some reader’s life I’m sure.
Jeanne
I’ve heard before that some people name their voices. Mine are named as such: Mean, Lazy, or Afraid. But the worse: Uninterested. Good reminder post about changing environment to alter attitude.
Rosemary! How nice to see your shiny face, one that I know has selflessly made a difference in the lives of others. Thanks for your important words.
Jeanne