After a busy weekend (and week, if we are being honest), I have a lot of thoughts on various readings and topics (perhaps even “news stories”)…so, enjoy!
1. Today (the show) released a link about a story on what it is like to have social anxiety. Anxiety problems are misunderstood. And it has been reported that at least 15 million Americans are affected by an anxiety disorder. Hopefully, with ongoing research, there can be an answer or earlier diagnosis. People may feel that it is shyness, but it is absolutely overwhelming for some people in a social encounter. Imagine, if you will, irrational thoughts of not being good enough (have we been there, perhaps?) or not being accepted…in addition to social anxiety, this also made me think of PTSD.
2. National Poetry Month: twenty-two American writers have reflected on the twenty-first century wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In no particular order, if you want to read some work by amazing folks check these out (not all twenty-two are listed here):
Chantelle Bateman, “PTSD”
Eric Chandler, “Maybe I Should Have Lied”
Jehanne Dubrow, “Much Tattooed Salior Aborad the USS New Jersey”
Maurice Decaul, “Shush”
Jenny Pancanowski, “Strength in Vulnerability”
Kevin Powers, “Improvided Explosive Device”
Juliana Spahr, “December 2, 2002”
Brian Turner, “At Lowe’s Home Improvement Center”
3. While reading an article from The High School English Teacher Who Changed My Life, I had some time to reflect on teachers (not just from high school, but for me, high school was my “a-ha!” Moment of wanting to be an English teacher) who really made a difference in my life. Teachers who not only shared the information we needed to know, but shared information that we wanted to know. Literature, books, movies, any connection that I could make with some of these were provided by high school English teachers—building my vocabulary, giving me an appreication of art, the humanities—geography—and life—all rolled into Sheri Hunter’s English class. She is magnificent, and she created an environment any student would want to be in–giving her best day in and day out to make sure that things like Shakespeare were interesting and to prepare us for college courses. Have you thought about teachers who have impacted your life? I have a list. Thankfully, I am still connected to most of them via Facebook.
4. PTSD: A year or so ago, a letter from a wife to PTSD circulated on social media. Powerful. Combat stress and PTSD are never invited into one’s life, but it can really be a strain on a relationship. Sometimes you may want to give up, sometimes things might be so hard, other times you wish you had an easy button, a guidebook, or someone to tell you how to deal with the whole thing. Loving someone who suffers from PTSD and is trying to work though that can put some couples to a real test. Dealing with trauma is hard work, but if you are someone out there who is dealing with PTSD, you are not alone. It’s normal for PTSD to impact the whole family: your life feels like it has changed, your spouse and maybe even your kids can help navigate daily life..but avoidance takes control at times and you may want to avoid a situation rather than face it and process trauma. Marriage is a team sport, you and your spouse are a team. Sam and I are a team. I know that in some challenging times, we always have each other. That is something I can always count on.
5. My friends are amazing. This past week has been a long week. Teacher friends have helped me manage the end of the semester stress and chaos that comes with teaching (any level, let’s be real). I have lost lesson plans, misplaced a grade book, and stressed over finals week (and I’m not even taking one). I have had laughs over Facebook messages and texts, and that has been.delightful. My stress over life (“is this Easter meal even going to be good?”), and just the need to connect with girlfriends (and make new friends) has been so good for my soul. I get to have coffee with a friend this week, and I may even get to work on some of my school items this week too. I’ve shared information about blogging with a friend, and look forward to working on my own updates here and there. I’ve talked about research and writing in veterans studies and with my blog. I’m even planning for a conference NEXT March. Life is good. Life is good with family and friends.
Monday can bring the blues at times…especially after a long holiday or weekend. I find myself reflecting a little on this Monday morning (with coffee, of course). And–today is a writing group day! I am so excited about week three with the veterans. I hope you have some coffee on this Monday and look forward to the week ahead…may you have some time for reflection, too.
