Welcome to this week’s Five Minute Friday. Our instructions, via creator Kate Motaung: “Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation.”
Today’s prompt: DIFFERENT
I turned Spotify on to “Acoustic Covers” so that I would have music in the background as I composed this five-minute piece.
Rather than music only, I got voices. This was different than I expected. I suppose it’s acoustic as in “no electronics,” which is different than “no voices.”
“Different than what I expected” seems to be the status quo in my life lately.
(And in the case of the music I’m listening to, I end up at a different place or with a different product than I intended mainly because I didn’t pay attention in the first place.)
I’m not in one of those “ah differences are wonderful and sometimes lead us to something we like even better” moods. Not at all.
As we face the sale (hopefully — please realty gods) of this house, and continue to adjust to the empty nest, I’m struggling to reframe “different” as an “adventure” because right now it feels more like a precipice.
Our whole world seems stuck in the “yuck” of difference. We cling to what we know, feeling safe, rather than exploring (respectfully) what we don’t know (or agree with) because it just feels too scary.
Perhaps if I take a deep breath (and keep writing to sort it all out), the “different” of 2018 will transform into something positive.
This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday linkup.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser says
Paula, you have my prayers for a smooth house sale!
Personally, I think it’s OK for diferent to be ‘yuck’, rather than the Pollyannish “Different is WONDERFUL!”
Comparing this month to last, physically, for me The Difference really sucks. But that and a dollar would have bought a cup of coffee at mcDonald’s a few years ago.
What I try to do is preserve the same me, not letting the situation win.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/12/your-dying-spouse-424-1-into-mystery.html
Paula Kiger says
You’ve got a point there. I’ll bet even pollyanna had her doubts about things.
Tara says
THIS:”Our whole world seems stuck in the “yuck” of difference. We cling to what we know, feeling safe, rather than exploring (respectfully) what we don’t know (or agree with) because it just feels too scary.” Too often we don’t see our differences as good. But what if they are what makes us each unique?
Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen) says
Yes. We have opportunities to sort that out day by day, minute to minute — as we relate to the world around us.
Karen Beidelman says
Paula, being an empty-nester is kind of fun. We enjoyed it for four years, then the youngest came home to live after graduating from college to save money and repay student loans faster. We don’t dread the day when the nest is once again empty. I enjoyed your post, thanks for sharing. FMF #6 this week.
Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen) says
Ha! Yes – we are (mostly) enjoying it. The house seems so quiet, especially with my father-in-law passing away in July then my son moving out in August (he is the youngest). There are just some new dynamics to navigate!
boucherpye says
Wading through the mud of difference can feel exhausting. I hope your journey will bring relief soon. FMF #7
Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen) says
Doesn’t it? I hope so too! Thanks for your positivity.
Colleen Schuster says
Paula, your honesty is always refreshing. Sending love and positive vibes as you plow through this yuck phase. I get it.
Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen) says
Thank you! Let’s get together soon and plow through the yuck together!
Christy Richardson (@lifeplayground6) says
As one who’s life has been different than what was expected, I can relate to your post this week Paula! I pray we both can continue to rest easy while the different comes our way. In the 4 spot this week.
Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen) says
Same here, Christy! Usually I am pretty good about putting it all in perspective but it’s all converging at a particularly challenging pace right now. 🙂
Katha von Dessien says
Oh, I know that feeling! I get really angry at myself when I realize things are different because I didn’t pay attention.
I just started binging a little on New Girl and they are in a situation when things are suddenly different, they have to deal with a “new normal”. Isn’t that all we can do anyway? May you experience lots of comfort, lots of peace and also familiarity as things around you change.
Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen) says
Do you know I have never watched New Girl? But yes — life is certainly full of “new normal” situations. Thanks for your good wishes.