Bad Allergies + Bad Attitudes
"Allergans" To Avoid...Like The Plague
Last night, I dreamed I was attending the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
One minute I’m happily in dreamland, enjoying some spectacular views of Washington, D.C. The next minute I’m wide awake, sneezing my head off.
These days, I’m allergic to lots and lots of things…even in my dreams.
This past Sunday—after a delicious and delightful lunch with one of my nearest, dearest, and queerest—I sat outside and enjoyed some fresh air.
Within minutes, I started sneezing. Over and over and over. I finally decided to retreat inside again. Mother Nature, I love you, but my sinuses aren’t exactly fans.
It’s not just pollen, dust, and whatever else lurks in the LA air that sets me off.
Since emerging from my multi-year depression, I’ve developed an adverse allergic reaction to certain attitudes too. In myself and in others.
Long story short, I understand being mad and sad. Intimately. Been there, done that. On repeat even. But bitter? Bitter makes no one better.
And for the record, misery does not always love company.
No matter how bad I may feel, I do my very best not to infect anyone else with my bad attitude, bad day, or bad luck. No one has the right to try and ruin anyone else’s day.
So going forward, I’m protecting my mental real estate more than ever…cuz it’s time for a little chicken noodle soup—and some spring cleaning—for the soul.
To that end, here are a few “allergens” I’m avoiding like the plague:
Dust Bunnies of Drama
We know them—or are/have been one of them: People who collect dark clouds and drama the way my shelves collect dust. Negativity follows them/us around, spreading like wildfire. I used to think engaging in a little drama was just part of life, but the older I get the more determined I am to keep my mental air quality cleaner and clearer. Please put on your oxygen mask before even thinking about cleaning these crazymakers’ clocks.
The Pollen of Perfectionism
Having high standards can be a great thing, but perfectionism? It can choke the joy out of doing any and every fucking thing in the world. My perfectionism has led me to nitpick my work, redo things that were already done, and obsess over details and minutiae instead of finishing a project. Or even starting new one.The Stale Air of Self-Righteousness + Stubbornness
In my book, holding onto beliefs, biases, grudges, and/or opinions well past their expiration date is a recipe for disaster. It’s just huffy, puffy, stuffy hot air. While I used to cling to certain ways of thinking just because I’d had them for so long, I have learned—the hard way—sometimes we all need to lighten the fuck up, open a window, and let the sunshine in. Sun is the best disinfectant, right?
Cleaning Out The House
Lately, I’ve been clearing out both literal and figurative clutter to make space for things (and people) that make me feel better, not bitter. That means I have less energy, patience, and time for negativity and toxic thought patterns.
We all go through rough patches, some lasting years. I know how hard and scary it can be to break free from the bad mental habits. But ultimately only we can change how we look, see, and think about the world.
No matter how much I care or love someone, I can ultimately only cheerlead…and some folks don’t appreciate my cheers or pom-poms. Oh. Well. Their loss.
My focus is surviving the literal dust bunnies and finishing my spring cleaning. Less dust and less must is a good thing. So I plan to keep my antihistamines and tissues handy, my windows cracked, and my mindset set to “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
While I may not be able to cure or escape my seasonal allergies, I know I can choose what air I breathe—and whose hot air I pay attention to—all year round.
Thank you for being a friend…
Clint 🌈✌️
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ON THIS DAY = MARCH 29
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1953 = The Los Angeles Times accuses the Mattachine Society of “dangerously subversive activities.” The Mattachine Society, founded in 1950, was one of the earliest LGBT organizations in the United States. Activist Harry Hay cofounded the group with friends in LA to protect and improve the rights of gay men.
1959 = Some Like It Hot is released in theaters.
1973 = The last United States combat soldiers leave South Vietnam.
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PORTRAIT + QUOTE OF THE DAY
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Bruce Weber
Thanks Clint. Plant based solutions are frequently the best. You might find "Cuban Oregano" useful for your allergy problems. It's a plant that grows easily in any sunny window. One leaf chewed or broken up in a bottle of water could help. Love, light, health, strength and easy breathing to all.
Naturally, I agree, Clint, as I have already made comments on the psychosomatics of illness and well-being.