SMALL TOWN THERPIST ON ENOUGH

Sisters and nieces at guitar camp

 

Kathy Bullock's 4 octave range 

I just returned home from guitar camp and although exhausted from a boat load of fun, I'm still reveling in the joy of the gathering. There's nothing compares to singing in four part harmony with a group of like minded people. Glorious is the word that comes to mind.

Another word that comes to my mind, and perhaps yours, is "enough."  One of my tragic flaws is I believe I can never be enough or do enough. I strive, oh how I strive, to do and be enough. But, somehow I feel I always fall short. One of the lessons I brought home with me is the song "Enough" and I am repeating "I am enough" to myself. Right now I'm filled with joy! 

This revelation came about with the help of one of our music teachers, the magnificent Dr. Kathy Bullock of Kentucky. Kathy lead two classes. One was Gospel songs and the other class the 'Songs of Freedom.' Kathy taught us to breathe properly, to reach our notes with our breath and to opened our mouths wide. What a force of power!  Internally and externally for me and all the class members. 

What's amusing is when I think of little children and infants, it never occurs to put that thought "are they enough?" So where did this start for me? If this is one of your flaws, where did it start for you?

As many of you who have read my book remember I am one of six kids in my family. My mother at times was overwhelmed and didn't have the temperament for a large family. Blame the mother. Well, not quite. My Dad was a restauranteur and worked ridiculous long hours to keep the restaurant afloat and successful. Blame the father. I was second oldest of six and I was really good a worrying. Blame myself. 

"One's task is not to turn the world upside down, but to do what is necessary...with due consideration of reality."                                      Dietrich Bonhoffer

Here's a list of how to solve constant worrying.

1. Reassign anxiety as excitement to give you extra energy.

2. Learn to read your body signals, for example slow your breath, exhale or sing.

3. Live fearlessly every day, ask yourself what's the worse that can happen? Can you ask for help?

4. Imagine a good outcome. 

5. Use the serenity prayer, or realize there are things in your control and out of your control.

6. Distract yourself with a good friend, especially the ones who are funny.

7. Go for a walk outside, hug a pet, do some reflective writing, take a shower or bath, and listen to music.

8. Work on letting go, last time I checked I wasn't a goddess, I therefore learned some things are out of my control.

9. Be kind to yourself, the ancient human brain is wired for fear-- to be alert for predators. 

9. Train the brain, to be supportive and soothing, "we'll be fine." Have mercy for yourself.

10. Always be aware and amused about your life and the world. Oh and swearing helps.

Because of our over scheduled, high pressure society, especially now, people can be in a constant state of alarm. Do your best, with what you have, for who you are, or something like that.

Have mercy for yourself.

Having joy with sisters and nieces at guitar camp

Personally I want to sing every day!  I want it to always be 75 degrees and sunny and have the lovely rain showers only at night! I want every child be given a kind and loving home and the end to poverty! I want the end to war! I want all my family and friends to remain healthy and never die! Well, that was fun. I can do the singing every day part. 

Actually my job is to love. Every day love. Kathy Bullock raised the temperature of that love in the class and I want to spread that joy. I am enough and so are you.

susansmagicfeather Susan R. Grout 2026