The matter of ‘meeting people where they are’
is a bit of a vexed issue in life –
we can’t do so in the first instance
because we lack information,
so some of us go with extending others the courtesy
of treating them like they will be kindred spirits
(which often turns out to be overly generous).
Maintaining situational awareness is key,
of course,
as we can adjust our responses
(and even our reactivity)
as new information emerges.
If the others
are of the ‘shit slinging malignant demon’ variety,
it’s best to distance oneself promptly!
That made me think ….
of a point I made to a solicitor once:
“I’m not going to be a co-conspirator
in my own annihilation”.
I’m always happy to share some thoughts
(and I’m taking the opportunity
while I’ve still got some ‘marbles’ left
rattling round in my head).
I believe you’re doing the same
(although you’re probably not experiencing the same
oppressive neurological deterioration).
Keep on making the best
of the ever-emerging moment!
I was talking about ‘best possible’ outcomes
with my wife, children. a male friend and community care workers
over the last few days
and I think they boil down to
“doing the best by ourselves and others” …
pretty simple stuff.
With a pending prognosis of frontotemporal dementia,
I’m most concerned about keeping my shit together
and not becoming some snarling reactive beast
as the condition progresses.
I’d hate to join the rabble.
Douglas Colston hails from Australia, has played in Ska bands and picked up university degrees, supported his parents during terminal illnesses, developed chronic mental and physical illnesses pursuant to sustained workplace harassment, married his love, fathered two great children, had his inheritance embezzled and among other things, he is pursuing a PhD he hopes will provide a positive contribution to the zeitgeist. In addition being published with Poetry Potion, his fiction, nonfiction and poetry has appeared in various anthologies and magazines, including: POETiCA REViEW; Impspired; New Note Poetry; Otherwise Engaged Literary and Arts Journal; and Revue {R}évolution.