Breathing Space

Holidays can be an extremely stressful time of the year.  Especially for caregivers.  So it's important to remember to take time for good self-care.  As an observant botanist on a talk show said, trees grow big and strong because they have their growing season and their rest season.  We humans, however, revel in our mile long to-do lists day in and day out, celebrating our exhaustion as a badge of honor.  And there's always the anti-depressants to pull us through.  Think about that.  Does that seem to be the way life should be going?

But you're going to tell me that your life and your job demand constant attention with nary a minute per day for yourself.  Been there and know that such situations truly exist.  So why not some mini giggle breaks.  As laughter is the best medicine, and stated by the infamous "they", I have a reading recommendation, which I'll give with a disclaimer.

The disclaimer is that the author is not shy about using words that might shock your grandmother.  If you're in the camp with your grandmother you might want to skip these books.  If, however, you just slide past such words and go for the giggles, I think you might enjoy.  But enough explanations.

One of my favorite giggle break authors is Sloane Crosley.  Two of her books that I've enjoyed are "I Was Told There'd Be Cake" and "How Did You Get This Number."  I like her books because they make me laugh and because they're essays, so I can pick up a book and read a short section without having to remember a plot or where I was in the story.  Essay titles include "Bring-Your-Machete-To-Work Day" and "The Good People of This Dimension."  You get the idea.

After a few pages you might be ready to get back to your real life and figure out what to buy for that favorite person on your holiday list who is simply impossible to buy for.  Maybe get them some books.

Peace