Maira Kalman, in her wonderful book The Principles of Uncertainty, poses many pithy questions, including the question in the title of today’s blog.
How do you not go mad? I do not go mad by
- sharing my thoughts and feelings,
- recognizing that “this too shall pass,”
- looking for the humanity in others,
- tolerating uncertainty,
- sticking to my principles,
- reaching out for help when I need it,
- working with people who are considered mad by some and realizing that they are often not mad,
- creating blog posts and songs,
- doing what I love,
- seeking shelter when I need it,
- avoiding the news,
- spending time with people I trust and adore,
- pausing to take a breath,
- moving forward,
- not sweating the small stuff,
- looking at the flowering trees in the spring,
- following signs and directions as best I can,
- reading wonderful books,
- going on long walks,
- listening to music,
- calming down,
- focusing on the funny,
- letting go of worry,
- recognizing that some mysteries will not be solved in my lifetime,
- being in the moment, and
- taking photos, wherever I am.
Yesterday was my friend Jenn’s birthday, so I did not go mad by texting her those last three photos.
Here‘s what comes up on YouTube when I search for “how do you not go mad”:
One of my photos …
… inspires me to share my favorite Rolling Stones song:
Finally, I do not go mad by expressing my gratitude to all who help me create these daily posts and — of course! — to YOU!
Reading my friends’ blogs when I get up in the morning helps me not go mad, Ann!
You help me not go mad, Mark!
I do not go mad, by being with family, friends, nature, and just myself at times. and by being happy in whatever moment I’m in.
I’m happy for every moment with you, beth.
😻
Love your list Ann! What a great day to go for a walk. Thank you for sharing 💕
Thank you for helping me not go mad, Val!
What a wonderful list! Everyone should have it pinned up at their work station. 🙂
You’ve been helping me not go mad for years, Annabelle! Many thanks.
This is good to know – I hope I help you not go mad for years more!
Oh, the poor doll. What a waste, or what a waist!
Thanks for your mad pun, Peter!
Laughter definitely is the key, although a friend once gave me some wise advice: going a little bit crazy once in a while is the best way to stay sane.
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/i-dont-know-how-you-do-it-if-i-had-your-job-robert-mankoff.html
I don’t know how you do it, Chris, but thanks for all the crazy and the sane.
I don’t go mad by noticing lovely murals, beautiful little flowering crab trees, and unbelievably cool elephant marionettes!
I don’t go mad by reading your lovely comments!
Ok first thing is I went mad decades ago,
Next thing blogging helps me act normal
Last thing maybe it is too late……lol
All your things help me not go mad, Joanne.
Walks in nature, even if that means just enjoying the flowers and birds in my garden, keeps me from going mad. I rely on those moments of respite very often! 🙂
I rely on your beautiful comments, Debra!