Day 2359: How do you not go mad?

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!