Heading out for my beach walk at dawn this morning, I noticed that the flag near the Lido Beach Pavilion was at half mast, honoring the loss of the police officers involved in the siege on the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Reading something from you again, and written in a style that is exclusively yours. I was hoping to hear some of what was currently on your mind. Thank You, and it certainly did touch me.......
Thank you Carrie. Beautiful, as always. I have been combing these beaches for sand dollars and shells since I was two years old (and still do). As a child, I was always told that each sand dollar has five "angels" or "doves" and when they are dropped or broken, the story goes that each "angel" or "dove" grants a wish (they look like a "V"). So even if sand dollars break, they still offer hope. Plus, doves are a symbol of peace and goodwill.
Carrie, I have missed your column so much! We are truly blessed to have you, especially during these tumultuous times. Please know how much you are cared for, and when this is all over, maybe we can have a beach party! 💞 Jeanne
Carrie, so touching! We’re all experiencing these troubled times in different ways. My Dad used to having a saying he’d tell people when they were having a tough day. “Any day I can get up and put my shoes and socks on is a good day considering the alternative” I never forget that. I miss him!
Thank you for this. I see my own state of fragility, which I really have been in denial about, is not isolated. Helpful to read insights into your own...yes, helpful.
Fragile for sure. Wonderful observations. So sorry you experienced such intense despair. hoping your chronicle will give you the reinforcement you so deserve.
I feel wobbly right now too! The analogy of the sand dollar is perfect for the fragile state so many of us are in these days (and for a year or more). Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts with us. I've really missed your column in the HT.
Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. I definitely identify with the concept of feeling wobbly. Sand dollars. Do you know how to preserve them and make them stronger? One year I found hundreds and spent part of my vacation disinfecting them and then preserving them. I painted them with diluted white Elmer's BTW.
I use them for art projects but prefer them in their natural state. And I appreciate and enjoy them even when they aren't whole and perfect. (Just like most of us! ;) )
I thought you were going to say we’re all like the little girl, not the sand dollar. The sand dollar is our democracy. Fragile. Almost shattered. We’re now all the little girl, walking carefully with our precious treasure in our hands.
Carrie I am sorry for your sadness and for those who have written below. And yes we are all feeling fragile during this tenuous political time in our country. But let me share what has helped me along. I found a purpose in helping others less fortunate. In April of 2020 I heard about the need for food at the burgeoning food lines at Second Chance Last Opportunity in Newtown. Since Covid19, this crisis center was seeing 300-500 people line up 2-3 days a week for help. Jobs lost. Homes lost. No food for families. I got to work and called friends who called friends and we set up a network still operating 8+ months late as the need is still there. No time to worry 'as much' about politics when putting your thoughts and feeling into helping others. So my suggestion to your readers, is look around you and feel lucky and go out and help those less fortunate. There are many right here in the Sarasota /Manatee area that would appreciate some help.
Arlene. Thanks for sharing your advice and personal experience. It is definitely true, and born out by research, that having a purpose and turning attention to helping others is often an antidote to depression. That said, many people who suffer from chronic or clinical depression find motivation and forward momentum extremely difficult, and I would never want them to feel worse because they have been unable to do what you have done. They should not be blamed or judged for their incapacity to "snap out of it" and "be more selfless." The effects of depression and mental illness should never be interpreted as a lack of character or moral fiber.
As you said Carrie, it’s not a case of just “snap out of it” for everyone. Not all of us are consumed with the “tenuous political time in our country”.
Carrie I agree with you and that is not where I was going with this. But something like this can be done so slowly and carefully that it gives the 'giver' as sense of value and worth that helps lift some of their depression one piece at a time.
You are right! We are ever so fragile. So let's hold each other up, help each other heal and thrive! One thought at a time. Thank you Carrie!☀️♥️
Reading something from you again, and written in a style that is exclusively yours. I was hoping to hear some of what was currently on your mind. Thank You, and it certainly did touch me.......
More to come! There's been a lot on my mind lately...
You are such an inspiration, Carrie. At your conclusion, my goosebumps flashed🥰. My husband, Jim and Are so happy you are writing again.
I know about the fragility inside...........keep writing before you know it, you will have your wings🕊🕊🕊
Thank you Carrie. Beautiful, as always. I have been combing these beaches for sand dollars and shells since I was two years old (and still do). As a child, I was always told that each sand dollar has five "angels" or "doves" and when they are dropped or broken, the story goes that each "angel" or "dove" grants a wish (they look like a "V"). So even if sand dollars break, they still offer hope. Plus, doves are a symbol of peace and goodwill.
It is wonderful to hear your voice again--your comments inform, are relevant, and make every attempt to bring people together. Thank you....
Yes, we are all so wobbly and fragile. Beautiful metaphor and story, Carrie. Welcome back.
Carrie, I have missed your column so much! We are truly blessed to have you, especially during these tumultuous times. Please know how much you are cared for, and when this is all over, maybe we can have a beach party! 💞 Jeanne
For sure!
Carrie, so touching! We’re all experiencing these troubled times in different ways. My Dad used to having a saying he’d tell people when they were having a tough day. “Any day I can get up and put my shoes and socks on is a good day considering the alternative” I never forget that. I miss him!
I miss mine too.
Thank you for this. I see my own state of fragility, which I really have been in denial about, is not isolated. Helpful to read insights into your own...yes, helpful.
Fragile for sure. Wonderful observations. So sorry you experienced such intense despair. hoping your chronicle will give you the reinforcement you so deserve.
I feel wobbly right now too! The analogy of the sand dollar is perfect for the fragile state so many of us are in these days (and for a year or more). Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts with us. I've really missed your column in the HT.
Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. I definitely identify with the concept of feeling wobbly. Sand dollars. Do you know how to preserve them and make them stronger? One year I found hundreds and spent part of my vacation disinfecting them and then preserving them. I painted them with diluted white Elmer's BTW.
I use them for art projects but prefer them in their natural state. And I appreciate and enjoy them even when they aren't whole and perfect. (Just like most of us! ;) )
I thought you were going to say we’re all like the little girl, not the sand dollar. The sand dollar is our democracy. Fragile. Almost shattered. We’re now all the little girl, walking carefully with our precious treasure in our hands.
Yes, that certainly applies as well.
Perfect simile! BTW: 200?! Wow ... the best we've ever done was about a tenth of that.
That was a rare day. And it was freezing cold. I think that's why there were so many.
Carrie I am sorry for your sadness and for those who have written below. And yes we are all feeling fragile during this tenuous political time in our country. But let me share what has helped me along. I found a purpose in helping others less fortunate. In April of 2020 I heard about the need for food at the burgeoning food lines at Second Chance Last Opportunity in Newtown. Since Covid19, this crisis center was seeing 300-500 people line up 2-3 days a week for help. Jobs lost. Homes lost. No food for families. I got to work and called friends who called friends and we set up a network still operating 8+ months late as the need is still there. No time to worry 'as much' about politics when putting your thoughts and feeling into helping others. So my suggestion to your readers, is look around you and feel lucky and go out and help those less fortunate. There are many right here in the Sarasota /Manatee area that would appreciate some help.
Arlene. Thanks for sharing your advice and personal experience. It is definitely true, and born out by research, that having a purpose and turning attention to helping others is often an antidote to depression. That said, many people who suffer from chronic or clinical depression find motivation and forward momentum extremely difficult, and I would never want them to feel worse because they have been unable to do what you have done. They should not be blamed or judged for their incapacity to "snap out of it" and "be more selfless." The effects of depression and mental illness should never be interpreted as a lack of character or moral fiber.
As you said Carrie, it’s not a case of just “snap out of it” for everyone. Not all of us are consumed with the “tenuous political time in our country”.
Carrie I agree with you and that is not where I was going with this. But something like this can be done so slowly and carefully that it gives the 'giver' as sense of value and worth that helps lift some of their depression one piece at a time.
I feel like a sand dollar.
Me too. (One of the imperfect ones.)