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Cobalt Blue: A Novel

A novel for courageous readers and seekers, COBALT BLUE is a turbulent, gorgeous ride into sacred sex..

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Emails to my Therapist

The Feeling of Being Narrow and Small and Tired of Myself

Nicholas, A change! In the months I’ve been looking after ailing and endangered loved ones, I haven’t fallen into the state of mind I call “tired of myself.”

At times in the past, I’ve felt hemmed-in and trapped inside my own personality and set of quirks and ambitions and repeating thoughts. Sort of like being a building that periodically gets its windows bricked up. One might call this self-absorption, which ought to at least be minimally entertaining to oneself. I find it can get pretty boring after a while.

(A late-breaking clarification: when I’m feeling “small, narrow, tired of myself,” I don’t feel any smaller than anyone else. I’m talking about being chafed by the limits of being one separate individual, rather than One With Everything.)

That feeling was a large part of the reason I wrote my novel Cobalt Blue. Andie, the artist main character, was tired of living inside herself. She wanted to break out of herself, get as loose and diffuse as clouds (temporarily.) That was the urge that led her:

*first to religious experience,

*then sexual compulsion, and

*finally to a greater feel of spaciousness.

I guess you could say she became a cloud that could steer itself. (I’m wildly indulging in mixed metaphors!)

In spite of the fact that I’ve been writing these self-centered message/posts, this period of helping sick folks has in the same time period opened some windows for me. Or maybe I just haven’t had time to notice myself all that much. Either way, it’s a small surprise benefit: feels freeing, even as it also is draining and intermittently frightening.

You’d think I’d have known about this effect. Years ago, I was co-author of The Healing Power of Doing Good, a book about volunteering. Well, you know the old saying, “we teach what we need to learn.”

Airily yours,

Peggy

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Comments

  • Kenju
    June 6, 2017 at 9:41 pm Reply

    I should volunteer more.

    • Peggy Payne
      June 7, 2017 at 3:02 am Reply

      No doubt we all should, Kenju!

  • June 6, 2017 at 11:51 pm Reply

    You describe an awfully wonderful and compelling silver lining. Thank you..

    • Peggy Payne
      June 7, 2017 at 3:03 am Reply

      Thanks, Randee “Gravy Years” Bieler!

  • Miller Sigmon
    June 7, 2017 at 1:36 am Reply

    I’m afraid I don’t have the “context” to comment on this “tired of myself”……Also..I’m not sure about “open windows”…But I do know (I”m sure)….that you have brought a tremendous amount of comfort and stability to your loved ones…AND with Cobalt Blue you have brought a great deal of enjoyment to many ,many readers……Perhaps it’s time for some foreign travel..Use some of your travel contacts…..e.g 10 days in Cuba……Q: Why aren’t Americans flocking to Cuba???(An article I’d like to read)……I know it’s not that easy..but you get my “drift”…..A change of scenery….It seems to me you’ve earned it…

    • Peggy Payne
      June 7, 2017 at 3:05 am Reply

      Foreign travel is always a good idea, Miller, though I can’t manage it right this minute. Good idea to be looking ahead to that! And actually I’m doing fine. My people are still kicking and, with the difficulties, silver linings abound.

  • Judy Lessler
    June 7, 2017 at 2:50 am Reply

    Nice insight.

    • Peggy Payne
      June 7, 2017 at 3:05 am Reply

      Thanks, Judy. I watch for your wisdom in The Sun!

  • August 6, 2017 at 2:15 am Reply

    post traumatic resilience and positive growth

    • Peggy Payne
      August 6, 2017 at 10:18 pm Reply

      Nice re-frame, Bob!

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