Here I sit with my novel, lost in an avalanche of revisions. I was skating along until earlier this week when I was struck down by a toothache. This led to dentist visits, X-rays, a prescription for an antibiotic, and finally an appointment with the endodontist in Pittsfield for Monday.
Today I spoke with a friend who told me the story of her friend who started with a bad toothache and ended up in the ICU. Her advice: don’t let these things fester. But today, it feels as if the entire planet is festering and my troublesome tooth is a metaphor for the world. Rotten and painful with an uncertain future.
But this is not my thing--this festering. My father taught me to accentuate the positive, so I am doing just that. The positive? I will get through tomorrow and on Monday I will see the doctor. The antibiotics are already helping. Tylenol lessens the pain. True, there will probably be a root canal, but I will get better. Soon, I will get back to work on my revisions and next week’s newsletter will be breezy and happy. No sad stories of tooth decay and root canals.
Creative Friends--Here’s what you can do--save space in your busy days to accommodate the unexpected. Try not to add to the harshness. Stay kind and soft, calm and gentle. Offer your love--to this world, to your work and to your own imperfect, aching self.
Love,
Jamie
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