Dictionary of Distractions

A major tool in my arsenal to fight despair has always been distraction. (I’m happy to report that, these days, I try to choose positive ones, but I also try not to judge). While I wait for your responses to my recent email (unsubtle hint), I thought I’d share what have been some of my primary distractions over the years. Because I’ve long been obsessed with abecedaries, you’re going to get them alphabetically.

[Please note that some of these are historical, not necessarily recommended, and that my mental health is currently holding steady, crumbling civilization notwithstanding.]

Alcohol

Books

Crossword Puzzles

Decluttering

Eating

Fantasy

Gratitude

Hair care

Intellectualizing

Jumping to Conclusions

Kicking Myself When I’m Down

Lolling

Mothering

Numbing (see all)

Overthinking

Planning

Quieting

Resentment

Spelling Bee

True Crime

Urgency, Manufactured

Vitriolic Responses, Imagined

Walking

XYZ (the name of a local bar)

Those of you who've read about my inner demons won’t be surprised to know that Prudence advises moderation in using distraction while Crystal feels strongly that this is one of many areas where more is better.

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Thanks for reading. Care to share your favorite distractions?

GOOD STUFF

Swimming! I’ve continued to increase my laps.

Italian. I’ve resurrected my Duolingo account in preparation for a trip to Italy this September (this is replacing the previously mentioned cruise on the Douro River in Portugal which I cancelled when Viking horribly fumbled my flights and expected me to pay thousands for their mistake). In my absence the app seems to have become both more annoying (constant urging to upgrade through cringeworthy ads) and more helpful (more oral practice and more tailoring to one’s level). My one-time fluency has seriously evaporated with many years and my confusion with Spanish, but I’m hoping to brush up. And I’m so enjoying the beauty of the language.