UNDER THE WILL… OVER THE DRAMA…

Empty Fridges, Full Grudges, and Other Nonsense…

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by

Mae Faurel
in

Daily Writing Prompt: What bothers you and why?

And before I started making a list, the length of the Shannon, I took a deep breath…

Because when I sat with this morning, the first thing that popped into my head was people who put empty boxes back in the fridge. Then I laughed, because of all the things in the world, that’s what I gave airtime to first.

But isn’t that the way? The small things get under our skin because the big things feel too heavy. So we fixate on the driver who didn’t use a blinker, or the cousin who still owes us twenty quid since 2009. Meanwhile, we’re carrying old hurts and stories around like Granny Frass’s battered shopping bag, things we should’ve let blow away in the wind years ago.

What bothers me today?
People pretending not to see what’s happening around them.

People who witness cruelty, injustice, or even just a neighbor in need, and look the other way because it’s easier. That bothers me because silence feeds the bully. And trust me, I know a thing or two about bullies.

Granny Frass used to say, “If you see a wrong and say nothing, you’re holding the shovel.” Meaning, you’re helping dig the hole someone’s about to be buried in. That bothers me. It should bother all of us.

But here’s the thing: once you name what bothers you, you get to decide what to do with it. Do you stew in it? Shout about it? Laugh at it? Or let it drift off like smoke?

So today, ask yourself:
What’s bothering me? Why? And is it really mine to carry?

Granny Frass would probably tell me to cop on and have a cup of tea. And you know what? She’s right. Some things are worth a fight. Most things are worth a laugh.

And some things are best left in the hands of the universe.

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Comments

9 responses to “Empty Fridges, Full Grudges, and Other Nonsense…”

  1. michael raven Avatar
    michael raven

    As I get older, I am trending more towards emulating the farmer in the old Taoist/Zen parable these days and try to not judge singular events as to if they are good or bad. There are things that bother me, sure. But I try to let things play out a bit before deciding if they need my mucking about with them. Sometimes, something that seems like a “bad” thing ends up being the impetus for something “good”. As well as the reverse. Let’s not be too hasty in ascribing judgments, I remind myself.

    I am also reminded of Alan Watts’ discussion about the ring that is inscribed with “this, too, shall pass”.

    Sending a nod from one black sheep to another.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      I’ll have to revisit that parable myself because you’re right, it holds a kind of wisdom that never goes out of date. If memory serves, the whole point is that we never really get to see the full picture, especially not in the middle of things. And yes, I remember hearing a Paddy version too! 😂 Classic.

      And as for Alan Watts, now you’re going deep, and I love it. That whole idea that if you’re suffering, it’ll pass… and if you’re happy, that’ll pass too… it sounds a bit grim at first, but it’s actually the most freeing thing in the world. It stops you getting stuck, lets you feel what you’re feeling without clinging too tight to it, and reminds you that nothing stays the same. It’s very much a black sheep philosophy: roll with it, don’t let the highs or lows define you, and keep moving. It’s bloody hard to do, Michael!

      Thanks for this. I needed the reminder 🧡

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. michael raven Avatar
        michael raven

        That does not surprise me at all, knowing the little sayings we use on our side of the pond — including some very American sound-alike sayings and tales.

        That whole wu wei approach is tough as hell. But worth attempting!

        You’re welcome and cheers. 💙

        Liked by 1 person

  2. G Man Avatar
    G Man

    Hi M,
    I had a thought about this prompt, then decided to skip it, for similar reasons to what you highlighted.
    Besides, I didn’t want to do my ‘pet peeves list’…long story.
    I agree with you on the turning a blind eye thing, I ‘ve been in a couple of situations where I had to intervene, as I didn’t want anything being on my conscience if I didn’t.

    As for Granny Frass, She was a wise woman wasn’t she?

    I see. and hear you on leaving it (all the annoying situations etc.) in capable hands.
    I’ll go one more, and say I leave the majority of the heavy lifting, to the King of the universe.
    Well, I have enough on my plate already, Father Jesus is more than capable of handling the big stuff. 😇😉

    Chat soon. xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      Ah, I love this Phil, especially the bit about skipping the pet peeves list! I nearly made mine a scroll, but figured I’d only wind myself up. 😄

      And yes, Granny Frass was a force, part sage, part sass, and not one for nonsense. She’d have had something sharp (and slightly scandalous) to say about all of this, no doubt!

      Leaving it in capable hands — divine or otherwise — is the only way forward sometimes. I do my bit, but like you, I happily hand the rest over. No sense dragging around what’s not mine to carry.

      Thanks for this… felt like a little soul hug. Chat soon xx 🙏🧡

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    So true how the little things surface first, while the heavier ones hide beneath.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      Yes, exactly Willie… It’s like the small stuff floats up first, giving us something manageable to hold onto while the deeper layers wait for their moment. Grief, memory, healing. It all moves in waves, doesn’t it? The heavy things come when we’re ready… or at least readier than we were. 🧡

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
        Willie Torres Jr.

        Yes, so true… it really does come in waves. God knows just what we can handle and when. One layer at a time.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Mae Faurel Avatar
        Mae Faurel

        Truth Willie 🧡

        Liked by 1 person

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