Sisters Safe Talk

We haven’t had a surprise like this one, that I can remember, a prediction that the end of time has been on the books (Aztec calendar, that is) for a long time.

 

I recall a few years ago that the threat of computers going down because the programmers had not used the first two digits of the century and it was not certain what would happen when the clock ended 12-31-99 and ticked on into 1-00

 

There was panic in some minds and hearts.

Some folks stored extra food. Some people, the newscasters reported on national T V stations, feared personal invasions and bought guns.

 

How does one protect themselves from ‘the end of time’.

The new year of 2012 will have many changes in many towns and cities for many citizens. For example, each of us grows older. New babies are born. There are deaths. All these events mark the end of something and the beginning of another.  If a baby has come into your life and routine you can rest assured your life will not be the same.

 

If you have reached the time of entering college, the time to go for war, time for filing for divorce, going to jail, losing your home, been in a fire, flood, tornado….when you experience life each hour, each day, in a sense, that can be the end of a “time”. Perhaps you have had events in 2011 by which you will mark time. Sharing with a friend the value of celebrations and the burden of drama can also be ‘remarkable’.

 

One of my sons remarked “when I was young and heard you and Dad saying you remembered 20 years ago I was in awe. Now that I can say that, I am viewing it differently”. Sounds like another story of ‘end of time’.

 

The method we use to put to ease the alarming happenings and gleeful occasions of daily life is legend. Some find a helpful, personal way, is to write in a journal. There is, often, cleansing when surprising words flow from our pen when journal keeping. When the thoughts are freed from guilt, shame, or regret by the simple exercise of free flow writing, even writing with the non dominate hand, is comforting and rewarding. Another way is talking.

 

If the story has been such that it has not been heard…aloud…by you…to you…for you, it can be as freeing as writing. However, retelling more than once or twice can be detrimental to the “ending the time” of that story. Retelling can be energizing to the emotions, such as happy emotions as well as uncomfortable emotions. Repeating the event in thought or verbally, over and over, can often seal the story, deeply, in memory.

 

Sister Safe Talk is a comforting way to have new ears hear your story. Or if not a story, just to say, to another person who has had a similar twist, what is on your mind, in safety and acceptance.

 

2012 could be just what you have been wishing for…the whole year! Come join us for a morning meeting or after work.   Written by: Nell Elliott