Is everyone an idiot? or is it is everyone an idiot? It just came up in conversation with coach Kevin earlier this week. His suggestion is to treat everybody as if they are an idiot until proven otherwise. That way you don’t get too angry when you – inevitably – get cut up by another road user. If you assume so, all conversations with Banks/HMRC/Suppliers/Clients no longer wind you up (so much). I DID ask if that applied to his clients too – but he was very circumspect and said conversations with me always mentally stimulated him. So. Maybe, maybe not…

But it did get me thinking.

Which long-time readers will recognise is not necessarily a good thing! I’ve already mentioned that exclamation marks are considered the blogging equivalent of laughing at your own joke? A couple of posts or so back. Am I allowed the odd chuckle? It’s opera matinee time on the radio and we’re in one of those productions where the “heroine” has ruled out killing the ex-lover she’s been spurned by and is working up to throwing herself in the river. Why? Is it just me? Stick with killing the bu99er – he’s not going to feel guilty if you top yourself! Opera Buffo I understand, Opera Seria just does my head in. And why is it always the woman who kills herself? Just makes me angry.

The day of my session with Kevin was a difficult day.

Some of the aches and pains in my back and neck are indistinguishable from feelings of melancholy and anxiety. Which makes it a “challenge” to work out if it’s aches and pains – or something more mental. Coz they’re very different things to work through. And if you’ve had a couple of issues with client/pro bono work, etc., it can be incredibly difficult to tell. And (if you’ll excuse me starting two paragraphs/sentences in a row with “and” – complete no-no in my schooldays you have to know) one can reinforce the other. A vicious circle where one tiny negative can lead to a cascade of mind poo. I’m getting a little bit now – a repetitive strain injury leads to a soreness in the side of my neck which leads to the whole of my neck freezing up. It’s that same feeling you get when someone gets on your nerves and raises your hackles. You know the one I mean? Try driving through slow moving rush hour traffic when moving the steering wheel makes you feel sad. Then add torrential rain and a whinging client from earlier in the week to the mix and the net effect is an overwhelming desire to jack it all in!

Laughter is the best medicine.

At yourself if all else fails. It’s often said that many of the world’s greatest comedians are depressives. Don’t worry – I’m not saying I’m a great comedian (although quite a few people have said I must be having a laugh), just a poor boy from a poor family. Hang on – mixed metaphors and a completely random musical quote that wandered through my head. Not altogether sure what there is keeping my ears apart and it does work in a most mysterious way. Presently in that never never land between writing the blog and becoming the daughter’s chauffeur. An unremunerated position obviously… And – good grief – she’s back on time! Had to happen sooner or later I suppose but it does confuse when it happens. Duty calls. [caption id="attachment_4293" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Your carriage awaits[/caption]]]>