Dawn's Notes

What Do You Want, Charlie Brown?
February 2010
by Dawn Phelps, RN/LMSW

In the “Peanuts” comic strip, Charlie Brown wants simple things from life.  He wants to fly a kite, even though the trees usually devour his kite.  He wants to kick a football, even though he knows Lucy will probably prevent him from kicking the ball by pulling the football back at the last second.  And he wants to be called “Flash” which does not happen.

 After reading the “Peanuts” column you might describe Charlie Brown as sad, disappointed, simplistic, and sometimes down-trodden.  But have you ever thought of him as inspirational?  

In the comic strip, Charlie Brown has a hard time accomplishing his goals, and his ball team continually loses.  But Charlie Brown never quits trying, even when the going is tough.  Even though Charlie Brown’s friends insult him, he keeps on going, still has confidence in himself and faith in the goodness of others. 

He still flies his kite.  He still plays ball even in the rain, even when his team loses.  He plays ball because he likes to play the game!  And to me, that is inspirational! 

If you have gone through some tough times in the past few months or years, it may be difficult to put into words what you want from life.  You may have had the wind knocked out of you, but don’t give up on living life—stay in the game!

I encourage you, like Charlie Brown, to consider what you want out of life.     Ask yourself what would give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. What do you enjoy?  Consider ways you can contribute to your world in your remaining time on Planet Earth.    
 
Where do you want to be educationally, vocationally, spiritually, and health-wise at the end of 2010?  What do you want to happen in your future?

If you have experienced a recent loss, you may still be plowing through much-needed legal paperwork.  Or you may be facing some difficult decisions, and finances may be tight.  Facing the future may look grim without the one you loved, and it may be difficult to even sleep through the night.  In time, the hurt does soften a bit, and life does get easier.

After the loss of my husband a few years ago, my “To Do” list was long—the thank you notes to write, the visit to Social Security, bills to pay, and a gravestone to choose, for instance.  And, yes, life was scary.       

When Charlie Brown gets scared in the “Peanuts” column, he talks about his fears to his friends.  So if life gets too scary for you, think about who you can turn to.  A family member, a friend, a pastor perhaps?

Also, do not ignore your physical health.  If you have been the caregiver for your loved one, perhaps it has been a while since you saw your doctor for a checkup.  Also try to eat as nutritiously as possible even though your appetite may not yet be back to normal.  

You are probably facing more difficult tasks than flying kites or kicking a football like Charlie Brown.  It may be difficult to “pick yourself up” and play the game of life in 2010, and you may find yourself “in the rain,” as Charlie Brown sometimes does.  

My goals for the next eleven months are to stay as healthy as possible, to love well, and to live my life purposefully.  And so I ask you the question, “What do you want in 2010?”

Please hang on and stay in the game—there’s a future waiting for you! 

Call about the next "Living Life after Loss" Group at:
Meadowlark Hospice
709 Liberty
Clay Center, Kansas
(785) 632-2225

Dawn Phelps, RN/LMSW, Group Facilitator