Big And Not So Big Days

What makes one day Big  and another not as big? “Today is a Big Day,” Albert, the young man in Michael Morpurgo’s story of  War Horse, (recently made into a play and movie) says to his new half thoroughbred horse, Joey.  Albert and Joey  will attempt to plow a dry stony field, a task arduous enough to break  the plow’s blades  and the horse’s backbone.  (They succeed and the Day is big in a Positive way.)

Many happenings lie beyond our control: smooth connections of busses and subways; an unexpected call from a long lost friend; an invitation to a party; a promotion at work after a co-worker’s precipitous departure.

I think it’s important to take note of the Big and not so Big Days because Life naturally has ups and downs. We may feel we’ve stagnated, as if nothing will ever change, or  we may focus on the Downs.  When we take note of the Big Days in which dramatic changes occur (for the better), we’re making note of the Ups. The Big Moments help us surmount the lows, like coasting downhill on a bicycle before we have to pump uphill again.

 

The life of one of my clients presented many hills to climb.  We became aware that the work of psychotherapy divided  into cycles of  ‘uphill’ (pumping) ‘downhill’ (whizzing), and ‘plateaus’ (coasting on level ground).

I acknowledge I’m ‘addicted’ to the Big Days. Daily journaling offers the chance to ask how I can transform a day into a Big One. (I can do it! I can tackle a dreaded task which has loomed overhead like Damocles’ sword. I can clean out that overstuffed closet which I’ve put off for years.)

CONCLUSION: Many of us yearn for stability, but we don’t do well if we experience stagnation. Calling attention to these natural cycles of ups and downs helps us feel engaged, involved, alive.

Dear Reader, Please share what makes a Big Day for you. (jsimon145@gmail.com)