Another question from the daily prompt I’m going to answer differently. They ask to – Describe your life in an alternative universe.
I’ve always thought what if I pursued my own interest from the start of my career. What would I have accomplished as a photographer and artist? Would I have gone into business myself and worked for myself instead of others?
Sometimes now I say what if I had taken care of my body better. I’m sure some things wouldn’t ache as they do, but I’ll never know if the cancers were part of my genetics or all the nasty stuff I’ve encountered in life.
I think if I had taken that position or other job, if I had or hadn’t made a lot of decisions. Of course, those are in the past but some worth learning from.
We are always living in an alternative universe by the decisions we make and don’t make. They are always altering the course of this life.
Maryland has some great roads. Photo by Mike Hartley.
Describe your life in an alternative universe. – The Daily writing prompt asks today. No thanks.
Sometimes I have trouble describing my life in this universe. I’d like to describe how I’m feeling better but that isn’t working out. 3rd day in the house and getting a little closterphobic. Had to step outside for a few minutes today and feel the sun before it disappears for the next 2 days.
Oh, the days I used to shake off a virus in a day or just paid it no mind. I’m glad I’m retired and not forcing myself to work when sick anymore. Ironically one of my best friends who is still working called me on his way home. He’s been working the last couple of days under the weather.
I could hear the exhaustion in his voice and spirit. I was glad to hear he was going to eat and crash for the evening. I used to have that mentality about the job. Total dedication to my detriment most time. I came back early from cancer surgeries and didn’t miss time for treatments. I used to work through just about anything.
Now that I look at that driven perspective I used to have like him, it’s a bit dangerous to one’s health. Balance was never a consideration when I worked. From working in dangerous conditions in the early years and working till I would drop or just lose significant sleep each week over many decades, I abused myself and it wasn’t really smart.
But it was the way of the times. People worked sick all the time. I’m sure a lot still do. Life is still tough for many. All my close friends worked no matter what. I hope things have changed enough that more are getting sick time and able to use it.
People raising families don’t get sick days even if they got one from work. And as my children and nephews and nieces are learning with their children now.
And to those self-employed or running small businesses, much respect for the effort no matter the health.
Walking in Northside Park in OCMD a few weeks ago. Photo by Mike Hartley
