“The problem with introspection is that is has no end.”
~ Philip K. Dick
It is late August and there is a chill in the air. The temperature is 73 degrees, but the breeze I feel on my porch makes it seem like early fall. Makes me want to pull on soft, worn jeans and a roomy turtleneck sweater.
The chill is coming way too early. Normally this time of summer, I start to weary of the heat. The grass is usually parched and my herbs and impatiens wilted from too much sun. The constant din of cicadas makes me feel like I have tinnitus. This year, June was cold and wet and summer weather didn’t launch until July. And even though July was the hottest on record, our indecisive August makes me feel gypped.
My summer list is only partially checked off. There have been art fairs and festivals. A Tuesday night concert by the lagoon. Time spent watching kids play in the Millennium Park fountains. July 4th parade and fireworks. A wonderful visit with my longest BFF, Tanya. A bike ride to the Botanic Gardens with another friend, Sheila. The Air and Water show enjoyed from my kids’ terrace in the city, accompanied by margaritas and lobster tacos—all in celebration of my August birthday.
There have been long bike rides, but only one walk and no time at all basking in the sun on the beach. I’ve yet to relax in the hammock with a book and a Corona. Ravinia is yet to be, but it is on the calendar—Alan Jackson. Mostly, there has been far too little time chilling with friends.
This summer has also been funky in other ways—leaving me feeling a little unhinged. In late July, I had a “routine” ultrasound, and was immediately propelled into the now familiar follow-up, meet new specialists, have other procedures, and wait routine. My next “procedure” is on September 3 and, while I try to tell myself everything is okay, my “okay” track record is not to be trusted. “We’ll see” is a much better bet. I’m scared.
And, I’ve had two big disappointments. The first was the Writer’s Lab screenwriting competition sponsored by New York Women in Film and Television and funded by Meryl Streep. I worked my butt off to get my script adaptation of East of Mecca in perfect shape and even submitted it a day early. I worked and reworked my bio and synopsis until they were perfect. Then I indulged in what turned out to be totally magical thinking. I was so sure I would be chosen that I was watching flights on Yapta. I felt the excitement of winning. When I got the “Dear Applicant” letter on August 1st, I was sure I’d receive an “Oops!” letter soon after. No such luck. That night I went out for comfort food—Chicago style deep-dish pizza and red wine.
I wrote my mentor Meg who gave me wise advice—put it behind me and “write something else…if the goal is writing then write.”Meg’s right, I know. I’ve tried to do just that, and consoled myself with the fact that there were 3800 entrants for twelve spots. But, still.
Two weeks ago I had the second disappointment. My photographer friend was doing a shoot for the American Cancer Society he thought I’d be perfect for. At the casting call there was a line of almost a hundred people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. I was happy and grateful to be there—mostly to see my friend, but also to enjoy the unique experience.
Waiting in line gave me a great opportunity to people-watch. I chatted with others as we slowly moved forward. At the end of the line there was a white background screen, lights, and photographers. Women were having three angles shot. Men were also required to scream. When it was my turn they took three smiling shots. But then they also asked me to look angry. I tried to frown. Covered my face with my hands. Tried to think of something maddening, but came up with nothing. I failed miserably.
The next week, when I was told the client didn’t choose me, I wasn’t surprised. But, I was disappointed. After I got the news I went for a long bike ride by the lake. It was a beautiful summer afternoon, and it helped.
Since then, I’ve been very introspective—thinking about disappointment, ego, and anger. In the first wake of disappointment, I always feel sad. I cry. Then I reach for something comforting. Deep-dish pizza and wine isn’t always the best choice, but it worked. The bike ride was a healthier choice and worked better.
As for the why of these disappointments, ego plays a huge part. In terms of the Writers Lab, in addition to the opportunity to get my story to the masses, I wanted to be chosen for the experience of working with women in the film industry. I wanted to be chosen for recognition of what I’d written in the screenplay competition—my talent and skill. Not being chosen meant that I didn’t measure up. That hurt my ego.
In addition to the importance of giving something back to the American Cancer Society for all the work it has done for me, I wanted the experience of the shoot with my lovely photographer friend and his amazing crew. The fact that I wasn’t chosen because of how I look, or how I could not look (angry), also hurt my ego.
Looking at all three events—the health issue and two lost opportunities—I realized I usually react with sadness, disappointment, feeling bad about myself, and even fear. Rarely do I experience anger—even when I should.
Anger wasn’t allowed in my home when I was growing up. Both my parents had experienced too much rage in their childhoods. I think Daddy would have been fine with it, but Mama would have none of it. It was more than okay to be wounded and hurt in our family, but never to be angry.
When I was about five I remember being angry about something. I tried to express it verbally, but was shut down. Then I scowled and was told to “wipe that expression off” my face. I remember tensing my legs, standing for a moment on rigid sticks of rage. Mama saw that, too, and made me stop it. I did. I don’t know where it went, but from that moment on my anger was suppressed.
My defense mechanism of choice has always been dissociation. I bring down a wall separating me from my negative emotions. Problem is, dissociation isn’t terribly specific—it also prevents one from truly feeling all other emotions. When I do feel anger, it is always hard to express. I can be the tiniest bit passive aggressive. And I’m a master at being passive!
When I do feel anger, I know it doesn’t always serve me well. I am quick to let go and forgive, even when I’m the only one aware that I’ve forgiven. In any case, I don’t carry anger around with me and certainly cannot access it on demand!
The lesson is that we all need to learn healthy ways of expressing anger and other negative emotions—and to allow our children and loved ones to do the same. The power of introspection is that it can turn bad experiences into valuable gifts. I’ve learned much about myself from exploring my own reactions to these recent painful experiences.
Moving forward, I’ve taken my mentor Meg’s advice and I’m working on my next book, Orchard Road. I will continue to embrace all wonderful opportunities sent my way, trying not to let ego steal my joy in the face of disappointment. And, I’m also trying to access and express my anger in healthy ways, knowing it will probably take a lifetime to change a lifetime of habits. In the meantime, I’m also okay embracing my serene, happy self—because I’m exquisitely aware of all for which I’m grateful.
lori
August 31, 2015 @ 4:00 PM
Lovely post, Sheila. Good things await you. You’re a beautiful writer.
Sheila Flaherty
September 2, 2015 @ 4:01 PM
Thank you so much, Lori, for always sending your kind words and loving support! I admire you so much as a writer, that your words about my writing especially mean the world to me!!! I love you.
Joanna
August 31, 2015 @ 5:21 PM
Great post Sheila. Sorry to hear of your disappointments with the contest & the photo shoot. Love the new book so far and feel it will do well. Will be thinking of you this month, pink & gold positive thoughts. All the best, Joanna
Sheila Flaherty
September 2, 2015 @ 4:00 PM
Thank you, Joanna, for always being in my corner and being such a wonderful supporter of my writing, and, mostly, as a friend. I will take all the positive thoughts and energy you are sending my way, with much gratitude! I love you.
Margaret
August 31, 2015 @ 9:09 PM
So many frustrations, Sheila. So sorry you have had to deal with them and continue to deal with them. Please know you have so many people who love, care, and believe in you. I love Meg’s advice! You are truly an amazing, successful woman…..in every aspect….. and I am honored to be your friend.
Sheila Flaherty
September 2, 2015 @ 3:57 PM
Thank you so much, Margaret… for always showing up to be such a great support and a wonderful friend. I am honored and blessed to have you in my life! I love you.
RoseMary Calamia Mahany
August 31, 2015 @ 10:29 PM
I was just reading in an article in an Advocate Health E-Journal that we should not protect our children from all negative feelings. It is important for children to learn to experience and deal with them. Your post seems to support that. I also think that you have been through a lot of challenges in your life and managed to repeatedly come up with the strength to go on. Get in your hammock with that Corona. You deserve it!
Sheila Flaherty
September 2, 2015 @ 3:56 PM
Thank you for your support and comments, as always, RoseMary!!! It’s true that children need to learn to express and deal with all emotions unhealthy ways. This weekend’s weather should be perfect for the Corona in the hammock!!! Love to you.
niki moe horrell
September 1, 2015 @ 11:05 AM
Sheila- I enjoyed reading your post as always and am sorry to hear of your disappointments this last month. I am thoroughly thrilled you are into your second book as I couldn’t set East of Mecca down! If this next is half as good…it will be awesome.
YOU are beautiful on the inside and outside. To not be able to show anger from something that took place in your childhood is SUCH introspection. It is ok to be angry my friend. Working on how to deal with anger the work in progress! I would like to have that conversation with you over a glass of wine sometime as I am trying to figure that one out myself. Aren’t we – women- so very lucky to have the friendship of one another to talk to, listen to and hear differing opinions and respect it all as just that conversation! All the best on the 3rd and always-
Sheila Flaherty
September 2, 2015 @ 3:54 PM
Conversation over a glass of wine sounds lovely, Niki! Anger is a tough one for most women. In fact, I’m going to write another post exclusively on anger! Thanks, as always, for your support and for taking the time to comment. And, for your best wishes. Love to you.
Lynn Sloan
September 1, 2015 @ 2:08 PM
Not getting accepted in the Streep Writers Lab and not getting chosen for a photo shoot are both wounding experiences. Others can tell us that we are fine people, that we’re worthy of being among the chosen, but this perfectly reasonable logic doesn’t dissuade our hurt. You are talented enough to have won the Writers Lab fellowship. You would be great in any photo shoot that involved a beautiful soul shining out. Hurt goes deep. Logic doesn’t help, at least it doesn’t for me, and I get lots of rejection. If anger is cleansing for you, may you explode with rage, then let it go. And may good things come your way.
Sheila Flaherty
September 2, 2015 @ 3:52 PM
So sweet, Lynn! Thank you so much for commenting! You’re so right… rejection sucks and no amount of logic makes it less painful. I wish I could work up a rage explosion and be done with it! Maybe, someday! In the meantime, thanks for the good wishes! I look forward to offer and conversation in the future. And I am loving your book so far! xoxo
Anne Strohm
September 1, 2015 @ 4:15 PM
Sheila – Sometimes life is SO hard!!! It was wonderful to see you last week, and share that great conversation. Sending you lots of love and very best healing energy for September 3rd. Keep us posted, and know that you are surrounded by love.
Sheila Flaherty
September 2, 2015 @ 3:49 PM
Anne, Thank you for your support, your healing energy, your thirty-three year friendship, and, most of all, your love. I love you, too, and I am blessed to have you in my life.