The Week in Review #1

It has been an odd sort of week. It was uneventful in some ways, but emotionally, there were some noteworthy moments. At times I felt like I was trying to run underwater, or in a crowd of people on mute, but it seemed to speed by. It wasn't necessarily a good or bad week, but I think I made some progress. No-one said growth would be painless. I am thankful I made it to the other end.

In summary, this week:

1. I had a sleepover with a good friend and spent 19 hours out of 24 talking (and eating, and watching a bit of tele, but mostly talking)!
2. I had some very helpful and encouraging conversations with the Mrs. (my best friend of 10+ years), as she told me some home truths, helped me figure out some things by being an excellent soundboard, gave good advice and played the reverse-psychology card, which (to my annoyance, ha) works on me every time.
   
3. I faced two minor fears: having a blood test and returning to work, after a week on leave.
4. I came clean to my boss about a problem I've been having at work and found that she was
   i.) more understanding that I could ever have expected;
   ii) was empathetic from her own similar first-hand experience;
   and
   iii) had lots of practical suggestions to make things better.
5. I removed a presence from my life that I finally recognised was causing me discontent. It was a little difficult, but it was liberating.
6. I temporarily removed myself from a situation that I needed space away from, in order to gain some clarity on how I feel about it and whether my separation from it should be permanent.
7. I spoke to a counsellor for the first time ever.
8. I caught up with a friend after months of very little contact, and found that
   i) we could pick up right where we left off;
   ii) she had been experiencing very similar feelings to me, which was encouraging
   and
   iii) we still get each other.
9. I cried, winced and felt my heart break and blood boil, as I watched an incredible Channel 4 documentary by Dispatches: Saving Africa's Witch Children. It followed the work of the charity Stepping Stones Nigeria, and its programme director, Englishman Gary Foxcroft, as they rescued and took care of children who have been tortured, abused and abandoned as a consequence of being branded 'witches' by purporters of a mix between extreme superstition and twisted evangelical 'Christianity'.
   
10. I had dinner with Bigger Sis, during which
    i) we had a lovely catch-up;
    ii) I unexpectedly received some pretty gifts;
    iii) we spoke to a very sweet and very beautiful Turkish waitress with the most amazing eyelashes;
    iv) I ate the best caprese salad, mushroom pizza with fresh rocket on top and tiramisu I have had in months
    and
    v) we spoke the evening away, so that I missed the last train and had to night bus-it home!
    
11. I was thankful to God for answering the prayers of my family, in helping us with a challenging situation we were worried about.
12. I was disappointed when someone's behaviour didn't live up to what I was intensely hoping for.
13. I was overwhelmed and encouraged by the admission of someone whom I love, admire and respect, who is known for their strength of character and fierce determination, that deep down they are a nervous wreck with real fears, who is simply very good at hiding it. A revelation to me!
    

Seeing it like that, perhaps it was eventful after all. Where did the week go???