22 Things I Learned in 2022

1. Being a Horrible Hose Beast to myself doesn’t accomplish anything.

2. Self-Compassion vanquishes the Horrible Hose Beast even if it does look like a big, long-haired sissy.

3. Cold showers are invigorating only in the summer when the “cold” water comes out pool water warm because it’s a million degrees outside.

4. I can wash my hair and my whole body with one stock pot full of stove-heated water. (Did I mention our water heater broke this year?)

5. I can still remember the classical piano pieces I learned last October even though, after I learned them, I didn’t practice again until this October. Muscle memory is righteous.

6. I am capable of injuring myself in my sleep. I am gifted like that and also middle-aged.

7. I can withstand hour long phone calls with narcissistic jerks.

8. Other people can stand hour long phone calls with this narcissistic jerk.

9. If I spot it, man oh man do I got it!

10. Eight million twelve step slogans.

11. That even I give in and say “god” when what I mean is “gods.” Stupid three letter words being easier to type. Stupid western world thinking polytheists are weirdos.

12. With all the progress I’ve made at not being a Horrible Hose Beast, the Horrible Hose Beast is still worried about other people thinking I’m a weirdo. Sissy Self-Compassion doesn’t care, but says it’s OK that Hose Beast cares and wants me to give myself a big hug. What a sissy!

13. Life without corn syrup is possible and even preferable. Who knew?

14. My psychiatrist is kind and conscientious enough not to strangle me.

15. I am capable of watching a three hour concert sitting on a hard wooden bench in the Southern California level freezing cold with a spasming back. I am a middle aged endurance hero.

16. I am capable of talking about myself for 25 straight minutes without being a narcissistic jerk. At least I hope I am. If not, I owe about forty people a big apology.

17. Doing service for others is magical. Like, seriously, pop pop pop! Magical. That’s also a sissy thing to say. No less true though.

18. I can keep commitments… most of the time.

19. Tasing yourself hurts like a son of a monkey. Good news! If I ever need to tase anybody, I want it to hurt like a son of a monkey.

20. Wine and lightning are an excellent way to get and stay in the presence of the gods.

21. Gratitude is a superpower. Legit.

And finally… truly worth of a drumroll…

22. Love is patient. Patience is love.

With Love,
This Long Haired Sissy