Decorating My Funk With Some Live Music

“If you find yourself in a funk—don’t decorate it.” I came across this quote in one of my journals this week. It is a quote from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic. This book is a favorite of mine. It is uplifting, inspiring, and well–magical. Gilbert warns that when you are feeling the blues, it is not usually the best time to get a tattoo of a horse on your ass, shave your head, or dye your hair to match your mood. Don’t decorate the funk. I have claimed this quote as my affirmation all week adding my own spin to it.

For the past several weeks, I have been in a funk. My body has been invaded by something that is creating all sorts of havoc. Shots of antibiotics, oral antibiotics, creams, and potions have not seemed to send the invader packing. I have decided my body is a warm, joyful, and delightful environment that makes everyone feel welcome. I am a walking, talking version of Rumi’s Guest House. Now we have added steroids and I am not as warm and joyful, but the guests do not seem to mind my grumpy disposition. I have decided that while I am in a funk, I will not decorate it. My mood may not be optimal but I am determined to coexist with it.

Todd surprised me with tickets to see Jack Johnson last year. I have always wanted to see him live. I love his vibe and the messages in his songs. The concert was on Saturday night at The Hollywood Bowl which is an amazing concert venue.  Todd also purchased shuttle tickets to allow us to enjoy the evening without the hassle of driving and parking. I made calls and requests to seven caregivers before I found one available to watch Emily for three hours and get her ready for bed. (Justin would be home to assist and care for her after that.) There must be a lot of magical events going on the first weekend of October because everyone had big plans. 

As the date approached, my body was hanging onto the crude. I had to make a decision to either bail on the concert or go and make the best of it. I made the choice to go. I did not want to disappoint Todd. I was not feeling my best and it was a long night. It was not the most comfortable experience physically BUT mentally it was worth the effort. Listening to Jack Johnson play Better Together and Do You Remember in concert was epic and worth the discomfort that joined the party. As the moon came up and the temperatures cooled, the magic of the evening grew. The crowd was lively and excited. Todd was kind, patient, and understanding with my bits of complaining of discomfort. Because we took the shuttle we could not leave early and embraced the long afternoon and evening that did not end until the next day. I chose to decorate my funk with some feel-good, upbeat tunes and time with my husband and I do not regret it one bit. It turns out my funk mixed with some acoustic pop blended well. It was an evening I will not forget that is for sure.