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Heartwings Love Notes 1006 - The Art of Subtraction

Heartwings says, "Subtraction is surely as necessary as addition."

At the beginning of my first grade year, I was given a workbook to help me learn arithmetic. It began with addition. I learned the plus signs meant that we were to add. At the age of five, I had not yet encountered arithmetic. Paging through my new workbook I noticed that there were some errors. They had neglected to cross some of the lines to make the crosses with which I was familiar. Diligently, I set to work with my thick lead pencil to correct the "error." When the learning continued, I had a lot of work to do with my eraser. Thus began my lessons in subtraction.

Later I learned a different way to use subtraction. Math was never easy for me, and as an adult, I struggled with the simple addition I had learned. Instead, I began by subtracting. I took away from one of the numbers back to the nearest ten. Say I'm adding 27 and 32. I subtract 2 from 30 and add 30 to 27, making 57, then I add the 2 and voila, a correct total of 59 easily arrived at. My method has done wonders to help make my life easier. I came up with this on my own, however I've since learned this is how an abacus works.

I've also practiced subtracting as I go through my seasonal clothes. I subtract those I haven’t worn in a while or that no longer fit. If I want to add something new to my wardrobe, now I've made room. Lately I've been checking shelves and cupboards to eliminate unwanted items. I've discovered some tasty things that were seemingly lost—however only to view.

I have discovered yet another use for the process of subtraction. I am using it to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Regular readers of my column have heard me complain about the diminishment I experience getting things done. My Parkinson's Disease has meant I am less able to function. However, rather than feel diminished any longer, I have come up with a way to function better. I still keep a list of what I hope to accomplish any given day, yet then I subtract at least one or two items so my expectations are lower and I don’t bemoan what I can't do or haven’t done.

Above all it is vital to be kind to ourselves. I do my best to feel good about what I have been able to do, and to ignore what still needs doing. The chicken in the 'fridge that will become soup can wait. I know I will make it sometime soon.

May you find good ways to be kind to yourself.

Got any easy recipes to share? Food stories to tell? I so appreciate your comments and thoughts. Please write to me at tashahal@aol.com, and for more love notes, check out www.heartwingsandfriends.com. Thanks!
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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