New Whiskey, Who Dis?

It took last Sunday off. I went adventuring in Eureka, UT with some excellent company. Now, Eureka is a place I have visited a handful of times already. However, every time I go I feel like I find something new and even more interesting. This time under direction of my traveling companion we located a massive Jasper deposit in the side of a mountain. We also located some excellent lunch at the Cast Iron Bistro. Also, they have excellent sourdough cinnamon rolls. While in town, I picked up a bottle of Pendleton Whiskey. I am just breaking into tonight for the first time. It is not a bad choice at all. Different from the Gentleman Jack, but not a bad different.

If you have not watched the video I started this post with, take a second and give it a view. It is short and to the point. I made that video in February. I thought at the time, healthy was going to be physically healthy. While I have made progress and formed better eating habits this year, mental health has been the champion of progress.

Back when I needed that advice, I wouldn't have gotten its depth through my thick heartbroken skull. However, today I can look at it and accept it as fact. I have tried and tested the wisdom of that post and found it to be true. Now an unexpected twist, I want to thank all of those people no longer in my life for treating me so poorly. I am in a much better place without you, and I truly could not and would not have experienced this blossom of personal growth without all of you treating me like a disposable human and at times an ATM. I don't keep tabs on you anymore, so I have no clue what life is like for you today, but I truly hope you pulled that head firmly planted in the rectum out, got some fresh air and reevaluated life. I am fairly certain two of you haven't based on one of you avoiding me like the devil when you see me in public and for the other I see that same truck parked at the same apartment every time I drop my daughter off in Orem. We both had credit issues back then when you were dying to replace it. Since then, one of us took action fixed credit and bought a house...

Enough poison pen, simmer down Pendleton. Back to the good stuff, writing, that is. Mental health has been the journey of 2022. Boundaries, self-worth and self reflection have been the lay of the land. Mixed in with that has been new friendships, concerts and adventure. I got to see three performers I have had on my bucket list for a while now this year. Tejohn Street Corner Thieves, Rob Zombie and Jelly Roll were amazing. The other shows and artists were as well, but those peeps were on my list.

Realizing and accepting that I have anxiety was a turning point. The air show helped highlight that for me. I tackled that demon and had a great time taking in the history mixed with the sights and sounds of some truly remarkable aircraft. I have become more me this year. I find it not to be a bad thing, and I have truly learned the value of exploring solo or with chosen company. I can not deny I have spent more time alone this year. You know what, though? Unlike the old broken me, I enjoyed that alone time. I sought it out and I made it happen. It was amazing. Much like learning the lesson that I am worth buying good whiskey for, even when I am the only one who usually enjoys it. Having my writing whiskey on Sundays is truly enjoyable and important to my little rituals I have made. Ironically, I have spent less time on social media this year. I still get the occasional doom scroll on the damn clock app, but it's not as important to me as it once was.

Mixed in with all of this change is a few fun truths I want to share. Negative self talk is at an all-time low. It really never did me any good, even though it took forever for me to understand the harm it was doing. Self evaluation is a good thing. Having a healthy, deep conversation with myself has seriously prevented me from getting caught up in some undesirable stupidity. Knowing when to walk away is powerful. If something does not feel right, ain't no shame in moving on. Life is too short for half assed situation ships and people who make you feel meh. Seek the ones who make you feel alive and like you matter. If they want to, they will make time for you.

As always, own your shit. Good or bad, you have to take responsibility for it. It is powerful to be open-minded and accept feedback. But at the same time, do not take all feedback to heart. If I did, I would spend my days walking this earth knowing I was a narcissist. After much soul-searching, testing and crowdsourcing, I can confirm I am not. Ironically, most people who know the source of those accusations feel like the shoe is firmly planted on the other foot.

Letting go is healthy. It is freeing and it is worth it. Yes, it might not be easy, but let's scroll back up to that picture I posted. If they wanted what, you actually had to offer, you probably would not have to chase them. Healthy communication is everything. If you can't be real with them always, good or bad, it is time to move the fuck on. Two-way street though. Never be a placeholder for anyone. If they don't value you for who you are but simply how you make them feel when they need to feel, that's not your friend, it is an energy vampire. They will make you feel amazing when they need you and forgotten when they don't. Life gets messy, so don't forget your towel. If you got that last one, you are my kind of people.

I think that is all I have to add to the world this evening. Thank you for joining me on this stormy Sunday evening. Also, I want to know what is your favorite kind of whiskey? Drop me a comment, I want to try new kinds.

Bishop :(: