Regular followers of this blog know that I’m traveling at present. I’m far from home visiting family for several weeks. Seeing people I haven’t seen in a very long time has been good, but it’s noisy.

I’m staying at my parents’ house and close to my sister. They like to watch television, and they actually leave it on constantly. I have written about my difficulty with television viewing here, here, and here. Simply put, I can’t watch. It flips a switch in my brain that causes me anxiety. I can’t explain it.

I have mostly dealt with the constant bombarding of television by moving into other rooms. It is not acceptable though. I’m cut off from communicating with family members I love.

I have made it through a couple of shows much to my surprise. They were lighthearted ones about cooking and home repair.

As I sit typing this post, there is a television playing in the next room, and I’m uncomfortable.

I’m keeping calm using a number of techniques:

• Walking to another room
• Deep breathing
• Concentrating on my smart phone
• Meditating in another room

I wish I could say I read, but I can’t concentrate when the television is on in the house. It’s quite maddening.

I do have to say that before my job training and the tools it gave me, this vacation would have set me on edge. I am remaining calm.

I am also getting along well with my loved ones, which would also not be the case for much of the past. Today, I have ways to help myself.

There is much too much write about, and I am afraid it must wait. I have some fun to go and participate in.