Can you live without

[clevermanka]

As I remove physical, mental, and emotional baggage, I find things that pain me to let go. The little porcelain dolls (one of them broken) that my grandmother played with. The embarrassment that comes with knowing I am too lazy to be as slim and willowy as I was at 25. Anger with people who expect me to be ashamed when I move on with life after admitting that my best isn't always good enough.

How much do I let go in order to live serenely, compassionately, and peacefully? How much do I give up before I lose aspects of myself? I'm not so zen as to desire a loss of self in a great sea of nothingness. I will not allow outside influences to define myself or my happiness, but emotionally removing myself is not the goal, either. Where is the balance?

I'm going through a rough emotional time, and some lyrics have been rolling around in my head for a couple weeks now. It's another Guy Forsyth song. He seems to have a knack for speaking to me.

What can I live with? And perhaps more importantly, what can I live without?

Can You Live Without
To listen to the song, go to this website and choose track 4. The music will start playing immediately with track 1, so be aware...

In times of trouble we decide what we need
What we take with us, what we leave
How much of your answers can be believed
Nothing gonna save you if you’re deceived

Can you live without
Water for five days
Can you live without
Shopping when you get paid
Can you live without
Having someone to blame
Can you live without
The loser of your game

Can you live without
This fine new car
Can you live without
Knowing exactly who you are
Did you ever doubt
You’d have your house on the hill
Can you live without
All the folks who never will

Can you live without
Your dope
Whatever it might be
Kindbud or Budweiser
It works the same for me
Can you live without
Them whispering your name
Can you live without
Cashing in your fame

Can you live without her
Best make up your mind
Can you live without her
Boy, you’re running out of time
Can you live without her
Is this the way it’s playing out
Can you live without her
Can you live without

In times of trouble we decide what we need
What we take with us, what we leave
And how much of your answers can be believed
Nothing gonna save you if you’re deceived

Can you live without
Her breath on your neck
Can you live without
The laughter and the sex
Did you ever doubt
You’d have her picture on your wall
Can you live without
Anybody there at all
Can you live without
The callus on your knees
Can you live without
The scar that no one sees
Can you live without
Living by degrees
Can you live without
Doing exactly as you please

In times of trouble we decide what we need
What we take with us, what we leave
And how much of your answers can be believed
Nothing gonna save you if you’re deceived