The essay I shared last week took a lot out of me. In the aftermath of writing it, I felt used up, worn out, empty. This week, I needed a break from that kind of work, so I took one.
Oof -- I had a feeling that essay was one that would take it out of you. Been there! I tend to bounce between heavily researched topics and those that come more from my own soul, some deeper than others, and like you, choose to "go easy" when I feel drained from whatever manifested the week before. But I agree that it's important to share those cycles. They're all part of the process of being someone who creates for public consumption.
Spring has a way of bringing on motivation to get my spaces in better shape. We all have that one room, right? (Well, I don't know, actually. I'm sure there are a few overachieving weirdos out there who manage otherwise. I hate discipline. LOL j/k!!) For the record, my one room is still not singing my praises, but it's on the list! Yours looks amazing now. Well done! Manageable chunks for the win!
Tell me more about the quilt you have hanging. It's lovely! Did you make it? Is it an antique? How does it fare, hanging like that? Do you refold it from time to time? Or is it one you actually use? If it's not obvious, I have one here that is prompting this fire hose line of questioning.
So glad to know that others need some ebb and flow in what they write about. Some topics are definitely more draining than others.
Thanks for asking about the quilt. It's not a finished quilt--there's no filling inside of it, and there's not quilting. My great-grandmother made it, and it's all hand-sewn. I thought about trying to complete it, but in the end I decided I wanted to honor it as it is. For years I kept it in a box to preserve it, but then I decided that wasn't honoring it. I do worry about degrading it, but quilts are meant to be of use, especially the quilts she made. It is hanging over a thick curtain rod. I do flip it over from time to time so that both sides are exposed to light that comes from the window. Hmm...I think you're giving me a topic for my next post, as I'm finding myself wanting to say much more about this!
I'm pleased you did get some of your stuff sorted, both in the figurative and the literal sense. It is interesting how we immerse ourselves in our writing side so deeply that there is a significant letdown after the words are written. Any longtime blogger knows that feeling, so I get it. I'm glad you claimed the experience and have put it in perspective here. Energy and lethargy are something I've had to learn to balance.
I've never thought much about the idea of balancing energy and lethargy. I think we tend to think of lethargy negatively--something to banish. But I like to think of it as something to allow in, in a balanced way.
I follow KC on TikTok and her videos are really nice to watch. She is really good for my mental health. So many humans that I wish were around for us when we were younger. Alas.
I scanned the Josie George piece. I will read it later. I'm making changes in my life because I think everything is putting a strain on my nervous system. I am doing much better this week. Better than the last. I feel rested and healthier.
This: "we need a way to feel some control in our lives, or we need a place of sensory calm so our nervous systems can rest." Yes. 🖤
I sometimes wonder how things might have been different for me if we'd all known 30 or 40 years ago what we now know about mental health. But I try not to follow those thoughts too far or for too long and just appreciate that we do know what we know now.
I'm glad you're feeling able to make changes that are helping. I was struggling last week, and I had to just step back from the world a bit. Maybe this week I can re-engage more. Or maybe not. I think it's good to give ourselves permission to take things as they come and be OK with what we need now.
Huge fan of the "just one task" approach. I used it a lot with my mum - she's getting used to life without my Dad which is overwhelming in so many ways. Just doing one thing makes it less terrifying. Thank you for sharing how it works in such a simple, practical way.
Well done for sorting your room - it looks lovely!
Thank you 🙂 The room is still a bit of a catch all space, but better for sleeping in now! Much sympathy for your mom; I can only imagine what a challenge that must be for both of you. Taking one thing at a time is how I got through some big life changes in the past. I remember being astonished when a therapist suggested that I didn't need to know all the steps because I couldn't know all the steps in advance. For someone who always found safety through anticipation and control, this was mind-blowing. And so freeing. I hope things get easier for her soon.
Thank you Rita, she's getting there (wherever there is!) . With you on the safety through anticipation and control - it's hard to unlearn but so liberating to let go of, even in a small way.
Oof -- I had a feeling that essay was one that would take it out of you. Been there! I tend to bounce between heavily researched topics and those that come more from my own soul, some deeper than others, and like you, choose to "go easy" when I feel drained from whatever manifested the week before. But I agree that it's important to share those cycles. They're all part of the process of being someone who creates for public consumption.
Spring has a way of bringing on motivation to get my spaces in better shape. We all have that one room, right? (Well, I don't know, actually. I'm sure there are a few overachieving weirdos out there who manage otherwise. I hate discipline. LOL j/k!!) For the record, my one room is still not singing my praises, but it's on the list! Yours looks amazing now. Well done! Manageable chunks for the win!
Tell me more about the quilt you have hanging. It's lovely! Did you make it? Is it an antique? How does it fare, hanging like that? Do you refold it from time to time? Or is it one you actually use? If it's not obvious, I have one here that is prompting this fire hose line of questioning.
Thanks, Rita! 😊
So glad to know that others need some ebb and flow in what they write about. Some topics are definitely more draining than others.
Thanks for asking about the quilt. It's not a finished quilt--there's no filling inside of it, and there's not quilting. My great-grandmother made it, and it's all hand-sewn. I thought about trying to complete it, but in the end I decided I wanted to honor it as it is. For years I kept it in a box to preserve it, but then I decided that wasn't honoring it. I do worry about degrading it, but quilts are meant to be of use, especially the quilts she made. It is hanging over a thick curtain rod. I do flip it over from time to time so that both sides are exposed to light that comes from the window. Hmm...I think you're giving me a topic for my next post, as I'm finding myself wanting to say much more about this!
😁 - as seems to happen with frequency (maybe that's the best right word, in fact, frequency) I've got a quilt story to tell myself some day.
I'm pleased you did get some of your stuff sorted, both in the figurative and the literal sense. It is interesting how we immerse ourselves in our writing side so deeply that there is a significant letdown after the words are written. Any longtime blogger knows that feeling, so I get it. I'm glad you claimed the experience and have put it in perspective here. Energy and lethargy are something I've had to learn to balance.
I've never thought much about the idea of balancing energy and lethargy. I think we tend to think of lethargy negatively--something to banish. But I like to think of it as something to allow in, in a balanced way.
I follow KC on TikTok and her videos are really nice to watch. She is really good for my mental health. So many humans that I wish were around for us when we were younger. Alas.
I scanned the Josie George piece. I will read it later. I'm making changes in my life because I think everything is putting a strain on my nervous system. I am doing much better this week. Better than the last. I feel rested and healthier.
This: "we need a way to feel some control in our lives, or we need a place of sensory calm so our nervous systems can rest." Yes. 🖤
I sometimes wonder how things might have been different for me if we'd all known 30 or 40 years ago what we now know about mental health. But I try not to follow those thoughts too far or for too long and just appreciate that we do know what we know now.
I'm glad you're feeling able to make changes that are helping. I was struggling last week, and I had to just step back from the world a bit. Maybe this week I can re-engage more. Or maybe not. I think it's good to give ourselves permission to take things as they come and be OK with what we need now.
Huge fan of the "just one task" approach. I used it a lot with my mum - she's getting used to life without my Dad which is overwhelming in so many ways. Just doing one thing makes it less terrifying. Thank you for sharing how it works in such a simple, practical way.
Well done for sorting your room - it looks lovely!
Thank you 🙂 The room is still a bit of a catch all space, but better for sleeping in now! Much sympathy for your mom; I can only imagine what a challenge that must be for both of you. Taking one thing at a time is how I got through some big life changes in the past. I remember being astonished when a therapist suggested that I didn't need to know all the steps because I couldn't know all the steps in advance. For someone who always found safety through anticipation and control, this was mind-blowing. And so freeing. I hope things get easier for her soon.
Thank you Rita, she's getting there (wherever there is!) . With you on the safety through anticipation and control - it's hard to unlearn but so liberating to let go of, even in a small way.