Quote:
Originally Posted by Innerzone
Not terribly well really.
It tends to bother me most when I'm alone and having too much time to think about it. Right now I'm kind of feeling that way. More frustrated than misunderstood, but same in the way of feeling there's not anywhere to go with it. Trying to keep it from building like yesterday when I kind of, well, flipped out. That didn't go particularly well...
One thing I find helpful is to try to delve into things that I like to do that don't involve others. It's easiest to make a list ahead of time, because it can be hard to think of when in the midst of feeling that way. Things like maybe reading, coloring, gardening. Things that occupy but relax the mind. Trying to be mindful in doing them. In other words, focusing on the activity itself -- getting absorbed in it-- as opposed to being a background activity to looping negative thoughts.
It's not just distraction. There can be a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that you're getting to do something for yourself. I find it helpful to think of it in terms of doing these solitary activities by choice, as opposed to because I find myself alone not by my wishes. If that makes any sense. Guess it's a feeling a sense of control, as opposed to others controlling the situation by not being there or being indifferent. They don't actually control it, of course, but it can make us feel like a victim of the circumstances if we let it.
As far as people not understanding, most won't, and it's important to realize that they really can't and that that is ok if you think about it -- there are plenty of situations that any one of us can't really understand either. Even with empathy, there's only a certain degree that we can put ourselves in unfamiliar shoes.
Is there anything useful here, or am I off the mark in understanding what you mean?
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Not you are pretty on point. I definitely need to do more self-care, but that is the nature of motherhood. You give it all to your kids. Right now I feel like I can't really ask for time from my spouse. Occasionally, I drop the kiddos at this lego play place, but I can only drop off 2 of the 3 at a time. No family around and I have kinda stretched my friendships so I could have time to go to therapy and pdoc.