Looking for accountability partners (task check in) #2

I don’t know what to say but I support you and I send good thoughts and wishes that you feel better soon

GoGo2 I find setting my expectations lower can help a lot. When we set unrealistic expectations and then don't meet them, it makes us feel bad about ourselves, which makes it harder to get started. If I set the bar low and start meeting my goals, it seems to set up a positive feedback loop. It's especially tough when there is a medical issue on top of depression because it's hard to tell what's causing what. I hope the weekend off helps.

We got a lot done on the renovation project. My goal is to wrap it up this weekend. I need my husband's help but he just got his booster yesterday and I am not sure if he will feel up to it. I feel rushed to finish because I want to set up a Christmas tree and can't with this work in progress. Aside from that, I have another deadline to meet on the 30th and started a new project the other day that I'm really looking forward to getting back to.

I’ve spent much of the day under the weather but I am rallying. My brother is in the hospital again so I’ll drive mom down there to see him. Only 1 person allowed back per 24 hours so it will be her. When I get home I’ll straighten up a bit and bring the cans in then listen to a few inner work webinars. I had a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful time with my daughter.

I wish everyone a peaceful weekend!

Renovation project done, yay! All the furniture is back and most of the tools packed up. I have a spot ready for my tree, which I will probably get today.

1. Dishes
2. Set up tree skirt and stand.

3. Work on project due the 30th.

Thank you so much for the advice! I have rested through the whole weekend. Not that I have been in bed, but I did things in a slow motion. I woke up at 11.00 am, ate breakfast and viewed a sermon online. I had the curtains down, as if I felt too tired to draw them off the windows. I use to have a seven armed candle stick (electric) in a window during advent. It was almost dark before I draw the curtain and put the candle stick in the window. I used a long time putting the four advent candles at their place and I lighted the first candle. I bought a "just to heat dinner" yesterday, so I have had my meals. This slow motion felt wonderful. I have one more "quick to make dinner" for tomorrow, so I think I will continue this slow process Monday.

I think I am depressed and that this "just do what you are able to do" has lowered the depression for today. I will continue to take care of myself and do "things" in slow motion. There is no point to hurry. I am invited out for Christmas, so my goal, the way I see it for the moment, is to be able to be in a good mood for the celebration, so that we all can have a good time together during the season. I also have a friends gathering for dinner at a restaurant in the middle of December. I need to be relaxed and in good shape for that as well. My family will probably cancel the concert we were going to listen to together because of Corona. We have a new wave of people going to the hospital due to Corona here ...

Thanks again for your advice!

As already told (to hvert) my weekend has been in slow motion and I will continue so for tomorrow, but I will try to put in some structure tomorrow.

My plans:

- Try to get up at my usual morning time.
- Empty dishwasher and do some washing by hand.
- Pick up things that have fallen at the floor.
- Take out trash.
- Shower.
- Look for a tablecloth to have beneath the advent-wreat.
- Rest and let the self gooing hoover mashine do the work in the livingroom.
- More rest and relaxation.

May you all feel satisfied with yourself tomorrow!

I have two appointments today….both telemedicine. I’m also implementing some self care practices today. I need to continue working on the house and my finances. Finally, I have some errands to run and my brother to visit.

Today:

1. Appointment
2. Appointment
3. Clean den
4. Finances
5. Run errands
6. Visit brother
7. Implement self care practices

I hope everyone has a peaceful day!

Today I will
- continue to explore a side project.
- submit the thing due this week.
- work on old project

- submit an invoice

I wrote a lot about what I did today and about that the 30 years war in Europe (1618-1648). It was not a religious war as I learned at school, but a war between landowners for power over more land. The soldiers were hired. That means they did it for money, not out of religious enthusiasm. (I read about this when my automatic hoover machine did its work).

I lost everything when I was going to post it! Well, it was a good experience to see that I was able to be curious about learning new stuff now when I am depressed.

Plans for tomorrow:

- Bring trash out.
- Clean the dining table.
- De-clutter and hoover my sofa by hand.
- Shower.
- Call the company that installed my TV connection. It does not work.
- Dusting the living room.
- Write a list of what I need in the pharmacy, at the iron-seller and at the groceries.
- Pay a bill that cannot wait.
- Out to buy "stuff" if it is necessary (It is snow, cold and windy outside).

I send good wishes for everybody's doings and self-worth!

I feel a little unsettled about the day ahead. I have a lot of balls in the air right now and am not sure which I want to catch. My husband is working from home again and I find this extremely disruptive. I'm taking the side project in a new direction and submitted my other thing early. I did not work on my old project and the client wants to keep the invoice open a little longer.


1. Exercise
2. Use my task lists
3. Dishes

I’m taking mom to the dentist and to see her surgeon today. I have some business affairs to attend to and I’m going to try to slide in going out to eat and a movie. It will be a busy day.

1. Check on brother
2. Mom to dentist
3. Mom to surgeon
4. Business affairs
5. Movie
6. Eat out for lunch

I hope everyone has a peaceful, productive day.

I did most of the items on my list. A family member visited, good! I want to mention the weather as well, because it was a beautiful sunny day with snow in the nearby mountains. Even if I were inside, the sun did me well. A minus though was that when I tried to declutter here and there I had pain in my lower back and needed l a lot of rest in between. This is a common problem for me. I hope the physiotherapist can make it a bit better.

Plans for tomorrow:

- Shower.
- Pay an important bill.
- Take the time and write a list of errands I have to do.
- Do the errands.
- Hoover a sofa by hand.
- Free time.

I send good wishes for everybody's doings and for their self-worth!

It is clear outside, but no sunshine. I feel that the depression is creeping in. I have just been sitting here for hours and then remembered I had a website stored some place about depression in the elderly. From the website: "It's important to realize that depression isn't an inevitable part of getting older-nor is it a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter your background or your previous accomplishments in life. While life's changes as you age-such as retirement, (...) No matter what challenges you face as you age, there are steps you can take ..." (Helpguide org).

Yes, I think that many feel shameful about being depressed, as if it is some sort of a character flaw. One has to get rid of such thoughts Depression is a condition that one has to do something about, one way or another. If one does nothing, the depression will increase like a snowball. If one is old and live alone of course the risk is bigger, because to be alone is to be alone (nobody else is saying a word). That means a greater responsibility on those of us who lives in such conditions. We have to be careful in watching signs of beginning of depression or worsening of an already depressed state.

I have paid the important bill had do pay today, but are sitting here in old memories and have not been able to go on with the rest of the tasks for today. The bill was payment for the graveyard. Where I live, one person in the family is responsible for paying for one or more tombs once a year or every fifth year. Family members can share the bill afterward, but if the responsible person forgets to do it, it is a catastrophe for the whole family.

I have to go on ... I will immediately go and repeat my CBT skills and after that do self hypnosis about staying in the here and now.

Then I will continue with my tasks!

Scroll down until you find the video and take a five minutes break:

Distress Self Help - NOW! | Get.gg - Getselfhelp.co.uk

Be well all!

I'm glad you got that bill paid!

I did very little yesterday. I hiked, got take out for lunch, and did some dishes. I binge watched a show. I feel just as demotivated today. Today I plan to

a) catch up on some messages
b) prepare for tomorrow's interview
c) do some writing
d) do something outside

So am I! I edited the post and put a link to a relaxing video right after you gave your hug. I repost it here if you want to see it. I already feel better ...

Scroll down until you find the video and take a five minutes break:

Distress Self Help - NOW! | Get.gg - Getselfhelp.co.uk

@GoGo2 That was a big accomplishment getting that important bill paid when you were depressed. Congratulations!

Yesterday I was quite productive.

Today, I’ve had SAD creep up on me now. Knowledge is power though and I am fighting it tooth and nail. I have been on the couch for many hours albeit working out Christmas plans with my family. That’s like doing a jigsaw puzzle these days. I will make a list of tasks…set a time to start and move forward.

I wish everybody well.

Thank you, Jennifer!

Sorry to hear about your SAD. It must be difficult planning for Christmas in that situation.

I am invited home to grown up family members for Christmas, so I am taking it "piano". I will have someone over to help me with the Christmas three. May be I will invite for coffee and cakes one afternoon. It depends on if we can find a date that fits everybody.

Don't stress too much with your SAD. Let it take the time it needs, and try to lower the expectations. (I am going to give gift cards. I don't have the energy to run around in a lot of shops to buy Christmas presents). The most important, now, is that you get regular meals and try to rest as much as you need. Some physical exercises is always wise. Your health first, Jennifer. Any kind of perfectionism is forbidden as long as the SAD stays with you!

Am sending hopes and good thoughts your way!

Thank you my friend! I really appreciate your input! Perfectionism forbidden - check.

Yup, SAD big time. I can't wait for the sun to come back.


This morning is going to be crazy. I have an interview, doctor's appointment, and class, all before 1. I wanted to go to the library but that may need to wait until tomorrow. I am already resigned to not getting much accomplished today, but this is probably self-defeating thinking. If I wait for perfect conditions for thinking work, it will rarely get done.

I will do what I can with low expectations.

I couldn’t manage to get my trash can to the curb this morning. That’s my official red flag. When I can’t do that, something is wrong. Fortunately it was half full and we have two. I’ve been slowly helping mom with stuff and we’re about to go visit my brother and go out to eat. I sat in the sun today (72F and full sun) for about 1.5 hours. That should help. Tomorrow will be the same. When I return later this evening hopefully I’ll have some motivation to handle some very light duties.

I hope everyone has a peaceful day.