Sunday, November 17, 2013

In the dumps


My usual approach to blog posts and daily life is to dwell on the blessings, the bright side. That approach has not been difficult for the most part.

But in the interest of honesty and a hefty dose of self-interest as well, I am admitting to a recent downward spiral that has sent me AWOL from the computer, from blogging, from consistent at-home, self-administered therapy, and from my ever growing to-do list.

During this attack of inertia I have not taken up permanent residence in the Swamp Dismal. At least, I hope not. Fun, laughter and interaction with loved ones have supplied delightful interruptions in this trek through the swamp. And I have posts started about those times, but right now they are left languishing unfinished in my laptop’s drafts file.

Retirement Daze is my memory bank, and I am hereby abandoning my attempts, largely unsuccessful anyway, to avoid posting about my detours into feeling overwhelmed and in the dumps. 

Acknowledging those periods and the slogging through Swamp Dismal to higher ground are part of my journey as my stroke recovery continues.

Blogging is cathartic for me, and embracing the low points as well as high ones may help reduce the occurences of inertia and help me stay focused on figuratively and literally continuing to put one foot in front of the other.

And that realization is worth the detour through the swamp. I’m not on that high ground yet, but this post is a start. 

8 comments:

  1. One foot in front of the other is the only way. I am so grateful you're back. I missed you and you better not go away again.. Dianne

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  2. we all wander in that swamp sometimes, i call it losing my blogging mojo.. and for the past couple of weeks my post show that i am forcing myself to post. a blog friend has take a few weeks off from posting but she said she is enjoying reading all the blogs she loves and the pressure to post if off... hope you feel up and attum soon..

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  3. I wondered what happened to you, and am glad you are not laid up in the hospital. Lol. Welcome back. I have never stayed away from blogging as you have, but since Oct 24, I have been deliberately posting every other day rather than daily. It works for me. Less stress!

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  4. Linda,

    You've been on my mind, lately, as I'd noticed your absence and was afraid something was wrong.

    I'm sorry you've been out of sorts, but am happy to hear that you are finding your way "out of the swamp". Sending ((hugs)) your way, my friend. Come on back to the sunny side of life :)

    I've missed you!
    Kathy



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  5. I have missed you and was thinking just yesterday that I should leave an inquiring comment on your last post.
    Unloading is often the quickest way to quit carrying a heavy load. That is what we and your blog are here for. Feel free.

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  6. One of my dear friends told me to use this Mantra...Just do the next thing.... It has helped me as you say slog through the swamps of life.

    I am so glad to see you back on the post. I was truly worried about you.

    Thanks for being honest about your feelings. How can we pray, if we don't know what you need?

    Love you Dear Blogging Friend.
    Just want you to know that!!!!

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  7. I had been missing the blogging world myself and have only been back for the last 3 weeks. As I gradually get to grips with what has been happening to fellow-bloggers I realise how much I depend on sharing the downs as well as the ups. Perhaps we need to keep going even in the difficult times. You have certainly been an inspiration to me in your journey towards health. As someone who suffered TIA's I know how easy it is to get overwhelmed. Take care. Every Blessing from Freda at Dalamory www.freda.org.uk

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  8. I get it. I've been in those swamplands myself. You are still an inspiration to me because it is good to know that I am not alone in those travels to places where I don't want to be. I've been absent from blogland a lot myself lately. Good to see you are posting.

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