There is a great little section of the book, "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss that I have been thinking a lot about lately. It goes like this,
You'll come down from the lunch
with an unpleasant bump.
And chances are then,
you'll be stuck in the slump.
And when you're in a slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Because un-slumping yourself
is not easily done!
I guess I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I feel like I am in a slump and I am really struggling to know how to deal with it. I mean, I have had my share of bad days but this is different- I can't seem to shake it. I feel emotionally worn out and frustrated. I feel isolated and alone. I am physically tired and can't seem to find the motivation to the things that I need to do. I've been in this place for a while now and it is really starting to concern me. Have you ever felt this way before? What do you do to un-slump yourself? I'd love to know!
There is a great little section of the book, "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss that I have been thinking a lot about lately. It goes like this,
Bonnie | March 1, 2010 at 8:27 AM
Unslumping is not easy sometimes. I think I get in spells like that but what usually gets me out of it is refocusing on the basics. I make sure I am getting enough sleep which is a problem for me with our crazy schedule. I try to eat better and make sure I take my vitamins etc. I try to do some brain dumping. sometimes you can feel in a slump fro reasons you don't understand. It is like the feelings are causes but thoughts but you haven't sorted them out yet.
I draw a pie on a piece of paper and I fill the slices with slices of my life like, husband, kids, church, social, emotional, home, finances, etc. I list the things that are concerning me in each one on a piece of paper. Then I look at what is not going to change and what can potentially change and what I can do to make that change happen. If I cannot change something I try to find a new way to look at or preceive it. If I can change it I take it one step at a time...maybe even one slice at a time.
Looking at it on paper does a couple of things. It helps you to realize that you are worrying about things you can't change, and you are not laying enough at the feel of the Savior. It literally dumps the worries and frets onto the paper and out of your brain where it is endlessly cycling and causing you to feel helpless and hopeless.
Once I had my hysterectomy I realized with a real clarity how much of how I use to feel was dictated by hormones. Whoa! It was a real eye opener to say the least. Looking back I realize that I should have sought medical intervention more than once for hormone related issues when I thought I was just in a slump.
These things may not cure the slumps, sometimes it just takes time for that but it does help you feel like you have grabbed the slippery tiger by the tail at least.
And another thing I think is happening for you is you are feeling discouragement and disappointment about the move, not going to Utah, not being closer to family, etc. And you are recovering from a boat load of family visits so that makes you feel more lonely. And a lot of your friends have moved. You've had to say a lot of good-byes and more are coming.
Try the brain dumping for unslumping Honey... (such a poet your mother!) I think it will help. And of course, pray, pray pray! Know how much so many love you! Hang in there!
Big hugs,
Mom
Lanette - Never Give Up! | March 1, 2010 at 12:54 PM
This will sound simplistic but get out in the sunshine and exercise. You sounds like you're in a depression. That's nothing to be ashamed of and good for you for writing about it. There are lots of studies now about Vitamin D deficiency, we need sunshine and exercise has been found to be as effective as drug therapy in treating depression.
Finally know that you won't always feel this way - it's a moment for opposition in all things. Thank goodness we have the internet to stay connected, imagine the pioneer women miles from companionship...we really are blessed. We're out here praying for you and feeling your struggle - you're not alone!
mandy* | March 1, 2010 at 3:07 PM
I totally get this way every once in a while. During that time I try to take some time each day (however short or long) and do something only for me. Some days its only a shower, but I take the longest, hottest shower possible. Other days I can take more time and do something I truly enjoy. I hope you find your "unslumping trick" soon.