OOHC, I like the notion of a seesaw. That feels less volatile than the violent rollercoaster on which we all start. A seesaw seems easier to manage and less dangerous. Insights sure do feel enlightening. The more insights I have, often brought to light by people on this board, the more empowered I feel. It takes a lot of introspection and self-nurturing to make progress, but it's worth it.

MJM017,
Congratulations on your studies. Pat yourself on the back. Regarding the pain that feels like it won't pass: It will pass, but only with patience, taking one breath at a time, and doing the best you can to do something to take care of yourself...even just a walk, gardening, sitting by a quiet candle. Sitting by a candle takes no energy. I used to sit in the dark and listen to whatever music I needed at the time.

I've mentioned before on here a tip that I was once told: Set a timer for your tears. It worked for me! I would set a timer for about 15 minutes to cry inconsolably; I had to tell myself to stop when the timer went off. A counselor taught me that trick. If I didn't set a timer, I couldn't stop the downward spiral.

A counselor taught me that trick. She likened it to letting a bit of air and pressure out of a balloon...just enough to feel a little less horrible. I used to set an awful lot of timers. It gets better, but I know about the days where it feels like it will never get better. Allow yourself to feel those feelings, and then allow them to pass when it gets to be too much to manage. I hope you get a better day very soon. Keep writing here.

Last edited by jkpeace (August 6, 2020 11:40 pm)