Monday 27 April 2020

Allowed

I've been trying to keep it positive, I have. But honestly, I've reached the point where I am crying and drinking the last little bit of my wine at 4:00 in the afternoon. Apart from this blog, I have kept a journal most of my whole life. I have volumes. They must be destroyed when I die. Remind me to put that in my will. But I am done … D   O   N   E.
I can't write everything that I wrote in my journal because god forbid, professionally, any of this comes back to bite me on the bottom, but there were numerous curse words, and here are some quotes, "I'm tired of not seeing my friends and co-workers and having a laugh. I hate that there's nothing to watch on tv and did I mention I make EVERY effing supper? and I don't have a box of wine, and I'm ugly and fat and my hair is horrible and I just want it all to be NORMAL again...." and it goes on from there. I was honestly sitting on a little piece of back porch where the sun hits it in a chair that caused me pain to move because I HURT the OTHER SIDE of my ribs by simply reaching across and putting all my weight on the arm of the chair in my pseudo "office" which isn't an office but part of my living room to grab a book that had fallen on the floor and when I heaved myself up and over and felt an ugly pain in my ribs on the other side (not the side I hurt when I tried to pull the rock out of the ground around 3 weeks ago, and what the hell is wrong with my ribs???? Can you have soft ribs?) and I was drinking the last little dribble of red wine out of a stemless glass that has a dividing line in the middle with the top side saying positive optimist, and the bottom saying negative  pessimist (for the whole glass half empty / half full way of looking at life and isn't that a joke????) and my son came around the back of the house to get a hose because we can't handle having a twenty year old doing bloody nothing with his time and he saw me crying and just knew and tried to do something funny with the cat to make me feel better which just made me cry more and then the wine was all gone and I came in the house to see my husband upside down on an inversion table thingy that he bought second hand because he has herniated discs in his neck which give him pain all the time and my daughter saw me and said, "oh, mom" and I said "don't, just leave me alone" and then I came upstairs to my bedroom and wrote in the journal and kept crying and then wrote this post, because surely I am NOT the only one who has these moments and I'm allowed to have these moments.   I'm not the only one, am I?

46 comments:

  1. Absolutely allowed. And just so you know, you are very brave to write it all down. It makes me feel a lot more normal when other people are feeling some of what I am! Now make that 20 year old get you more wine!! hugs from Alberta

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  2. How can you carry on crying when you see your husband upside down on an inversion table? I mean that would have me in stitches.

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  3. You are allowed to have these moments. I am sorry you are having them, but I cry more than usual at intervals, these days. But these moments do not last. Just acknowledge them and rest and breathe. They will not last forever. What a nice family you have. Your kids want to help you to feel better. So sorry for all of us with our physical deficits going on with everything else! Dear Jenn, you will feel better. Don't feel bad about sharing...I like to read LisaOliveratherapy on Instagram. She has a lot of sensible advice so that you don't beat up on yourself for feeling whatever you are feeling. Be well!

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  4. Also. many things on 10% Happier help me. And Jack Kornfield on YouTube....

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  5. A good laugh, and a good CRY, are the most therapeutic.

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  6. That is one long sentence, Jenn! Of course you are allowed to cry but just think of us single people who, literally, don't speak to anyone for days on end. I have now started having conversations with myself. Thanks for the laugh!

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  7. No, you are not the only one. You have - worldwide - billions of others who are not in the same boat, but weathering the same storm in many different shapes and sizes of boats and ships.

    Now my instinct is that you are, compared to many, quite fortunate in the position you find yourself in right now. You have children to irritate you, and what could be a better (or worse) distraction?

    You are loved and you are safe. What more could you reasonably ask for? Sleep well. See you in the morning.

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  8. I've been trying to be good but I've also been depressed, angry, bitchy, grouchy, upset (about a lot) and cranky during this period we're all in together but hadn't cried until I was reading Elaine St. James' Inner Simplicity and came to the chapter, Cry A Lot. She says, among other things, "Allow thirty minutes for the crying; longer if possible. You'll need at least that much time to get the floodgates open. If you get a good cry going, don't stop just because the time is up. Cry to the end of the cry." And you know what I did? I started crying. Just like that.

    This post of yours was great. Thanks for letting it all out.

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  9. I did that to my ribs, leaning over the rail to open the 19 gallon bin with my cane because nothing is worth going down the steps for; I'd just have to walk back up again. I did that week one of shut down. My bra still hurts under my breast a little. So, I take off my bra. What the hell.

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  10. It is a nerve-wrecking time. The only thing that calms me is keeping my eyes off the news and keeping them on the Lord.

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  11. Every effing supper hahahah...I hear you loud and clear. Hang in there! Sorry about your ribs.

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  12. I'm sorry you are in pain and having a rough go. Sending you healing wishes.

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  13. Sorry you are going through a bad patch, are you able and allowed to go for a walk for exercise ?
    I walk (briskly) about 2 to 3 km most days, just around the neighborhood , it takes the edge off the cranky pants and I find I sleep better too.
    My Grandma used to tell my brothers " your hands aren't painted on ! help out" really no excuse for family not to help with cooking.
    I live alone and find doing anything creative really helps and time on the deck in the sun with a book or knitting.
    Do hope you are feeling better soon, with numbers coming down things will change soon.

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  14. You are SO not alone. SO not alone. I haven't cried for a couple of days but basically I cry at least once a day. It's just so long (and longer to come) and so big and so invisible that it's hard to get our brains around it. And being in physical pain doesn't help either. That always makes everything worse.

    My two cents? Tears help rid you of toxins. Have at it. And then, when you are ready, get up and say, "I'm not cooking -- which of you is making dinner tonight? And tomorrow?" It may not be as good as you would make (probably not) but it will be a break. Time to get a new schedule with the minions. We can't control this virus but we can find our where we might have a bit of flex. You'll figure it out.

    I'm glad you vented. You express so much of what I think many of us feel.

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  15. I too keep journals and have requested a trusted younger friend to DESTROY the evidence on my death. But what a comfort they are because you can say what you really feel no matter how discreditable/shallow/angry/unfair/biased etc. I went on a journal writing course a long time ago and the best advice I got was to leave your internal editor out of the journal. It's surprisingly hard to do although when you do it's liberating.
    We all know the benefits of exercise and sensible diet, but when you're in physical pain or in the grip of unutterable sadness that doesn't cut the mustard.
    I have found that, in no particular order, crying, writing in my journal, drinking red wine, cooking luxury meals, dancing to YouTube, gardening, rereading old books all help.
    And as for the perspective police: Yes we are lucky compared to most and that to me makes me want to weep even more.

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  16. Hi, I don't have a blog and don't comment on blogs very often. I live in N.W. Italy and it seems as though we have been in lockdown forever. I really enjoy reading your blog and feel for you in this situation. I feel it is totally normal for you to feel as you do, I have a meltdown at least once a week. I live alone with my cat and even she's perplexed with my being here 24/7. My grandchildren live 10 minutes away but I can only see them on a video call due to our very strict regulations. It will end eventually, we have been told things will start to ease on May 4th, but in fact it's only businesses and factories that will slowly come back to life we are still in lockdown. I think the demotivation is the hardest to accept. Keep your courage up, be safe and well - virtual hugs and understanding from abroad. Ro xxx

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  17. Every now and then it is necessary to have what I would call a good raaaaaaarrrr rhymes with car! It really is the pits and there is literally nothing we can do to make it change faster ( apart from staying in ) but you know what I mean. Bloggy loves and hugs sent to youxxxxxxx

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  18. Oh I know that feeling!!!.Some days my emotions are all over every where...Stay strong and we will get there in the end,xxx

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  19. Yes it is allowed.
    Being alone I daren't have these moments because there is no one to talk to me and they might go on too long.
    I'm fed up with never being made a cuppa or a meal - but that's what happens when you become a widow.
    Stay safe and healthy and it will all be OK in the end

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  20. Oh yes I've been there too. Good on you for sharing cos as you can see, you're not the only one!
    I honestly don't mind staying at home,but sometimes I want to go out, do my own shopping, have the CHOICE.
    And you still have to do a damn hard job from home.
    Hope you're feeling better now

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  21. Jenn you are NOT alone in how you feel. How can we not all be feeling this. Our current situation is a recipe for a melting pot of emotions. All the restrictions with a layering of worry & being scared only make us all on edge & weepy. And safe at home with everyone, all day, every day, making 3 meals a day that have taken on such a needy focus. Not that this helps you. I wish I had a magic phrase or that special poem that would lift your feelings up off you, even for an hour or two, while you catch your breathe. ... Mary-Lou =^[..]^= (even my kitty has to wear a mask).

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  22. Oh dear, a bit of a bum time then? That's just like the rest of us! But remember this too will pass. Hugs

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  23. No! No! Your not the only one...
    Crying is a universal experience...People can get
    teary for almost any reason and at any time...
    There’s a lot we still don’t know about crying but
    some scientists believe emotional tears — versus the
    everyday tears that protect your eyes — are also
    beneficial for your health...

    Sometimes you might find yourself crying a lot more often
    than you’d like to or without an apparent cause...

    There’s no official standard for a healthy amount of crying
    because everyone is different...
    It’s helpful to pay attention to your crying habits and how
    you feel about it...

    Sometimes you may not know why you’re crying or why you can’t
    stop crying...Other times, you might not realize how upset you
    are until you step back and notice how much you’ve been crying
    lately...

    Where you measure up in terms of average amount of crying may not
    be as important as noticing increases in your personal pattern of
    crying...!

    God Bless! AND..Think positive..."Onwards and Upwards"..

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  24. Well then. I am truly not alone. Today is a new day. Last night was better, and it wasn't just about making supper (quite frankly, I prefer my cooking to anyone else's and everyone fends for himself / herself for all other meals). Quite a bit of it was about work / not going to work / seeing other human beings, and the duration of it all. I want to thank Rosemarie for writing "all the way from Italy" because if that doesn't give one perspective, I don't know what does. And also, thank you to Joanne because knowing someone else can cause bodily harm in the same way I did is strangely comforting! And to the rest of you, thank you for your comments. It was nice just to click and see that I had comments! It's a little bit like seeing other human beings at this time and getting together and having a chat. "This too shall pass" is a phrase that I often use (even have a coaster with those words on it) and I have to keep reminding myself of it.

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  25. You are definitely not the only one. I've had a few weepy moments this past week and feel like everything has just been too much. I'm hoping that you're now feeling a bit better and that it won't be too long until the glass is half full again. Take care.

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  26. This is totally uncharted territory for all of us (or at least most of us) and however we deal with it is the right way for us. I think I have an easier job of it because I am seldom with/around/interacting with people. But, still. My cat is actually ignoring me because I think the novelty of my being here 24/7 has finally worn off. And it has hurt my very, very sensitive feelings! It's time to join a wine club. xoxo

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  27. Thank you for your absolute honesty and bravery to post about it. Well done. I think I need a journal where I can be absolutely honest too. Thank you, and YES you are allowed. I hope I can be as brave and honest. XXXXX

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  28. I think the venting is good, physically and emotionally. I have to admit I laughed as it was though someone had to say all that eventually... and you did. Perhaps you vented for all of us. But I do think it's harder for some than others and as this situation will probably continue for some time, it most likely won't get easier. I don't mind the staying at home part, but do miss my kids and grandkids, and an occasional meal out. But as long as everyone stays well, I'm willing to shelter in place as long as it takes.

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  29. Glad you journel and also are so brave to voice your emotions, fears and concerns. This is not the norm for any of us. This virus is scary and dangerous and no one can seem to be exact on when this might give us back our lives. With all of this said it is emotionally and physically hurtful. I think because you are voicing your feelings and letting it out is great. We are all hopefully helping your this morning by leaving you positive feedback on your post. Glad you opened up and we are all here to support you. I think if we all talk about how this is effecting us it helps so much. Hang in there.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  30. You are not the only one. At least you can drink wine. I have an ulcer and it burns my stomach. I am handling all of this without any substance; not even pot. LOL.

    For the most part I am an introvert but it is getting to me. I just like the freedom, of being able to just go out and not have to mask up and think about "cruddy covid19" - Yes I am sick of it. I have to "talk" to myself. Keep telling myself, I can do this. We're doing spousal distancing ta my house or we'll kill each other. My adult kids all work in the health industry and I have not seen them in a month and a half - I lose days in the week. My hair bugs me. I have too much of it. A fun day, for me is getting all my summer clothes out and washing them. Wow. We're planning a camping night in our backyard soon.

    All joking aside, every now and then I just take a day, and write it off as a loss. Then I feel much better. You'll be fine...hang in there. We'll all look back on this, and maybe, we'll laugh!

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  31. So allowed. A couple of weeks back I had a wee crying fit on the floor of my kitchen.

    Be well. x

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  32. Of course you're not the only one. And sure you're allowed.
    Living in this surreal sci fi movie thing that we're in gives us permission to have the odd meltdown.
    And I love the wonderful "stream of consciousness" way you've written this piece. So happy to have found your blog.
    If you'd like to take a peek at my words you can find me here:

    gramswisewords.blogspot.com

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  33. You are allowed..and you are not alone in this. Sending a big hug..(((0)))..and keep writing xx

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  34. I was laughing and crying at the same time reading this. Oh boy, did you say a mouthful, and said it for so many of us! I find myself on the edge of tears quite often, with no real reason, or so it seems. Every little thing, any little thing. I'm more irritable, too, than usual, which I have been hoping is just a side effect of the new pill I'm taking, but who knows. I wish I could send a bottle or a gallon of wine your way!

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  35. Thanks again, for the next bunch of comments. Today has been a much better day. I made cookies with the "kids" and had a great chat with the husband. Of course, I'm still doing my "learning at home" teaching job, too. For those of you who mentioned the wine, yes, Canada still has it's liquor stores open. Here's the thing, I experimented with ordering wine online through the liquor store's website. It has been a bit more than 2 weeks (seriously?), and because I know it's coming, I'm not going to go out and mix with the rest of society also doing some covid drinking. I keep hoping it will come in the mail soon (to the post office - we have a box here in our little village).
    I'm glad some of you had a laugh at what I was writing - I was serious, but also intending to put it out in that kind of frenetic all-in-one-breath kind of pace.
    Hugs right back at ya!!

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  36. Good to hear you're feeling much better! When you start workshopping what to do with your Papers when you drop off your perch, you know times are grim.

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  37. We all have days like this. However, we need to realize that because of this inconvenience in our lives, we are safe and alive. We know that tomorrow is coming and things will get back to normal again. That wine sounds pretty good, though. Hugs, Edna B.

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  38. So glad to hear you are feeling better,things are not normal and everyone copes differently. My daughter lives 11 hours drive away so won't be seeing her and grandsons anytime soon, they have started Saturday night camping away from the house (28 acres) with a new tent, campfire etc. They all sleep in the tent overnight and the kids love it.Many people have been camping out in their backyards, it is the simple things that bring some joy into lives at the moment.

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  39. You are more than allowed to have moments like these. Feel all the feels. Laugh and cry and stomp your feet and scream if you need to. It's therapeutic. Sending you hugs and healing wishes xo

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  40. I have kept a daily journal since 1981. There is nothing in them that would thought worthy to anyone except my wife. Just our personal life - no politics or history. When we are gone they can go to the dump... but I still keep them up.
    the Ol'Buzzard

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  41. my blog has been my journal, and lately I'm grateful for it. You are certainly not the only one with moments, days, weeks! of feeling helpless, hopeless, disgusted, sad, mad, anxious, fill in the blanks not covered here.... Hang in there, THIS, TOO.. SHALL PASS!

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  42. Not alone...not by a long shot...💔

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  43. Yes, allowed. In normal times, a good cry would improve how I felt too. But these are not normal times, and any benefits are quite short-lived. So know you are not alone.

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  44. You are allowed. I always tell my students there is nothing better than a good cry. It is never good to hold emotions in. We are goin through a lot. I am sure you are struggling, as my teachers are trying to help kids in very unfamiliar ways. Hang in there! We have to go through bad times, so we appreciate the good ones.

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