My Bipolar Life & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #109
Oh dear. Here I am again sitting in an ugly cycle of Bipolar. I hate to share that information in this space where my goal is to keep things light and happy. But another mission of my blog is to be transparent and raw and real as well. Bipolar Disorder sucks. Plain and simple. There is nothing glamorous about it. Even when it is controlled, episodes still occur. And. It. Just. Sucks. I can’t even be eloquent about it. I can share a very helpful resource, however, if you find yourself stuck in a bad place…visit BetterHelp.com.
Afte decades of dealing with this disorder and years and years of introspective work to figure out my triggers and the best way of coping with them, I am fully aware that this too shall pass. As it always does. I have been through it a million times and I always come out on the other side, better, brighter, happier, and even more aware than I was before the current episode. I usually am very adept at recognizing what has triggered an episode when it does occur, but every now and again, I am caught off guard and cannot pinpoint what set the cycle into motion. That is what happened this week.
I should have seen it coming. I was feeling a little manic over the weekend except I wasn’t as productive as I usually am when mania comes over me. It was more of a floundering erratic mania and not very severe either. Mostly undetectable. And while I felt it, I chose to ignore it. That was a mistake. I should have known better. Anyway, what is done is done and can’t be undone and so now I must get through the cycle until I stabilize.
This post is in no way a cry for help or a request for sympathy. It is more of just a brief description of how life with Bipolar Disorder goes. It all looks grand from the outside. And I have become a master of deceit when it comes to mood swings so one would never know unless I laid it all out right before you…as I am doing right now. When these swings occur, on both ends of it, the ups and the downs, I lose focus entirely. You may notice when my posting schedule gets all wonky and I kind of go silent…it is usually because I have lost focus and am floundering just to get through the days.
In fact, I was going to skip today’s post entirely. But that left me feeling unsatisfied and somewhat inadequate. And the trick with Bipolar, when the negative self-talk of inadequacy sets in, the only way to silence it is to prove it wrong. Last night, I climbed into bed around 6:30 p.m. and basically said, “Fuck it all.” This morning I woke up feeling no better. But then something inside me insisted that I get to work if I want to accelerate this process and get back to normal. Writing has always been therapeutic for me. Sharing this type of writing has always been very scary. But here I am, facing it head on, revealing my demons, and then getting on with my day.
And once I conclude this post, I will at least feel as if I accomplished something meaningful…even if it is only meaningful to me. Tiny steps forward are still moving in the right direction. One foot in front of the other, trudging sluggishly along until the bounce returns to my step…which I suspect that it will in a day or two…if the past is at all indicative of the future…which I believe it is in this case.
I did have other plans for this post, topics that had much more to do with spreading the kindness rather than spreading the funk, but apparently I am the one who needs some sunshine today. So all I ask is this…be aware of that fact that we never really do know what kinds of demons people are battling each day. Be sensitive and kind to everyone who crosses your path. It may be just what they need in that moment. Our actions and our words carry more weight than we realize.
And keep talking about these issues that are so frightening to address. It is the only way to remove the shame and the stigma…by keeping the conversation open. On that note, I am going to try to get dressed up today and smile for the camera! I will let you know how it goes. The concept of “fake it ’til you make it” really does work wonders. And now I leave you with the featured favorites from last week’s link up.
Anna of Mutton Years Style and I shared her post, Match Made in Seven-Punk, and I am simply dying over her black tulle dress layered under her red plaid shirt. Maybe I need a little tulle today to boost me up!
And Rama of Chez Rama shared her post, 5 Essential Winter Accessories: Must-Have in Your Winter Closet. You know how much I admire a woman who can look this good buried in the snow!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
65 Comments
Michele Morin
Have you read anything by Alia Joy?
She also deals with bipolar disorder, and she writes very transparently about the struggle. I have so much of it in my family that I pay attention to every word she writes. She has a book coming out soon: Glorious Weakness. Here’s a sample of her writing from a blog post: https://www.incourage.me/2015/04/the-truth-is-i-am-tired.html
Blessings to you in the fight.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Michele, thank you so much for your kindness and support and for this recommendation. I will definitely check her out!
xoxo
Shelbee
Susan Marinelli
Whatever lured the bipolar albatross to your house, I am quite sure this outfit had nothing to do with it. Adorbs!, and bonus that it’s Torrid! Good for you that you got up and functioned in spite of the albatross.
Just wondering…
Does hubby go shovel so you can walk about in those high boots in the snow?
I would fall right on my ample ass.
XOXO
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Susan, Susan, Susan, thank you so very much for the chuckle you just gave me! Hubby does shovel out the house, but these photos were taken on the Army base…actually this is right outside of his office so he was responsible for shoveling that space, too. But when we photograph at other places, if there is snow and ice, he holds my hands and escorts me safely to where I am posing! You should have seen the sight this morning. I did get all dressed up to lift my mood and we headed to an extremely cold, icy, and windy locale for photos. I did nearly fall right on my flat ass multiple times, but hubby is always there to catch me…either literally or on camera! Hahaha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne M Bray
Thanks for this! My sister is bipolar and this helps me understand her story better.
PS, nerdy tech stuff: first time linking up with the new InLinkz format — well, THAT was different! Especially the sharing options and how they’re functioning. Have yet to start a new link-up…
Speaking of NEW, how are you doing with the new WP Gutenberg? I found a plug-in that claims to retain the old interface, even after I’m “forced” to update. We’ll see how that works out! I can barely cope with my website as it is (this is re annembray.com, my “art portfolio” site — probably my most important online presence and the most discombobulated since I changed it from an Adobe Dreamweaver build to WP).
Argh, technology. Keeping our brains agile — is using WP a way to avoid alzheimer’s, like doing crossword puzzles?
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anne, I am glad that my story can help you to a better understanding. Thank you for sharing that! And OMFG, I am getting so frustrated with these forced updates! I avoided the new inlinkz as long as I could and when I logged in last night to create the new link up, the old format was no longer available and they raised the monthly cost from $2.99 to $7.99. WTF is that about?! Grrrr. I am still figuring out all the little nuances to the new WP. I get frustrated, take a deep breath, walk away for a while, and try again later. I do hope this is all a way of avoiding dementia, otherwise, it will really piss me off! I have no words of wisdom or insight or tips whatsoever on these updates as I am fumbling through like a tech-idiot! If you learn something new, please do share and I will do the same!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne M Bray
I’m totally with you on the InLinkz thing. Where do you make the link up parties now? I use these things for all kinds of link sorting (because I can’t figure out how to make decent “thumbnail galleries” in WP — haha). Did my cost go up? Not sure… I think I’m on a “legacy” plan — whatever that means.
The Classic Editor Plug-in MAY work for you, even though you “upgraded”. Link: https://wordpress.org/plugins/classic-editor/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh Anne, I am having the worst time with technology right now. I keep getting database connection errors on my website. It has been fixed and now it is all slow loading everything. Then it reverts back to the error. Then it works again…but slowly. I could scream! And Mercury is not even in retrograde! I am doomed when that happens. I create the link up still in inlinkz.com. It would allow you to use the old format until the other day when that option was gone. I need to check out this plugin you speak of…except I am so tired right now that I think it would only end in more frustration. And I have a sick kid at home today, too. Oh life, how it can torment me sometimes. I need a nap. For 5 days.
xoxo
Shelbee
chez-rama
This post touched and prove to me you are a strong woman no matter what you have. The fact you are vocal about bipolar disorder and the fact that you opened up about it makes you brave.The fact that you are facing it and talking about it when you still not feeling good even braver than you think.
It is true sometimes hide behind pictures or smile but we carry so many things inside. That’s why I believe that spreading kindness in a world that lacking that is essential.
Thanks for sharing my post today. I am honored
with love,
Rama
http://www.chez-rama.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Rama, thank you so very much for this wonderfully validating comment. It isn’t always something I want to discuss as I am dealing with it. I am all about sharing my journey when I am feeling well, but when I am feeling down, I kind of just want to sleep until it passes. But forge forward I must! I appreciate you, your kind words, and your support!
xoxo
Shelbee
FancyBoy
Well, you look great and nice job knocking out a post! And you really sound like you know what you’re doing as far as caring for yourself, so that’s awesome. I swear, as old as I am (43), I still get amnesia about my period kicking my mood swing’s ass every month and you’d think I’d catch on by now, so it’s really understandable to have something sneak up on you! (Not comparing the two—just that it’s easy to get distracted and have stuff jump up on ya’)
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Becky, thanks so much for your very kind and supportive words! And I hear you on the age thing…you would think at this stage of the game we would know better to listen and pay attention! Ha. But this is life and we just keep moving forward despite ourselves!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
You are so good to share this with everyone, Shelbee. Especially if it helps you. But it also helps other realize what is involved and how you cope.
What if you caught it earlier like you said? Can you take something or what would be different?
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jodie, thank you so much for your support and words of encouragement. I have been medication free for over a decade. I hate psych meds and what they do to me. So really there is nothing you can take temporarily for episodes. It is kind of an all or nothing thing. You either take daily medication continuously or nothing at all. And honestly, I would rather weather the storms as they come than be medicated all the time. That being said, there are people who do need daily medication to regulate the mood swings. I just prefer to be medication free. But I also have done a tremendous amount of work to be able to manage the disorder without the medications. I just need to be better at listening to the clues! And this is really just a minor little blip for me. It will pass by quickly. Thanks again, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jody
The painful amount of grey days has me in a funk as well. I’m pushing forward and looking at the bright side of things because of positive people like you in my life. Thanks for sharing and helping both yourself and those you may not even realize you’re helping.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jody! This weather is certainly a contributing factor, I am afraid. And there is not much to be done about that except move to a sunnier location! And here we ago again…another storm, schools are already on early dismissal and I just want to run way from home! Ha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne M Bray
Shelbee, come visit me in CA!!!!! (Though with your luck, you’d arrive and we’d get another week of rain).
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anne, I would love to come to CA! And I would welcome rain over snow and ice! Although I really do need some sunshine.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jody
I think nature is bipolar especially this year!! WOW what crazy patterns we are seeing. Hope the boys aren’t too crazy themselves with the extra days off. It was nice to see you Saturday by the way.
Lisa Richardson
I hope this episode will pass quickly and you will feel more like Shelbee. I think it’s great you can recognize the warning signs (even though you might chose to ignore them😉) You are so right about not knowing what someone is going through. Things can look fine on the outside, but the inside might be a mess. Thanks for the reminder. XO
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Lisa! I have gotten really good at faking it when these swings come on. I did get all dressed up yesterday and took some photos and I was feeling pretty okay by the end of the day. But then today, it hit me harder. Mostly just because circumstances piled up on me and made me crack…sick kid, more snow, database problems with my website. You know, basic life stuff that is annoying when it happens one thing at a time, but instead it happened all at once. C-R-A-C-K is what my brain said today! Now I am sitting home with my poor sick son wishing I could just take a nap! I appreciate your support and friendship more than you know!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
What a beautiful post. Thank you for being so honest. A lot of people can learn a lot from this post. Very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week. Blessings to you.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Patrick. I really do hope that my sharing things of this nature can help someone, anyone, even just one person. Then I will know it is not all for naught! My journey is my purpose. I appreciate your friendship and all of your support, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura
Shelbee, I am in awe of you! You are so amazing for sharing your story and what you are going through. It’s incredible you are able to identify triggers and keep in mind that it will all pass. You give people hope and a better understanding to mental illness. You are an incredible person!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Laura, thank you so much for this lovely comment! I really did need that bit of validation today. I hope that by sharing my story it can bring others to a better understanding and also help those who struggle with mental illness to know there is no shame in the journey. I appreciate you and all of your kindness and support.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
You are so brave and strong! I love that you are vocal about this. I think sharing helps not only you but others as well!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Jill! I don’t know if I necessarily feel brave as much as I feel compelled and obligated to share. If my journey can help just one person, then it has purpose. And isn’t that what we are all seeking in this life…purpose? I think I have found mine here. I really appreciate your kind words and support!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
Thank you for you openness Shelbee. I was looking at your photos thinking ‘wow, she’s looking more and more amazing’ – and here you are feeling the bi-polar demons. As I’m all in a state of woe and wondering if I’ll ever get my confidence enough to get dressed up and be photographed again, you are showing me how it’s done. Sending you hugs and a big thumbs up xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh Maria, thanks so much! You know on the days that I feel the worst, I make the most effort to look my best. Fake it ’til you make it! And I did head out yesterday in a bold printed dress and took some more snowy pictures with a fake smile on my face! Although after I almost fell on my butt in the ice, the smile went from fake to genuine pretty quickly. I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling as well. Just know that like all things, this too shall pass. It always does. We have no choice but survive and move forward. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and hugs!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
Hi Shelbee
I was going to email you this past week. I have had some tough times recently with depression, and feel that the winter months are the hardest for me. I know you write about your condition, and can’t imagine what it must be like, but I admire your willingness for people to understand and be educated on what it is. You look fantastic in this look, love the tall boots and floral dress. I wish for you brighter days my friend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Jess! And please feel free to email me any time. Depression definitely worsens during the winter months for so many people. Apparently, myself included. I try my best to keep communicating about the journey that is Bipolar Disorder in the hopes that it can help or save even just one person. Even as I struggle through it, I am in such a better place than I was 15 years ago. Now, I at least am confident that the episode with pass. And it will pass within a few days. I do need some sunshine and Springtime though, that’s for sure! Sending you lots of hugs, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Shelbee, thank you for your honesty—we all need to be more cognizant and aware that mental illness is just that: an illness. You mentioned the triggers and symptoms of your condition, and it’s amazing the parallels between mental and physical. I suffer from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and I go through a similar process when I feel an episode coming on. Long story short, we are all human, and we can get through anything with a little self-care and healing. Sending you hugs from California!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Cheryl, thank you so much for your support and understanding. Isn’t it crazy how we know it’s coming, but yet we get blindsided anyway? I am so sorry to hear of your condition. I have only experienced vertigo on a few occasions and it was quite unpleasant, to say the least. I can’t imagine dealing with it frequently. And while I have become much more adept at self-care practices, it is hard sometimes to make the time for it and then to justify it as self-care and not just selfish. I always have to remind myself that self-care is never selfish. Have a wonderful day, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I have a meeting in one hour about what, people with mental health issues, problems they face in our village. I will have your story in my head, I know. I really hope you feel better in a few days. You know you are strong and you will get over this. And btw, we can’t always listen to ourselves……tell me about it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nancy, thanks so much! I hope your meeting is beneficial for many people. And now on top of all it, my website is not working properly. I am getting super frustrated over here! Send me some good positive energy please.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Thank you for your courage with sharing your journey. I know it will help someone who reads this. Praying for you. I absolutely love this winter chic look and thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Kathrine, thank you so very much. I do hope it is helpful to someone. Then I know that my journey has purpose. Have a great day, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chrissy
Ugh! Shelbee, I’m so sorry. And even in the midst of this you still shared kindness with me by brightening my week with those mugs. It’s good that you are open when you’re in a funk and it’s apparent you trust this community. Im praying for you this morning…for peace, an awareness of HIM. When you mentioned knowing that “this too shall pass”, i was totally relating. There’s hope in that. This week my anxiety returned for the first time in a LONG time. It still felt crappy but I knew if wouldn’t last so that helped. One of my favorite gospels in the Bible is John. Reading those accounts of Jesus always boost my spirits. I should do it again! Sending you cyber hugs my friend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Chrissy, thank you so much! I needed that today! As bad as I have been feeling this week, today has been the absolute worst of it. And when the self-loathing and negative talk start, it is so hard to reverse it…try as I might. I know I will get to the other side of it, I always do. But when you are in it, it is exhausting and ever so miserable. I am so sorry that you are having anxiety. And I agree…knowing that it will pass definitely helps. I remember the days when I was so unsure of even that! So I am embracing the feelings, sitting with them for a moment, and then learning from them along the way. I so appreciate your kind and supportive words today, my friend. I am feeling uplifted already. Sending cyber hugs right back to you!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mireille
Take care! And thanks for sharing! Your insight helps us on the outside understand a lil bit better
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! I am glad that sharing my story can help others to understand better. Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
LAUREN Koepf SPARKS
Rest assured that you did not “share the funk”. By being brave and vulnerable you have probably made someone reading today feel a little less alone. Praying for you in this today. laurensparks.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lauren, thank you so much! I really appreciate that and I do hope that by sharing my journey, it does help others.
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I don’t really know a lot about bipolar disorder, but I am sure it is tough and I wonder if seasons such as the winter can provoke it more. I know I’ve been home with my daughter who missed 6 days of school and wow did it do a number on me. You look lovely though and I love the color of those tall boots and how it picks up a bit of the color in your outfit.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carrie, thank you so much! I think the weather definitely can provoke episodes as can hormones and other life stuff in general. It is like everything gets exaggerated in a bipolar brain! Knowing this is what saves me! I am home today with a sick kid as well and that just added to my feeling down! I hate to see my children suffer. I hope your daughter is better and that this winter comes to an end soon!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nina | Sharing a Journey
I don’t think I’m bipolar, but I have come out of a dark patch that I didnt really realize I was in for a good while. Not sure what caused it not sure how or why it went away. I kept telling Roger “there is nothing wrong, life is wonderful, I just have no joy.” I hated feeling so blank, and unable to interact with others. I cancelled outings, I limited my online interactions. I very simply did not have the bandwidth. so I get you. I know this year has had its ups and downs for you and you’ve taken on a lot…maybe a bit too much? In any event, sending prayers and love.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nina, thank you so much for your support and friendship. I think we all can fall into those joyless times, that is just part of life. Bipolar is when it comes in cycles that can be identified. And I am so familiar with the feelings that come with the swings that is almost laughable at how well I understand it. Yet, one would think that it wouldn’t get me as bad as it does because of this insight and knowledge. But I guess that is the nature of the illness…even when you see it coming, you know what it is, you still get stuck in it. Of course, my rational mind is at odds with the disease when these cycles come. And that is what saves me…the fact that my rational mind can keep it somewhat in check. But that feeling you described, I am all too familiar with that one as well. And usually when I start feeling that overwhelming ennui, there is a bipolar swing not too far behind it. I am glad you have found your way out. And I will, too.
xoxo
Shelbee
Liz
What a beautiful, honest and raw post. This hits so close to home as my aunt has bipolar disorder as well. Even though it comes and goes at any given notice which can be so frustrating, just know that you are such a positive light in our blogging industry snd I admire you for sharing what real life looks like. You are an inspiration whether you realize it or not 🙂 Also, really love this outfit on you!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Liz, thank you so very much! That means the world to me. I just hope that sharing my journey can help someone…then I know that there is purpose to the struggle! I appreciate you and your friendship very much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tianna
You’re so beautiful Shelbee and so brave for sharing your struggles. It’s hard enough to share typical life struggles, let alone being willing to open up with your mental health struggles. It’s tough to combat that stigma, but you just talking about it is helping to break down the barriers and to clarify people’s misconceptions about it. I can’t imagine what it’s like when you’re in a mode with bipolar, but you’re strong just talking about it and you’re only getting stronger.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Tianna, thank you so much! I do feel somewhat of an obligation to share my story because I am in a very stable place even as I continue to battle occasional episodes. If my speaking out about it can help others to shed their shame around it, then there is purpose in my journey. I will continue to share as much as I can.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
I am so glad you decided to share this, Shelbee. There are so many people out there who suffer with this horrible illness and feel too afraid to talk about it. So, here’s to you for being so wonderful, kind, honest and an all round wonder woman – even when it strikes. BIPOLAR IS SUCH A BITCH! And you’re amazing.
<3 you Shelbee
Hugs
Suzy xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzy, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! I am feeling much better today due in part to all the love that surrounds me! I appreciate you and your friendship so very much.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne
You look totally fabulous in your photos, it just goes to show that no-one can tell what is going on inside. I hope that sharing has helped, I’m sure it helps others feeling the same way. I’m in the other perspective, living with someone with a mental health issue. She never tells me anything (well, mostly) and it’s interesting to read how others are dealing with it. So thank you xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anne, thank you so much for your kind words. It is difficult living with someone who has mental health issues. A lot of people feel too much shame and don’t want to burden their friends and family with it, so they remain silent and won’t tell you anything. I am glad that my story can help you to a better understanding. And there are tons of books out there that can help you as well that will give you ideas of how to cope as the support system. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
Thank you Shelbee for sharing your story. I know it’s not easy to be raw and vulnerable but I applaud you and take inspiration from it. I don’t know a lot about bipolar disorders so I can only imagine what it is like. So therefore, I can only offer my biggest hugs and know that there are people that love you and support you, including myself. Let me know if you ever need anything and would be glad to help. Btw, I am sorry for being late on replies. I wasn’t able to go to your website for whatever reason these past few days. I got error for connections and it would automatically boot me out. I am glad it is working fine now! Whew!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Maureen, thanks so much for your kind words and your friendship! I always swing back to normal so no worries there. And I am still having database connection errors. I contacted the support desk, they said they fixed it, but it is still a mess. And I just don’t have the time right now to sit for an hour online with the support desk again! I can’t even link up to other link parties myself because it just gets stuck trying to connect to my page and pull the thumbnails and such. So frustrating. Maybe this weekend I will have an opportunity to try to resolve the issue. Have a great weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
I hope it passes soon and you are feeling much better Shelbee. Sending hugs and positive vibes xxx
Emma
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Emma! Things are swinging back to normal. It is just important to me to share the process in the hopes that it can help others who struggle as well as raise awareness around the issue of mental health.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
I know that you mentioned your illness in the past. It must be difficult to deal with such thing. I hope that the write it down helps you to survive bad days. It can help a lot of other people fighting as well. It is not easy to be open about such a personal thing. You are brave. I wish you good luck and I hope that bad days will be gone soon.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anna, thanks so much for your very kind and supportive words. Writing about it is definitely one of the best methods of therapy for me. And if it does help someone else who feels silenced with shame, than there is purpose in my battle and that is the most important thing to me. As with all things, the bad days always pass and I spend the majority of my life filled with light and happiness. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire Justine
Hi Shelbee, I hope this passes quickly for you. I know that writing your feelings down will help you and help others going though this too. You are right, you never know what other people are going through. I always try to be kind to people. Keep smiling lovely xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Claire! It is so important to always be kind for exactly that reason…we never know the impact that our actions and words can have on other people. So being friendly and kind is definitely the better way to approach the world, in my opinion!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy At Home
Oh Shelbee, I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment. This post hit very close to home for me as I have also been going through a particularly difficult time with my anxiety and your description of “floundering” and the blog post schedule going off rings so true to me too. Thank you for your honesty.
One thing I have found helpful on this round for me (which you kind of touched on too) is just being accepting of the condition. I have been saying to myself, “This is just my way of processing things. This is okay.” – instead of panicking that I was losing control or that I “couldn’t cope” as well as everyone else, I just gave myself permission to go through the process, and fixed my eyes on the eventual outcome, which will be restoration and peace. I know there will be something grounding on the other side and I just need to weather the storm while I’m passing through.
I don’t know if that means anything to you but I thought I would share my story as you have been so honest and raw with yours.
And congrats on being BlogCrush-ed this week for this post – feel free to pop over and collect your “I’ve been featured” blog badge #blogcrush
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lucy, thank you so much for your beautiful and kind words and for sharing your story as well. This is one of the reasons I am so open with my story…to create a place that is safe and comfortable for others to speak their own truths without guilt or shame. I am sorry that you, too, have been struggling, but it sounds like you are on the right path by accepting anxiety for what it is, giving it its moment, and moving onto all the wonderful things that await on the other side of it. I am so honored to be featured on Blog Crush this week and will be stopping by shortly!
xoxo
Shelbee