Do you have a strategy for one of “those” days? I

I find a walk is the way to go - or a trip to a garden centre.

Sometimes just moving into a different environment for a while can help to shake off that hopeless feeling.

How I understand the concern about seeming needy. I am always trying to make sure people know that I am independent, even when the truth is that I need help a lot of the time, because of mobility problems. Can't bend at the moment - spine surgery coming up on Tuesday - but can hardly ring a neighbour to come and take my shoes off to get into bed!

Any beautiful countryside around you that might lift the spirits?

What used you work at Maw? Do you have skills that could be transferred to a voluntary role eg IT, teaching, writing, accounting?

Merlotgran ?

Have you any hobbies/interests that you could take up? I write books, sew ( machine) visit people. If you like visiting people, its so lovely to spend time with people who are housebound, maybe you could look into that. Nobody likes to feel they have no purpose in life, fact is fact that everyone has a purpose, its just finding what that purpose is, we are all different. What about volunteering to help in a charity shop ?

Whatever you choose to do, never forget that you do have a purpose in life..... x

So sorry to hear you felt like that yesterday Maw.
I think most of us have those days. I try to tell myself that it will pass and I will feel better tomorrow as I know it will. I then just get on with things and try to do something constructive like BigBertha although whacking a golf ball is a step too far.

I try not to dwell on unanswered texts etc as it doesn’t mean nobody cares.

Merlotgran thinking of you (flowers).

Walloping!

Mae im sorry you've been feeling like that. I clean things when I'm blue. I attack the kitchen cupboards and the wardrobes and doors. Love a good throw out and the take it all to the Salvation Army drop off bin. Obviously golf is not for everyone but wallowing a few balls is good for me.

Well lucky you. Not much comfort to OP though eh ?

I never wake up feeling 'bleak' - always happy and upbeat. If I'm stuck indoors, though, for any length of time (e.g. back injury) I soon get cabin fever. Long walks outside make me feel just brilliant.

Whether I talk to people, or not, doesn't seem to make a difference - as I'm very independent and 'self contained'. They always get in touch before I miss them, saying that they haven't heard from me for 'ages''.

Go back to bed!

If you are retired and dont have to get up for anything in particular then why bother?

Merlotgran ?

I'm glad your son is coming BeEmerald.

Merlotgran

Like Maw I am struggling to know what I’m for these days, and my usual solution of vigorous weeding whilst berating the Almighty is no longer possible as my bad back seems to be chronic and permanent. On such days I allocate myself one job and do it properly so that the day isn’t completely wasted, and I do find that helps. And try to remember that tomorrow is another day

Merlotgran

So sorry merlotgran

Tomorrow it will be three years since my darling daughter died but it is what it is and I have to get on with life. She would give me a very stern talking to if she thought I was 'shirking my duties.' The garden will keep me busy as it is always my 'go to' coping strategy.

I don't listen to WH but I'm sure Ken Bruce will be keep me company. Unlike the Queen I don't do 'Quiet Contemplation' DD2 will be coming for supper and together we'll raise a glass! It's a shitty day for her as well.

Roll on Thursday!

MawtheMerrier

Thank you all. Sadly a class I was looking forward to in the afternoon was cancelled which initially didn’t help.
However, lost myself in a book, walked Rosie then parcelled up some tops and trousers bought online and which, I decided I don’t need ready to post tomorrow- and felt much better!

Seriously, community groups and organisations are crying out for creative, original thinkers like you. You are so needed.

I do have a few of those days OP every now and again. I hate it when I feel this way. Everything feels awful and you are left feeling so low.

I do enjoy walking, shopping, reading so would probably throw myself out there and do all three to get through the day.

Find something as a distraction and go with it. You seem like you have a good sense of humour, answers in a postcard, so I bet you are a fun person in real life and people enjoy your company. Best wishes.

Thank you all. Sadly a class I was looking forward to in the afternoon was cancelled which initially didn’t help.
However, lost myself in a book, walked Rosie then parcelled up some tops and trousers bought online and which, I decided I don’t need ready to post tomorrow- and felt much better!

Despair exists only when there is hope (JIDDU KRISHNAMURTI).

So both lead to the same end.

When you wake up feeling bleak - tell yourself that today can be a better day than you thought. As someone once said, "your mind will believe what you tell it".

Suggestions from others to go for a walk are spot on. If that's all you do that day, make up your mind to do it. We know exercise is good physically, but walking also boosts your serotonin levels - which stabilises anxiety and happiness levels.

... and keep active. It has the same effect.

This too shall pass - nothing stays the same forever.

I hope you will find some joy in life. I'm sure you will. ... lots of them!

Hope you’re feeling a bit better Maw.

Maw hope you are feeling better this evening.

I cook or bake ,then I fill my freezer and feel I've done something worthwhile.
Or my son comes in and loads up a bag with a couple dozen pancakes some scones ,apple turnovers and pies and today half a big batch of chicken chasseur .So I'll need to get a new batch on tomorrow if nothing better comes up.
The weather here is grey ,cold and wet ,my kitchen has rows of wee plants waiting for decent weather so I can put them outside .My neighbour has just added 4 tomato plants to my collection .
I hope tomorrow is better for you,call your friends ,they would probably feel bad if they thought you felt neglected ,arrange to give them lunch that'll give you something to focus on

nadateturbe thank you for your concern, that’s kind of you. My son will be here later so he can take a look. I wasn’t successful trying to get a plaster on it with my paintbrush method so he can sort that out.
I wish I’d kept up with my yoga in the 1960’s now !

Oh BeEmerald poor you. Maybe someone could check your foot tomorrow.