Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Stressiety

****UPDATE****
I thought I'd explain that I didn't post this to say that I'm near to homelessness because I'm not, Thank God! Things are tight but I have all that I need. I wrote this post after thinking about another blogger who has shown so much strength in spite of both her and her husband losing their jobs, their home and their dog. It just made me think that there has to be ways that we can all help one another. Thanks to all of you for being so sweet. If it ever got to a point where I knew I needed to yell help, I would.
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Remember the song, Don't Worry, Be Happy? That's such a cute song but actually, it's not always easy to follow.

I don't say this proudly but honestly -- I'm queen of worry. With the imaginative brain that I have, worry instantly turns into stress and then before long, anxiety.

When 9/11 happened, I was beginning to experience depression and of course, that compounded it into anxiety and major fear. The dreams that I had were often ones that had me waking up in a cold sweat or crying out. Eventually, I began to dread going to sleep because of the nightmares. All of that led to me being afraid of the dark. Seriously, I was 38 years old and afraid of the dark.

One thing I failed to do was to realize that I wasn't alone. At the time, I thought I was the only one suffering from this thing called Stressiety....but I wasn't. There were a whole lot of others that were feeling it too.

I remember being at a women's fellowship and we went around the table to share how everyone was doing and all of the ladies said, "Things are going great!" "Wonderful!" I thought to myself, "I can't share this with them, because they wouldn't understand." That's another thing...just because you're Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Mormon or whatever your faith is...doesn't mean that it's shameful to admit that you have issues. We all do! It just takes courage to admit it.

Today, is a different day. In the face of people losing their jobs (me being one of them), homes foreclosing, businesses closing, cars being repossessed...I know that I'm not alone. This time, I hope that there will be ways that we all can come together, look for ways to help one another and not deal with the fear and anxiety alone. No more suffering in silence. If there is anything you can do to reach out to someone that is struggling, please do. It may mean that you make an extra meal and bring it over or give them enough money to fill up their gas tank or even an extra box of laundry soap...it goes a long way. If it's you that's experiencing the stressiety...don't be afraid to say, "Help!" There's no shame in using that word. You'd be surprised....help is on its way.

18 comments:

Heart2Heart said...

We were blessed enough to have an elderly couple from our church bring over two boxes of groceries when they knew we were struggling to make ends meet last year.

To this day that one small act goes a long way to making sure that we too pass along those generous deeds to others along our paths.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Amen girl! Once in a testimony service a woman in her late 30's stood up and admitted the codependency problems she was having and apologized for herself because she thought we (christians) had it all together. Shame on us was the thought in my head. We need to take off the masks and reveal our imperfect lives.

Thanks for reminding me of this, sweet girl. As brothers and sisters we all need to be helping one another. God bless and thanks!!!

Unknown said...

Your not alone. Do know that. I wish more people would cut the crap and show the real stuff. Yes I know that things can go well and be great, but 9 times out of 10 things could be better.

Chin up!

Mandy said...

Great words of wisdom. I was just on my blog complaining about my job but really I should be greatful for it and for all I have. Thanks for the reminder.

And I wish I lived close enough to bring you a loaf of homemade pumpkin bread, chocolates and a bottle of wine! If you send me your address, maybe I could send you something to make you feel as special as you truly are! In the mean time, please accept a virtual hug from me to you! :-)

Aidan Donnelley Rowley said...

Thanks for your honest words. What would the world be like if people stopped faking it to make it, bulldozed the impeccable facades, and spoke honestly about the "stressiety" that IS life? Hard to imagine. In my humble opinion, anxiety is fertile ground for discovery and creativity and truth and insecurities can be inspirations if we choose to look at them that way. I am new to the blog world, but I appreciate your voice. Thanks.

Ina in Alaska said...

It is good to be real about what is happening in life. I second everything Ms. Case said in her comment. xoxo

Sheryl said...

You're so right, we need to help each other out however/whenever we can. Can I do anything for you?

ethelmaepotter! said...

Stressiety is my favorite new word. And I am SOOOOO right there with you: when my doctor asked today if I had been under any stress lately, I could only stare blankly at her, and say "HUH? ANY stress? My LIFE is stress!" Stress is what I do, it's what I am, it absolutely defines me, and I don't know how to live any differently.
Hang in there, honey, we'll all get through this together!

Joanna Jenkins said...

I totally agree! Every little bit helps and can make all the difference sometimes.
xo

Elle Bee said...

These are great words for a time when many are needing help. Like you said, there's no shame in it whatsoever! We are here to help eachother.
Elle

Liz Mays said...

It does sometimes help to realize that other people are feeling what we feel, whether we realize it or not.

Unknown said...

Wonderful post...I too am a worrier...as a matter of fact I honestly think I have an ulcer...

Unknown said...

Every morning and night I say a pray to the Heavenly Father ~ lay my anxiety, fear, concern, worry, and anger at his feet. Allow Him to take over those burdens. And that I may continue to walk the path that He laid out for me.

Unknown said...

If I had only one slice of bread wouldn't I share it with you?

Anonymous said...

I lost my job, my husband and my house all at the same time when I was 28. No one really knew all of that but I did. It was horrible and there were times I wanted to scream for help but I couldn't. I'm thankful for today and for my friends because I was able to pick myself back up.

Thank you for reminding us that we can all pitch in even if all we can give is a hug and encouragement.

Sherry said...

Your words are such a powerful blessing. Too many of us are afraid to ask for help or admit that things are not "perfect" or "great" or "wonderful". If only we could do that without feeling shame. Your ideas of how we can help one another show the generosity of your soul.

Deborah said...

Bless your heart. There are reasons we, as human beings, cross one another's paths. Things will get better...keep hold of hope...put it in bigger hands...and hold on...the ride may be rough, but the landing will turn you out fine. Thank you for a lovely blog. Please keep sharing. D

Buckeroomama said...

Some people are practical enough to know to ask for help; others don't know how to begin or are just not used to doing that or are too proud.

 

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