Hey there! Congrats on the subscriber growth. Sorry about the mood, but I must say I admire your approach to getting yourself together. Hope things are better!
We certainly are on the same wavelength this week! I’m glad to be living in a time where mental-health gets more of the attention it deserves. Suffering in silence is a vicious cycle.
Holly, Sundays I work so I'm just getting around to catching up with my Substack reads. It doesn't seem surprising to me that you might find yourself in a funk at this time. From reading your posts it's pretty clear that you have been holding space for a great deal of healing for others (two major people in your life), which is commendable. But if you're like most people, it's easy to lose sight of nurturing yourself. I find when I am going a hundred miles an hour for way too long and not listening to my body, I will get physically sick. And years ago I suffered from anxiety attacks until I learned to understand them. I think of them now as my body's way of trying to take care of me. I've likely ignored all of "her" subtle messages and "she" finally has to take the bull by the horns. I listen these days :) When I get those initial feelings, I thank my body (quite literally) and begin the inner dialogue I might have with my child. "Alright, what's wrong honey?" And you can bet on it, she always has answers. Thanks for sharing this with your readers. Important stuff. 💟
Wonderful post, Holly - thank you so much for sharing these really important words. Your checklist is an absolute genius - I'm going to work on one of my own. Sending strength.
Ahhhh....anxiety-we are constant companions (always in varying degrees). I so appreciated your reflection on the wisdom/experience gained by making yourself do things you were dreading. (Dread might not be the right word) I love, love, love that you utilize the money from paid subscribers to assist others. This is so beautiful.
My mother died on November 6 and my father on Christmas day. Even though these deaths were years and years ago, sometimes my body remembers before my mind does, and I become weepy and agitated. of letting go, when everything returns to the earth. If you follow the seasons at all, it is bound to have an effect on you. We need to honor that. And then yes, your checklist are good and helpful. 🔆
I’m going to bookmark this. I don’t have a list like this but I do certain things myself when I feel I’m hitting a slump. But love the list! So glad I found you! 💕
Thanks for sharing this, Holly. I don't struggle with panic attacks or depression, but I do go through periods of "blah" where everything seems overwhelming. I can see God at work in your walk through this period, giving you ways to minister to others through your own painful experiences (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
"Have I neglected my need to create?" -> Powerful question, and a good one. I feel a void in my life when I'm not creating. I think God created us in part TO create--it's an aspect of reflecting His image.
I was thrilled to read about your tomato sauce experience - there's something strangely therapeutic that happens when fingers begin to squeeze tomatoes... It should be recommended anti-funk therapy 😂
I hope by the time you read this, you're feeling a bit better!
FWIW, "swirling wallpaper" is a great descriptor of panic attack symptoms. I tried for years to articulate what was happening when I was having one, and usually fell short.
Sorry to hear you are down. I know how you feel. I've had stuff going on for awhile now. I have good days and I have bad days. We can only hope and pray that things get better.
I like the "Slump Checklist" and may steal....er, I mean borrow...it at some time. I think we could all benefit from a little self-introspection..
Hey there! Congrats on the subscriber growth. Sorry about the mood, but I must say I admire your approach to getting yourself together. Hope things are better!
We certainly are on the same wavelength this week! I’m glad to be living in a time where mental-health gets more of the attention it deserves. Suffering in silence is a vicious cycle.
Holly, Sundays I work so I'm just getting around to catching up with my Substack reads. It doesn't seem surprising to me that you might find yourself in a funk at this time. From reading your posts it's pretty clear that you have been holding space for a great deal of healing for others (two major people in your life), which is commendable. But if you're like most people, it's easy to lose sight of nurturing yourself. I find when I am going a hundred miles an hour for way too long and not listening to my body, I will get physically sick. And years ago I suffered from anxiety attacks until I learned to understand them. I think of them now as my body's way of trying to take care of me. I've likely ignored all of "her" subtle messages and "she" finally has to take the bull by the horns. I listen these days :) When I get those initial feelings, I thank my body (quite literally) and begin the inner dialogue I might have with my child. "Alright, what's wrong honey?" And you can bet on it, she always has answers. Thanks for sharing this with your readers. Important stuff. 💟
Wonderful post, Holly - thank you so much for sharing these really important words. Your checklist is an absolute genius - I'm going to work on one of my own. Sending strength.
Ahhhh....anxiety-we are constant companions (always in varying degrees). I so appreciated your reflection on the wisdom/experience gained by making yourself do things you were dreading. (Dread might not be the right word) I love, love, love that you utilize the money from paid subscribers to assist others. This is so beautiful.
My mother died on November 6 and my father on Christmas day. Even though these deaths were years and years ago, sometimes my body remembers before my mind does, and I become weepy and agitated. of letting go, when everything returns to the earth. If you follow the seasons at all, it is bound to have an effect on you. We need to honor that. And then yes, your checklist are good and helpful. 🔆
I’m going to bookmark this. I don’t have a list like this but I do certain things myself when I feel I’m hitting a slump. But love the list! So glad I found you! 💕
The list is a great one, Holly, and as always your beautiful and honest writing has brought a huge ray of sunshine with it.
Thanks for sharing this, Holly. I don't struggle with panic attacks or depression, but I do go through periods of "blah" where everything seems overwhelming. I can see God at work in your walk through this period, giving you ways to minister to others through your own painful experiences (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
"Have I neglected my need to create?" -> Powerful question, and a good one. I feel a void in my life when I'm not creating. I think God created us in part TO create--it's an aspect of reflecting His image.
“I didn’t feel like being nice to the man who wanted to pee in my yard, but I forced myself to go above and beyond.” So funny!
Glad you are feeling better Holly. Love your checklist!
I was thrilled to read about your tomato sauce experience - there's something strangely therapeutic that happens when fingers begin to squeeze tomatoes... It should be recommended anti-funk therapy 😂
I hope by the time you read this, you're feeling a bit better!
FWIW, "swirling wallpaper" is a great descriptor of panic attack symptoms. I tried for years to articulate what was happening when I was having one, and usually fell short.
Sorry to hear you are down. I know how you feel. I've had stuff going on for awhile now. I have good days and I have bad days. We can only hope and pray that things get better.