Latest case in point:
This arrived in the mail yesterday. From one of the sweetest people on the planet...Chris. He remembered that I really wanted to read this book, and so he just hauled off and got it for me. And what was even better was his note (on the cutest freakin' Where the Wild Things Are postcard, I might add). I just felt my spirits lift and my attitude brighten! Perfect timing, I tell you. And you know what, if you've read Chris's post today, he sort of puts into words exactly what's had me down. As he said, "I need to slow down…life has felt like chaos lately. And it’s not really bad…I haven’t been feeling bad, just overwhelmed." I swear, I could have written those very words myself!!! That is exactly how I've felt my life has been the past several weeks. Everything is absolutely fine. I'm not unhappy. I feel blessed beyond measure. But I'm just so damn tired and overwhelmed by all there is to get done...and by all the things that aren't getting done because of more pressing issues. Do you know that feeling? The one where you know you have no right to complain...the one where you can't possibly conceive the reasons that you have been given so much in life when others who surely are more deserving have so much less...the one where you can honestly say "life is good!" and believe wholeheartedly that it's true...all combined with the uncontrollable urge to just cry because you feel like you're suffocating and you just want to escape from under the enormous pile of obligations that you're buried in? Yeah, that feeling.
And hence, the added specialness of a friend's thoughtfulness. Thank you, Chris! Your heart is made of gold, and your timing is exquisite!
(BTW, speaking of generosity and thoughtfulness, I can't wait to share what my wonderful cuz-in-law/friend, Jean, sent us from her adventures in Vietnam! I just need to get some photos first.)
12 comments:
Hey! I know that EXACT feeling! I'm so happy Chris helped things to look a little more up for you.
I wish I knew that feeling a little less well than I do, Debi! It's one that seems to increase the more people with 'right to complain' you actually know. And you know what? You do have a right to complain. This is how you feel, pure and simple. And just because what you're feeling isn't gigantic compared to What Could Have Been, that doesn't mean it's not real or any less important to you and your well-being. *snugs* Take care of yourself, love. You deserve it.
That is so very, very sweet of Chris, and such wonderful timing of him too! (Really, he calls me sweet, but look at what he does.) I'm glad to hear that it cheered you up! (And for the record, you put it in words perfectly well!) Thank you for cheering me up with your post too!
What a great post! I know exactly what you're talking about, and that's why the book blogosphere is so great. We're always here to listen when you need to vent for a bit. :D
Chris is totally one of the sweetest people on the planet.
Sounds like we're in the same boat right now Debi! And you put it even more eloquently than I could. I really do just need to learn to slooooow down! I tend to overcommitt myself way too much.
Anyway, glad the book got to you safely! I think you'll enjoy it quite a bit!
And here I thought I was feeling overwhelmed and fatigued because of coming home after two months and playing catch-up. Wait! I felt that way before I left. Yeah, I think it's a normal state, though after two months of not feeling overwhelmed with little things, I'm really going to try to simplify a bit. I'm still processing the whole trip, but I think it's going to lead to some changes.
Awww. Friends really do make all the difference!
And I know just what you mean, Debi. That's what my life has been like for the past month or so :( I need to stop and take a deep breath.
I so know what you mean. I have woken up every morning feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to be done and then ended up by bedtime, exhausted and with a headache! I love the book and you are right - we definitely need good friends.
Yes, I know just how you feel! This time of year is overwhelming for me. I think that is why I always look forward to summer vacation and the break it gives me.
What a thoughtful friend to send you the book.
take care,
Dawn
I do know that feeling all too well. I was hoping I was the only one! Hugs and lots of wishes that things start feling better very soon.
my "son" is a real charmer isn't he?! lol. I do believe his career makes him more capable of "hearing" peoples "overwhelmedness" .. he's picked the right career!
Enjoy your new read..and ..ummm.. find a comfy chair and kick back and relax a bit!
Yes, I know the feeling (well, all the feelings) you just expressed. I've been going through the same things this month - and what a shame since May is usually my favorite month of the year. Time for you to put your feet up and pull a good book off the shelf. I think I'll take my Mom (Shorty) fishing tomorrow morning. I'll get things done later -- maybe.
I know just what you mean Debi. One thing that I've noticed myself saying lately is "I don't have time for X." I do have time, I just don't make the time. I'm trying to focus more on making time for X--whether it is going for a nice run, cooking a dinner from scratch, catching up with old friends, scrapbooking (um, still don't have time for that one! :P), etc. I don't want to be without time and we have 24 perfectly usable hours a day--well, not really because I need my beauty sleep--but I could certainly be using my time more efficiently and effectively. I'm trying to figure out how to reprioritize my time so I can do want I want to do and also get all those yicky obligations done as well.
I'm sad that you'll be taking a break, especially because I LOVE reading your posts. But I do understand and I hope you can find that balance you are looking for to help you feel a little less frazzled and overwhelmed.
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