Send 'smooth-sailing' sentiments to Spirit_Healer!

Hugs my @Spirit_Healer , sitting with you my friend 🧡

Yes, @tyme , I think that notion of 'grit' is very ingrained in our culture. Even on days that I'm sick with a cold, for instance, my parents would tell me to push through. They wear the idea of 'no sick days' as a badge of honour, just like the idea of being unmedicated.

He started his comment tonight with 'I know I'm not practising what I'm preaching...' (He was made redundant over a year ago, and only now wants to find a new job.)

And it's ironic that, out of the websites I suggested to him, I highlighted the self-compassion.org one as the first one I would recommend him to try. I get the sense that he's even harsher to himself than he is to me.

@Spirit_Healer oh my sweet, firstly I'm sitting with you and you are not alone.

Whilst your dad may have good intentions I'm not sure he is thinking of the bigger picture here. Taking things slowly and easing your way back into things is the best way to go at the moment cos we don't want to go backwards. We certainly don't want you to end up back in hospital cos you've pushed yourself too hard.

It really sounds like your dad doesn't believe or have an understanding of disabilities and how they can affect people which is going to impact how he thinks you should do things.

I'm sending you huge hugs sweet, keep doing what you are doing, you are doing amazing and I'm so proud of you ❤️

It's so so hard when that 'grit' is engrained. I watched this documentary about young kids being sent to boarding school in China with the hope of becoming world champion gymnists... the pressure they put on those kids is unbelievable... yet culture for them says it's okay @Spirit_Healer

And in a way, I still hear about this sort of pressure in India and other countries.

I guess each culture has it's own set of stressors and pressure.

In a way, I don't think your dad will change overnight... and I hear how hard this can be for you.

Thank you, @tyme @MissGremlin @Shaz51 , for your support.

(I tried to 'like' your posts but it's still not working. )

After reading your messages and cuddling with my kitty, Marta, I feel more settled now.

My Dad has always put a lot of pressure on me, and yes, he's unlikely to change quickly. He knows no other way.

Have a good evening!

And I think that's what we have to remember - he knows no other way. He is managing and coping they ONLY way he knows how and he expects you to be the same @Spirit_Healer .

Keep doing what's right for you. You can't afford to let these pressures pull you down now.

(Hence you need your own apartment!) lol.

Take care hun

Have a good day at work tomorrow.

Dad apologised for his 'mistake' and acknowledged that his judgement is impaired. @tyme @MissGremlin @Shaz51

He says that he has made several mistakes and 'wants to learn'.

I made the observation to him that he appears to be struggling with the idea that I have a disability and may not be able to do what the 'average' person can do. He added the observation that he has a disability, too.

This has become more obvious since he has started wanting to find new work and decided that some of the jobs that appeal to him are too demanding compared to what he thinks he's capable of.

Today, I didn't repeat the idea that he needs medication to improve his mental health. He won't entertain the thought. And frankly, knowing myself how difficult side effects can be when starting new meds, I think these would put him off too much to continue, if he did start.

@Spirit_Healer I'm really glad that he has apologised for his mistake.

Sounds like he might be starting to accept the idea regarding disabilities which i guess is a pretty big thing.

Medications are hard because they take a while to work and can mess things up before things get better and trying to find the right ones and dosages takes time.

Sending you hugs sweet, hope you have a good night ❤️

Hello @MissGremlin @tyme @Shaz51

@NightFury !

Today some 15-year-olds who I work with made an interesting observation. They were trying to guess my age and guessed older. (Most of the time, people tend to guess younger. ) I was surprised. Then one of them told me that I act 'like a mum'. 🤣 Another one agreed.

I find that comment quite adorable, to be honest, haha.

@Spirit_Healer kids tell you how they feel, without telling you how they feel. That's beautiful!