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Something’s not right

I'm in a nest

I'm in a nest

I'm making a nest because I'm not feeling very ok and I would like to have a place to retreat to while I ride it out. Everything is chaotic all around and inside me almost all of the time, and I need some time out from it. If I make a nest here I can carry it in my pocket and know it's there for me.

In this nest it's very cosy. There's lots of soft pillows and blankets. Some are made with bright colours, mostly greens, pinks and yellows, and some are made in much deeper shades of purples. The nest is egg shaped so it can be climbed into it but still be a hiding out place. There's lots of fairy lights strung around the nest. They're different shapes and some are warm yellow, some are cool white and some are multi-coloured. They can be adjusted to vary the amount and type of light inside. There's also music which can sometimes be heard throughout the whole nest and sometimes it's playing from the headphones that are always kept on the pile of cushions. There's a lava lamp as well, and squishy glitter balls to squeeze and roll in hands. There are an endless supply of soft creatures to hold or sit with. There's always flowers in the corner and this morning they are gerberas standing tall and proud, on a little wooden table. Next to the vase is a teapot, colourful and quirky, with a collection of teacups and mugs.

Right now I am sitting in a pile of cushions very still with my knees to my chest, my head on my knees and my arms wrapped around my legs. There's no music at the moment so it is very quiet. Only a couple of strings of lights are turned on and they're twinkling yellow balls, so it's very dark but there's still some light inside. I have a soft blanket around me. It's peaceful in here.

I have to sit here until I can work out what to do next. I'm surrounded by people but I don't remember feeling so alone. I feel scared of making any move right now because I don't know what the right move is, and I don't trust any direction. I'm hoping that if I can hold out like this for just a little bit longer I will know what to do.

Right now I don't want to talk but I don't want to feel so alone either, so I'm asking for someone to please come and sit quietly next to me until I can move from my ball or I am made to move from it. I don't know when that will be, but I know I can't stay like this forever.

5090 replies

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In response to: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

Checking in with you @CheerBear it's been a trying couple of days, hope you are holding up well.

Trusting that in the looking for options, someone on your team will come up with and out of the box idea for an even better outcome than the one you had previously planned.

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

Evening, @CheerBear. I hope your day has been as okay as it can be. 🌷 I just wanted to drop off a wee present for super stylish soundtracks. 🎶

Thank goodness for music. Thank you for being you, CB. 🦄 💚

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

Morning nest

Thank you @Former-Member. I had a huge spill specifics session with my MH worker yesterday and she said those words about being here also. It was a really helpful and important conversation. I wish surviving wasn't as much of an achievement as it is (for all of us who it is achievement for). That might not have come out the way I mean it to, because it is such an achievement. I guess I mean that I wish that life wasn't as much of a fight for survival as it can be. Hugs for you (and wishing it was easier for you too).
@Former-Member thank you for checking in. I wanted to come online yesterday and sit over in a corner with you but I'm finding it a bit hard to log on sometimes. As far as outcomes go, one of the outcomes my psych is hoping for (and very confident of getting, though I am very not) is that I may be able to have an increase in psych sessions and funding for my counsellor who was one of, if not the, most helpful helping people I've worked with, as well as continuing my weekly MH outreach support. The outcome with the DSP if it happens, which again psych and my MH worker are confident will happen though I am not, would be security and stability. They're all hugely positive. With time and support I can get there eventually.
Yesterday my MH worker and I spoke about my big goal which is to "make a difference". It doesn't matter when that happens, it only matters that it does, and the scenic route will add to the experiences I have had to be able to make a difference one day.
I love your profile pic. It's such a happy smile face. I hope you're going ok SunShower. I know things have been hard and I've been thinking of you lots ❤
@Former-Member I wanted to reply properly the other night but I sunk a little/a lot. I've lost what I wanted to say but I wanted to share this instead
This is what I was doing last night at about the time you posted that amazing piece of awesomeness above. That wpuld be SO cool whole listening to strings 😊 I watched it in bed and, after wiping some (many) tears during that scene, I took the pic to show you (so close to when you posted last night it was a great timing moment). I spent so many hours as a little CB watching Fantasia. When I think about it, it was an incredibly captivating escape. I had favourite scenes and the one set on Mount Olympus was one (Pegasus, unicorns, Cupids etc - how could it not be?). While I'm sure I noticed unicorn brave mumma, it's a seconds long fleeting moment so I didn't stand out when I was little. It does now, so much so and it adds meaning to something that was already so meaningful. I will add "watch The Pastoral Symphony" to my box of tricks because it means something. Thank you big time 💚
Also, I have been wanting to find a moment to share a "ooh I think bookish might appreciate this one" thing and your goat on a backburner thing has reminded me to. I lived in ignorance is bliss land with some non-vego food (the good stuff - sour worms mostly 😉). It hasn't felt right but I did it anyway because I like some things too much. One of mine discovered animal products that exist beyond meat (I knew but my line was meat) and is very skilled at persuasion, so now this one and I are strict vegetarians and have been for a few months. Im raising an mini animal rights driven fish with a loud, strong voice and no fear of using it, and I have no doubt they will change the world one day with it maybe in a way you would nod your head about 🐟🐐 (I hope that gives you a teeny feel in a good way maybe). Thank you for being you (truly) 💚
Time to close this novel. I hope there's something good in the day for whoever is reading this.

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

Morning, @CheerBear. When I posted the unicorn the other night I had no idea where she was from (I’ve never seen Fantasia), but I'm so glad she has that extra layer of meaning for you. 💚🦄

🐟🐐 gives me the most giant explodey heart feels and makes me feel super proud (of both of you!). Thank you for sharing—I really needed some good this morning.

I hope your day has some 🌈 and lovely LF-squeezes in it. 🌷

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

HI @CheerBear - sometimes i feel that every way of looking at things is really a double edged sword and i struggle with it too. I can often see both sides of things, especially with these types of expressions that can be thrown out there... and I can rationally tell myself that 'they're right' having the correct perspective and keeping the positive in mind is important but then i feel so much because it like trying to bury the flip side or pretend somehow that it doesnt matter as much when it takes up so much of my brain space. sigh. rant over, but i do get it and i know that i often say things that i want to be 'helpful' but have the double edge. to live in at least a little bit of hope though i think we have to have a mindset that can see both sides... Depression does its best to hide the positive side as well which makes things that little bit harder. sorry for my rant.. however i did want to add that you are already making a difference here 🙂 in so many big and small ways, you are pretty amazing @CheerBear and i know that at some stage you will help show many how to not just survive but thrive (oh yes.. another cliche ridden, thrown out there double edged saying..) sorry, hugs sent with hope.

Hi @Former-Member and @Former-Member hope you're both okish and the weekend has something nice in it for you both.

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

@CheerBear So good to hear from you. So sorry all of these things just won't fall into a place that makes you able to follow through on your plans without the angst and redirection and ... and ... and ... all the awful stuff that just seems to keep happening. (So sorry for all of us) I hear you on the just surviving sometimes being such a struggle.

You look after you, @CheerBear, i do miss you over in the corner, but you'll be back I'm sure. I've not been on much either, still flat and numbish, but it's wearing off. In the words of Con the Fruiter, "Coupla days, boodiful", I'll have processed what happened and devised a management outcome, I reckon.

The session outcomes are sounding positive even though they are different from how you'd planned the timing would be. Financial stability is a big one for MH and if the DSP works out for you, that will lift one load so you can spend that energy on working toward the other outcomes.

I've always been big on shifting perspectives, not as a dismissive plattitude, but as a process whereby one looks for alternative routes to a suitable umbrella (rather than a specific) outcome.

Scenic routes often provide more enjoyment than the direct route too.

Just to let you know, your caring approach in responses here, your stories of hardship and how you've dealt with them, the way you speak so well, so lovingly, practically, and caringly of your littles has made a difference in my tiny world, and I expect made a difference for many who you will never know about.

You make a massive difference in your childrens' lives, this may end up being one of the biggest differences you make in the world - you've already got an activist! How cool is that. You're teaching them some very important life skills, self care, respect for others, acceptance of difference, courage to stand up for themselves. I could go on. How do I know this? Because it oozes from your stories.

Thank you for noticing my new avatar - he's technically a 'Least Weasel' with a white winter coat, but I prefer to think of him as a Kuda-gitsune or Japanese Pipe Fox. The joyful facial expression is quite contagious I think.

Take all the time you need to look after you CheerBear, I'll see you over in the Corner when I see you. I hope your crafting under the lemon tree is relaxing for you.

PS. The boots, wondering about the boots ....

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

@Former-Member gosh sorry I missed your post earlier - my concentration is below par at the moment. Thank you for your kindness, it's the small things that mean so much to me.

I'm hoping to get some creatively practical sewing done this weekend. Haven't got much drive for it, but if I can at least get something laid out on the cutting table that would be good.

I hope your weekend has some pleasantness in it too.

In response to: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

@Former-Member I hope today had something ok-ish in it for you. I have a heap of questions about how you're getting on and what/where you're up to, but I'm holding back on asking them because, as much as I am interested and I care, I am not sure you're up to/wanting/ready/interested/can etc share (but I'm listening if you do/are). I have a feeling it may have been hot today for you. There's a cool change coming through here and I can feel a breeze. I'm hoping it's happening where you are also.

@Former-Member your getting it and your words mean lots thank you. I feel the same kind of way with expressions/cliches. In so many ways I can think them and I do believe them (I have a couple of pretty thrown around ones permanently on me) and in other ways I don't and they make me feel frustrated. I like the idea of somewhere in the middle where we can see both sides. It does feel like hope, as you said. They work for me most of the time, maybe after an intital grrr, nope not happening, brain snap, but they do (and I so get that they may not be so helpful for some/at some times though). Hoping things have been ok enough for you today.

@Former-Member so much loving the "coupla days, boodiful". I'm not sure what happened to flatten and numb you but I don't need to know (though if you want to and can talk there are listening eyes) to know how tricky flat and numb can be. It's good to hear that it's wearing off for you and I hope you can process and manage in a way that feels right for you soon.

I also like the shifting perspectives. So much of what happens is stuff I can't control and I think that's the way for many of us. To find a way to shift perspectives about a situation that can't shift in the way we want (or deserve or need) it to, is maybe really helpful sometimes. And maybe it is what can lead us to that scenic route to that umbrella. Rollercoasters and rainbow hunts - I know of no direct path that has those in them 😉 Random - have you read any Brene Brown?

My crafting is annoying me at the moment SunShower :S I'm back in that space of not much feeling right or being able to hold my attention/drive (as I hear you might be feeling too) for long enough to get very far, but I have also been busy and productive in other ways too. I'm sure I'll find myself under that lemon tree again when littles are at school. I hope you've been able to find some sewing time that has felt good, or a set up laid out as you mentioned above.

Boots? Slipper boots? If so, I will do a quiet drop of my tweed warmth for you soon 🙂

Craft hugs (hugs in general) for you. It's great to have you here and thank you for your kindness and warm
fuzziness also ❤

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

Hey @CheerBear @Former-Member @Former-Member and others in the nest.

Each day I'm improving slightly, so there's agood thing, not quite at the 'boodiful' stage yet, but working on it. Washing is done, sheets, towels, clothes, 1 load left to peg out. The air con filter has to be cleaned to day too. sigh. not looking forward to it, no, no, not at all.

Thank you for your kind thoughts CheerBear, and for listening. Thing is the 'stuff' I need to process, what I need the help to manage, is 'stuff' from a previous work situation that I cannot talk about, not that I don't want to talk about, but I am legally bound not to talk, and involves other stuff. After losing the wonderful psych 5 years or so ago, can't find anyone who will help me manage the multiple traumas packed on top of each other.

Hope your day has something pleasant for you to enjoy.

In response to: Re: I'm in a nest

Re: I'm in a nest

Hello in the nest. 🌷

@CheerBear, I know you’d like a bit of an update. It’s not that I don’t want to share (I really miss feeling comfortable talking here) … anyway I’m going to try to do a mini pull-a-condensability-gene-out-of-a-hat (wish me luck) catch-up post.

The housing bus is still driving backwards and forwards over me. I spent two months trying to find an okay (and at least semi-safe) place in the new region, but had no luck. Plus every time I went there, I wanted to live there less. It’s so much busier than here. So I’ve made the decision to stay here—at least in this area. I did a pros and cons list and the only ‘con’ was the summer weather. It still gets hot in the other place and once it hits 20 I’m uncomfortable anyway.

The other reason for staying, or rather what triggered the actual decision, was my GP. After breaking down in front of her several times recently, it seems she suddenly believes (or realises) that I am actually quite unwell and is now finally being helpful. It was probably also helped (for want of a better word) by having some physical health stuff going on that meant I had to lift my top in front of her, which meant she saw a little bit of 20 years worth of damage. Now that I finally have a GP on my side (after three years of living here), I’m scared I won’t be able to find a good one (or other supports) in the other place. And honestly, I just don’t have the brain space or energy to start again.

I still need to move though because the unit I live in now hasn’t been sold yet, so there are still people coming through all the time. I’m having constant nightmares and intrusive thoughts about people letting themselves into the house and letting Edie-Cat out. I don’t feel safe at all, in the unit or in the world. Everything feels out of control (more than usual). My anxiety is the worst it has ever been.

Uni started again this week. I’m not well enough to be there but I only have two subjects left to finish. This is my 12th year of working towards this degree. I started in 2003. There was a gap in the middle when I was married and I wasn’t allowed to study. But 12 years for a three year degree that is worthless anyway. I just want it to be done already. I’m going to try to hang in there. The good news is I’m still only a 2 minute drive away from campus, instead of what would've been a 2 hour drive from the other place (glass half full, right?).

In a couple of weeks, my support facilitator is taking me to meet with an advocacy group that specialises in NDIS appeals. They’re going to look at my giant file and try to see why it was rejected. I am so not well enough to fight.

I can’t see my psychologist in Melbourne because the two afternoons she works are the two afternoons I’m at uni. She offered me a phone appointment, which would've been really helpful at any point over the last two months when I couldn’t get to Melbourne, but is no good to me right now because my anxiety is so bad that I can’t use the phone. I can skip uni on one day but that day of the week she is booked out for the next month or so. I’m not sure what the workaround is—I might have to wait until the mid-semester break.

I think they are the main catch-up things. You always say you’re holding back from asking questions, @CheerBear, but you can just ask me (please do). If I can answer, I will and if I can’t, I’ll just say so. If I’ve missed anything you were wondering about, let me know. I’m going to stop writing this essay now (condensability gene, yeah right) and hit post before I lose my nerve.

I hope Monday is kind to all. 🌷

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