Just been thinking

Good morning @Jesse2

Wow! Rock climbing at uni...that sounds awesome! Very brave, too, as I don't have a head for heights. I admire your attitude that despite that niggling fear of falling, you just keep going. That's inspirational!

I hear what you're saying about previously doing stuff for the sheer joy that something brings but now the negative thoughts and self-talk take over, like what people will think. I'm closer to 60 than 50, and have my own set of issues, but love kids movies and animated movies where I can have lol moments, have a gigantic unicorn in my bedroom (reminds me there is hope and that bad/sad times will pass), I sleep with different toys (who all have special meaning for me, or are just cute), and at work I'm a black sheep because I don't " fit " into any particular category...I think some people feel a tad insecure if they are unable to categorise another, whether that be working mum or single parent or climbing the corporate ladder..whoops, I've digressed...think I need a coffee and some breakfast.

Have the best day. You are amazing. Sending you a virtual hug.

Hi @Jesse2

Thank you for sharing this post. I found it really honest and insightful of where things are at with you. I think it's great that you are doing rock climbing! I have tried it a few times when i was younger and got a very quick lesson on just how strong rock climbers must be lol! Great sport!

I also constantly worry about what others are thinking of me and what if i do something wrong etc when im out and about, particularly walking etc or just being seen by certain people out and about. it gets really hard so i can relate. Sounds like you really want to get back to some of the things you enjoy though.

Glad you were able to get some of the thoughts out of your head by writing it out. 🙂

Hi @Jesse2, wow rock climbing with your university! For me, that seems like a very courageous thing to do (I'm terrified of heights), so well done to you. Doing something you enjoy is very important for your mental health and wellbeing. Having said that, you've written that you have given up a lot of things you have previously enjoyed and that it's concerning for you. I've often fallen into the routine of making excuses such as "I'm too tired" or "I'll do it tomorrow" also, putting things off I've previously enjoyed. I realise now how mentally destructive this is. In order to keep mentally 'well', I have to nourish my mental health by doing things I enjoy.

Sounds like you are doing some things to nourish your mental health, but perhaps doing a bit more could help? Do you think you could write a list of things you've previously enjoyed and pick one or two things from that list to start with in order to reconnect with enjoying things to nourish your mental health?

Hi @Jesse2,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences here on the forums. As @NatalieS said, your persistence to keep going is inspirational - both metaphorically in terms of your drive to make room for enjoyment in your life, and literally in terms of your persistence to keep climbing the rock climbing wall, despite fears of falling.

I'm sure many people on the forums can relate to the experience of giving themselves reasons not to do things that they have enjoyed in the past, and worrying what others will think if they do what they want to do. Apart from telling yourself to do what you want rather than what others want, do you have any strategies to motivate yourself to do things you enjoyed in the past?

You might also find these threads helpful to read or comment on: (1) a thread about feeling judged by @Trapped; (2) a thread about re-finding motivation by @Queenie; (3) and a thread about fears and things one enjoys.

Please feel free to continue sharing your experiences and reaching out for support here on the forums. 🙂

Kindest,

Amour_Et_Psyché