12/20/23
In order to maintain some semblance of sanity over the Christmas holiday, while at my folks and away from my own house, I want to create as normal of a day as possible. What am I talking about? I’ll continue utilizing my to-do list, I'll allow myself some time alone (away from the family), and ill try to keep my daily schedule as close to normal as possible.
One thing most of you have probably learned by now, is that in order for me to maintain any sanity, and keep my anxiety down, I have to have a very structured life, that only has minor “free time” or unstructured time to just do nothing.. Now, that’s my plan; let's see if I succeed….
12/25/23 8:00 pm ET
Well, the family’s all left, the dishes are mostly cleaned, and there’s finally a peaceful quiet permeating the rooms. I'm so glad everyone’s left, as I couldn’t take anymore. I spend a lot of time helping my folks get ready for the big Christmas meal, and I spent extra time cleaning up- so as to avoid the drama and useless conversations with everyone! I did escape at one point to just lay on the bed, and listen to music, just so I could calm myself down and escape. It worked! Also, I spent a lot of time playing on my phone and that also helped. I still got too stressed out, and overstimulated, but I did better than I've done in the last 20 years! I'll call it a success, and now start working on what I could better come the next big family get together- here’s looking at you Easter.
Happy Holidays to you all, and I hope you made it through the holidays without too much stress!