So many in the same boat

[ArtCatsGreenBlue]

I am a social introvert and require my unique balance of people and alone time to function normally. I am not able to balance right now.

My job sent me to work from home. Going back to college that is also online. Church is online. D&D is online. My dates with my S.O. are online.

For my mental health, I had to stop watching the news weeks ago. I had to snooze certain peoples posts in my Facebook feed as their panic or negativity were also getting to me. I am attempting to still use FB to stay comnected to friends, but that is increasingly difficult to look at.

I read many posts before writing this...So many of us in the same boat... Dealing with the unknown and the feeling of alone. The key is remembering it is still the same boat that so many are in... and we can be in the boat that keeps moving forward together. I have to remind myself every day to keep rowing, but to also remember to allow for resting. I have to keep practicing mindfulness and reach out for help when it all seems too much. And today felt too much so I found this site and hopefully some alternate resources to help keep this boat going.

[brokenlight]

✨✨✨

[Sprinkle1]

Yes we are all in the same boat but six feet apart. It is not easy, we have never been in a condition like this in out lifetime. One of the good things about us we stick together, we offer support and love, we know how other people feel. So keep on paddling, take brakes, read something fun, go for a walk, play nice music, dance around your living room, one lady said she does that while holding a cushion as her pretend partner. I do it free form.....Find fun things to do that will keep your hands and mind busy, paint, cook, work in your garden if you have one, do a jigsaw, go on line there are hundred of games there, and interesting subjects to read about...Sending you love and virtual hugs.....Sprinkle 1.....

[glasshalfful]

My boat sank and at times I struggle to swim, but I’m still floating for now.

[Sprinkle1 in reply to glasshalfful]

Sorry if your boat sank I have a big one, jump into mine, we can stay 6 feet apart and still talk, or be quiet, I am somewhat of an introvert, I like my own company, never get board or lonely unless I am in one of my clinical depressions. I can be quite outgoing and entertain people, but I always love my time to myself, gives me time to think things thru. Life is difficult, it is a struggle for most of us. As Buddha said "Life is suffering" but once we trend life it is heaven. It took me years to get the hang of it, but I finally won, I am happy 24/7 and can rise to any situation. Yes we are in a very difficult time, none like this seen in our life times, so we will do the best we can, it is what it is, as long as we ALL pull together, I think we can get the upper hand, but it may take some time. It is a good time for all of us to take a good look at ourselves, see what we can improve, and be grateful for what we have....I send you cheer, and warm water to float in, or climb in my boat, I have lots of love and big virtual hugs to give.....Sprinkle 1....

[glasshalfful in reply to Sprinkle1]

I can totally relate to what you say. You have just described me. Though I suffer with PTSD and Anxiety and although I can live alone and not feel lonely, I miss hugs.

Thank you and while I’m floating, too tired to swim, feel free to throw me a life line to your big boat. Wondered if it was Pea Green, like the Owl and the Pussy Cat’s boat?🛶😜

[Sprinkle1 in reply to glasshalfful]

Yes it is pea green and there is lots of honey wrapped up in a 5 pound note......so come on in, I'll share the honey with you, I think the 5 pound note is defunct since they went to the decimal system!!! So hopefully we can have some good conversations and quiet meditative interludes, you are welcome, I always need good brain food....Sending you much love and big dry hugs....Sprinkle 1......

[glasshalfful in reply to Sprinkle1]

🥰Awww thanks honey sounds yum!

Not worried about a 5 pound note. In fact no need for any money, while your cruising with plenty of honey to keep our energy levels up.

Also, nice to be able to hold someone’s hand while we ride the waves, share blissful mediation dreams and big hugs in between.🥰X

Which Country you live in?

[Booklover0219]

I’m also a social introvert. It’s a difficult time but we can support eachother and get through it.

[SuZQ154]

Balancing is hard right now because this situation is NOT NORMAL. It helps to know we are working together. I feel good about doing my part and feel less anxious and more peace.

I have some new "routines." For example, I have been practicing this hand washing "routine". I say the Lord's Prayer while looking in the mirror (20 seconds When done, I look at my open palms and think of Christ's palms and "He has paid the price. He has this under control." Then I do NOT touch my face because my mouth, eyes, and ears need to be open. I ASK with my mouth, "What can I do to help in this situation?" and LOOK with my eyes and LISTEN with my ears for the "answers."

When I follow the "answers", life has been less anxious and I appreciate that I am not suffering like many. The "answers" have been: call our six adult married children and see how they are doing, send homemade cookies to the grandkids, call my mom who is in indedpendent living in another state which has 13,000 more cases than ours and update the "guidelines" because she is confused or doesn't know them, ride bike with a friend whose son's wedding was canceled, not be able to see her new grandbaby, and has to apply for unemployment and a loan for her husband's small dental business because she is the business manager, etc. I am learning to reach out to figure my own little part in helping.

When I am following the guidelines and my new "routines", I have gotten "answers" of what I believe I can be doing to help myself and others, AND thus, a peace I was not expecting.

Hope this helps!

[ArtCatsGreenBlue in reply to SuZQ154]

Thank you. I have started a few new routines the last few days. And that has definitely started to help.

[Mcats]

If you need an extra oar, let me know!

[ArtCatsGreenBlue in reply to Mcats]

Thank you. Extra oars always welcome.

[SuZQ154]

So glad to hear that!