tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post5325118383770311759..comments2023-10-21T03:54:12.029-04:00Comments on A Gift Universe: AgoraphobiaSheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853868724554947854noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-50148961696663435222020-08-16T20:09:34.984-04:002020-08-16T20:09:34.984-04:00I typed up this whole thing and then I hit the wro...I typed up this whole thing and then I hit the wrong button and erased it.<br />Basically, I feel you, and I still check your blog every couple of weeks. I like reading your thoughts 😊Melissa Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979491469434596513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-32693626982382018272020-08-16T02:49:33.342-04:002020-08-16T02:49:33.342-04:00I still check in to read periodically, and I can r...I still check in to read periodically, and I can relate to some of what you're going through. With little kids, I'm always stressed going out. There's no way around it. And with the pandemic now, it's a whole extra layer. John is right. Feeling stress and fear around all of the added pressures of going out at this time I think is pretty normal. My husband has been great about doing a lot of our grocery shopping (so I mostly make lists and have to meal plan at least a week ahead), and that's been huge not trying to go out with the kids and all. <br /><br />The part that worries me a little is your fears about your worth and contributions because of these struggles, and I think that could slide very easily into depression (if not already). It's important to realize that you are handling A LOT, just as a mother of four children, including at least one with more needs than average. If things are hard, it's not because of you, it's because they actually are hard and exhausting. I hope you can give yourself permission to feel the way you're feeling, because I do think it's pretty reasonable, and it doesn't mean it will always be like this. Andrethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17989277218258477646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-34391713306676953432020-08-05T18:06:19.400-04:002020-08-05T18:06:19.400-04:00Sheila - I ran across the link to your blog today....Sheila - I ran across the link to your blog today. I originally found it several years ago and I think that you are the grand-daughter of a person who I consider to be one of the most influential people in my life. To me, he was Arnie (real name Colin A. XXlast name). I read that he passed away several years ago, as did your uncle who went by the same name (Arnie). You're grandmother's name would be Sandy. If I have this correct, please email me at lou.alvarez@gmail.com. I have some historical information on your grandfather that might fill in some of the gaps you wrote in your blog. We met while we were both stationed at Myrtle Beach, SC, and my active duty wife, Irene, was his student in the American Yankee that he was teaching flying in. Unfortunately, she was also the one who was involved in losing control of the aircraft while attempting to land it in Conway, SC, sometime in the summer of 1973. She and I were shipped off the Germany shortly after that incident.LouAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03778128172149319369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-56529006668509432072020-07-28T15:26:20.410-04:002020-07-28T15:26:20.410-04:00I'm still reading, too! I hope you find your ...I'm still reading, too! I hope you find your groove again. Shopping and browsing used to be relaxing for me, but it is such a stressful experience now. At least we can still get library books!Alainahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04785564102360724557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-3643560452066040682020-07-27T15:17:25.396-04:002020-07-27T15:17:25.396-04:00Oh, and taking facebook and social media breaks is...Oh, and taking facebook and social media breaks is a GREAT IDEA. Too much crap and politics and fear mongering. Sugar Coaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15501553009099127331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-11459679833697716152020-07-27T15:15:00.147-04:002020-07-27T15:15:00.147-04:00I have done most shopping online. Now, I make two...I have done most shopping online. Now, I make two trips out a week, one for fresh fruit and produce, and one for my Italian must-haves. I'm starting to look at going to Mass (for the first time this past Saturday) and my errands as "occasions". I, too, since retirement, have become somewhat of a "homebody". I prefer to read, crochet and watch some tv. As for worrying about what people think/say/do... well, I haven't cared what anyone thought of me/how I look/what I think for a very long time. Liberating to realize that they were never really thinking of you anyway. I have concern about this virus but nothing that would keep me inside if I didn't want to go out.<br /><br />So yes, I still read your blog. Even though we don't agree on some things... it's good to keep up. Miss seeing your recipes! Take care, and try not to obsess over this whole thing. Easier said than done, I know. I guess I am too stubborn to really surrender to any fear. :) Sugar Coaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15501553009099127331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-33947373336515619072020-07-27T14:57:42.513-04:002020-07-27T14:57:42.513-04:00I've had similar problems. Taking breaks from ...I've had similar problems. Taking breaks from Facebook and social media helps; it's more triggering than you realize it is. A lot of my anxieties stem from thoughts that FB put in my head and daily reinforces, even if I don't realie it at the time.<br /><br />Mindfulness meditation also helps a lot. The thing about anxiety is that it generally doesn't go away, but you can change your relationship with it so it doesn't control you as much. <br /><br />It doesn't matter if you're a 'failure' because those are standards that we place on ourselves. Ultimately, things are niether good nor bad, they just are. "There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so." Change your thoughts and you'll change your life... eventually. It takes practice, I think. I'm still working on it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-40738632057654617502020-07-25T14:46:07.819-04:002020-07-25T14:46:07.819-04:00Thanks for commenting. I know I'm not updating...Thanks for commenting. I know I'm not updating as much these days so I'm always sure people forgot I existed. Glad to see you're sticking around.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10853868724554947854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-47800590310761522862020-07-24T23:15:44.349-04:002020-07-24T23:15:44.349-04:00I've also continued to read your blog.
I'...I've also continued to read your blog.<br /><br />I'm not actually scared to go out, but I'm quite a homebody anyway, so going places always has felt like a lot of bother. Currently I'm quite pleased to have a good reason to stay home. But I agree with you that the less I go out, the more of a big deal it seems when I do!<br /><br />Because of stores running out of things, I started looking online. So now I order almost all non-perishables (usually from places like Walmart and Target.) Sometimes the online sites have things in stock, or with no limits, or with higher limits than the local grocery stores. Ordering online has gotten easier with practice, and I like that it just shows up on my doorstep a few days later.<br /><br />And ordering some things online means there are less items to get when I do go to the store.<br /><br />--NatalieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464977109229359349.post-43372436446010492182020-07-24T18:11:21.426-04:002020-07-24T18:11:21.426-04:00I read your blog, though I have never commented. I...I read your blog, though I have never commented. I enjoy your analysis of issues, even if I disagree, and appreciate the numerous admirable personal qualities your writing reveals.DT35noreply@blogger.com