The linen closet! I unf*cked the linen closet! I did it! Let me explain why this is so exciting. No, never mind. I'll just show you. Before, allBefore, top shelvesBefore, bottom shelvesIt was a little overwhelming. I couldn't fit any more stuff in there, and couldn't access what was already there. It was a project … Continue reading Day 16: The Linen Closet!
depression
Day 15: Self-Esteem
It has come to my attention, yet again, that my self-esteem could use some work. This is common enough that it shouldn't continue to surprise me. And yet, here we are. My low self-esteem has once again been challenged, and once again I am surprised. This particular time stemmed from a misunderstanding. Someone mentioned an … Continue reading Day 15: Self-Esteem
Cleaning House Without Distractions
Last October, I wrote a post about my cleaning strategies. After having read the book, Unf*ck Your Habitat, I see now that the marathon cleaning sessions I would engage in once every rare while were the cause of my problems, not the solution. Twenty-minute cleaning sessions are far more effective, even if I only do … Continue reading Cleaning House Without Distractions
Days 12 & 13: The Really F*cking Hard Stuff
Cleaning out a closet is all well and good, but what comes next? The before and after photos are enviable but what you don't see is what's going on just out of frame. What is it that you aren't seeing? Why, all the piles of shit that aren't going back into the closet, of course. … Continue reading Days 12 & 13: The Really F*cking Hard Stuff
Day 9: Depression Lies
Knowing depression and anxiety make you think and feel things that aren't true and you can't easily distinguish from the truth isn't new information. And yet, the times when you're confronted with truth still can be jarring. The lies don't only occur when you're in a noticably depressive or anxious state. The lies are pervasive. … Continue reading Day 9: Depression Lies
Day 4: The Unf*cking Continues
Yesterday was day 4 of the challenge to honor achievements rather than focus on failures, and I proudly made progress in this regard. Did you? The hope/goal is by the end of 2020 I'll have unfucked my habitat. Perhaps other aspects of my life, as well. My Christmas tree has been taken down. The floor … Continue reading Day 4: The Unf*cking Continues
Reflections for next holiday season
This holiday season was weird and I want to make some notes to refer back to next year. I cared less about it than I have in the past. I assume this is because of the Wellbutrin. My moods are more even. Highs that used to feel ultra high are far less intense. This took … Continue reading Reflections for next holiday season
Day 3 of Celebrating Successes: The World That We Knew
Alice Hoffman's The World That We Knew traverses all the areas of France in which I traveled earlier this year, takes place in the past, centers around women's experiences, and includes a magical being. It is all the things I love most in a book. I am completely enraptured. It is good that I have … Continue reading Day 3 of Celebrating Successes: The World That We Knew
Beach trip: last day
It is time to leave. Today, we will pack our belongings back into our cars and return to our homes. We will enjoy this last morning as much as others, with far too much food and far more full bellies than an average day. But there will be a different feel to the event, a … Continue reading Beach trip: last day
Thanksgiving Day Diet Strategy
This is not another piece about how to maintain one's diet through the holidays. This is a piece about saying fuck it to that nonsense. I've lost 15 pounds since August and that's pretty great. I've found nutritional strategies that work for me both physically and emotionally. Here's why it's working, though, and why I … Continue reading Thanksgiving Day Diet Strategy
Depression and… feeling thankful?
It's easy to lose sight of good things when in the midst of a depressive spell. Please remember this: one can be thankful without feeling happy. I am thankful for my friendships. For the roof over my head, the hot water and heat that both work, the clothes I wear, the privileged life I lead. … Continue reading Depression and… feeling thankful?
And thus, the holidays begin
It's the day before Thanksgiving and all through the house, not a creature was stirring because I don't have to do much cooking this year. I'll work from home today, but only for a few hours. Then the holiday weekend will begin. I plan to go to a friend's house to hang out for a … Continue reading And thus, the holidays begin
Thanksgiving and taking stock of 2019
It’s been a shit few years or so. 2019 is the first one that’s ending on a true, sustainable upswing. It’s Thanksgiving week, and I am thinking of all the things for which I am thankful. A friend commented the other day that 2019 has been the year of Suzanne, and I realized she was … Continue reading Thanksgiving and taking stock of 2019
Flabbergasted and Joyous
I continue to be amazed by my lack of pain. Every movement is a joy and I am constantly on the verge of bursting into happy sobs. When I rise from a seated position... nothing. I stand at the kitchen counter... and I'm totally fine. Bending to pick something up? No problem. It's consuming, these … Continue reading Flabbergasted and Joyous
Finally! A Relief From Pain!
All week I've been in unbelievable pain. My hip and lower back were acting up again. It's something that has always bothered me and it has gotten worse with age. I always assumed the root cause was something that was my fault. This was what I was told by various medical professionals. It was my … Continue reading Finally! A Relief From Pain!