Lizz > Status Update

Wish I had some wise words Lizz, especially as I have gone down that rabbit hole enough times. I usually immerse myself in something I really like doing.

I used to do something physical. A bike ride, swimming or a walk. It’s very bloody difficult Lizz. 😘

Thanks, Phil. I’m really trying to lose myself in something. When I get this way I experience many false starts with books. I just can’t get in. I’m going to whittle it down to the basics.

Thank you, Tess. I agree. Actually, this summer I started focused muscle-building exercise and am proud to say I lost two inches on my waist. Everything is tightening up. And I’ve made a concentrated effort to move throughout the day. As a kindergarten teacher I do move, but it’s not intentional. I think intentional movement is really good for the mind and soul too.

Great question Lizz, and I am sorry for where you find yourself. I know that it might not help, but when I was at a lifetime low, getting a huge distraction worked for me... and I have to admit, that despite never giving it the time of day before or after, at my lowest point reality TV (Big Brother) became a life-consuming distraction that allowed me to continue with everyday life as I let myself get consumed with the show to the point that I joined Big Brother forums. So my hesitant suggestion is find a consuming and interesting (at the time) distraction) to allow to take some time out of every day life. :)

Hey Lizz, sorry to hear you're in the slump. Been there myself and know exactly how you feel. Whilst crochet and reading are my go to therapies which I find incredibly meditational, I agree that physical movement is almost like a "reset". I find going for a walk (even a short one) really helps me. Just seeing a bird flitting about or watching a butterfly or bee mooching from flower to flower can really lift me from the mire and reminds me that life can still be simply beautiful even when we're unable to tap into it. Twice when I've been deeply depressed I've been for a walk and nature has thrown me a bone. Once, a wild boar family walked down a footpath right in front of me, two adults and lots of little humbug babies! I was shocked into submission and just stood crying at the gift I'd been given of seeing them so close by, just pootling along doing their thing! Another time I came upon a sheep with her head stuck in a fence (the daft bugger!) and I wrestled her out! She ran off but then turned around and looked at me for ages like she was saying "thanks lady"! Again, it made me cry! But nature seems to respond when you're feeling low. Hope you feel better soon.

I try to spend more time in nature. It might not feel helpful at first, what with brains speaking louder, but eventually things start balancing out for me again.

Thanks, Baba. That’s a good idea. Halloween is coming. I think I’ll start my horror movie fest now. A nice distraction.

Thank you, Sophy. And thank you for helping that sheep. I used to be out in the world more when I lived in rural Nagasaki but here up north in the city, there’s barely anything living. The other day I was struck by the beauty of a spider web and last week I saw a giant sunflower which really made me happy. Down south though every day was a nature video. I’d see stag beetles the size of my fist crossing the road. Or red weasels running and jumping gleefully. The crab on my doorstop or the geckos on my windows, I don’t get much of it now.

Crochet is my hobby too! I learned from my grandma when I was six and never looked back. This past few years I started making clothing and trying more difficult patterns. A wonderful challenge.

Thanks, Per. I know it’ll all balance out again. That’s the beauty of everything.

Lizz wrote: "Thank you, Sophy. And thank you for helping that sheep. I used to be out in the world more when I lived in rural Nagasaki but here up north in the city, there’s barely anything living. The other da..."

Hey Lizz, rural Nagasaki sounds full of nature wonders. I'm glad you're still managing to find the beauty in spider's webs and sunflowers. Crochet is amazing isn't it? I taught myself from youtube vidoes during the very first lockdown of 2020, I absolutely love it. Here's hoping your rough spell passes quickly x

I’m very impressed that you taught yourself!! I use YouTube now but it was not easy at first to learn from video. I see a lot of people holding the hook like a pencil (pointing down) when I’ve always held it pointing up to the left. Sometimes I just like to try working using different hook grip. I’ve also been trying to figure out patterns by looking at a finished item. There’s a guy on YouTube who’s self taught and reverse engineers items that he wants to make. I think his name is Romi.

I empathize with you, Lizz, as I'm feeling much the same way. I too have been trying to get outside more, especially now that the weather is less humid here. And it might seem silly, but I try to post one positive story per day on Instagram. It makes me intentionally seek something that brings me joy or makes me laugh. Either a photo of something I see in nature, or a funny or positive post that I re-post. I'm thinking about writing in a journal, something I rarely do. I hope that you find some inspiration and spark! :)

Lizz wrote: "I’m very impressed that you taught yourself!! I use YouTube now but it was not easy at first to learn from video. I see a lot of people holding the hook like a pencil (pointing down) when I’ve alwa..."

Thanks, I find visual learning easier sometimes. I watched loads of videos by Mikey from The Crochet Crowd, Jayda in Stitches and Wool and the gang. Started off easy with (wonky!! 😂😂) scarves and hats, then graduated to jumpers, blankets, a few simple amigurumi. Now I'm addicted! 😂😂 If I haven't got a crochet project on the go, I get withdrawal symptoms! Yeah I hold the hook like you do, tried the pencil way but it felt weird to me. That sounds impressive the reverse engineer thing, gonna have to take a look! x