Monday, January 28, 2013

Emotional Retreat

     It is where I go to cope with the demons in my head.  The ones that tell me I am no good and my life has no purpose.  It is a place for those moments when I look in the mirror and see for my undiscerning eye why my husband doesn’t come home, and why he hasn’t been home for so long.  



      It is in that dark place in my mind where I forget that he left because his job requires him too and has nothing to do with me personally.  It is not because of the ugly, fat woman that I see staring back at me in the mirror and will always stare back at me no matter how many pounds I lose or what others see.  Bills must be paid.  We must survive.  It is what he does.  It is only me who has lost my way.  It is me who can no longer sleep through the night because I have to pee NOW.  It is me who needs the damn anti depressants to get through each day, not the real me who once seemed so strong.  Where did that girl go that giggled uncontrollably at just about anything?  It is in this peaceful setting by the sea I retreat to find her once again hoping if only I could find her; I would once again find my purpose for being.  It is there I know without a shadow of doubt that I could find any hope of recapturing my youth before I lose it entirely.  It is inside those four walls I may find a shred of sanity and the happiness this enemy called menopause and anxiety has stolen from me.  That is my doctor’s excuse for all these dark thoughts that I struggle with.  Where is that girl who would sooner say “Fuck you Menopause!!? You can kiss my happy ass!” before effectively dropping her drawers and mooning all who care to see?  Damned if I should know, but I sure do wish she would get her happy ass back here before I go barking mad.    


      I sit inside and listen to the clock tick and the sea lap onto the shore.   It is here I cuddle my dogs close and occasionally nuzzle my daughter’s cat.  My fur babies love me no matter what and feeding them helps to flame that undying love.  I am not so far gone that I don’t realize that.  Any devotion is appreciated at this point.  It is here I wait for them all to return to me.  All music has left me.  I don’t even think to turn on the CD player.  There is no desire to find a beat or rhythm.  There is only the reality of my desperate hope that somewhere among the ashes my soul will rise and soar again.  Life is passing me by and I have all but lost the will to stop it.  If only I could.  My husband will return as he always does but what will he find?  Will I be afraid to leave the safety of this haven even for him?  Will I trust he will be happy to see me?  I won’t think on that now.  I will think about it on the faraway tomorrow when he finally returns.  I will think of it then and force myself to smile each afternoon when the school bus returns because besides all these warring feelings, I really am happy to envelope both of those precious beings with my undying love for them.



        I sit inside this small abode and watch the storm clouds of my emotions swirl struggling through each day praying that one day I will laugh again and my silly will return full time and not just for an occasional glimmer.  It is my safe haven.  It is where I go to process the feelings that bring me down and overwhelm me.  I withdraw into my own little shelter beside the sea as the storm clouds gather and the hormones rage.  I am not ready for this.  I am not ready to be old.   It is why I grasp desperately for any new signs of purpose and life: a class, a new job, just anything!!   Like countless before me and even more who follow, I guess I don’t have a choice.  I need to just handle it.  It will be soon time to wade back into the deep end and leave this peaceful retreat.  Until then, I will put it off and try to embrace what I don’t understand.  I will retreat within and pray for peace longing to discover the inner flame that I once had.



All photos courtesy of Morguefile.

56 comments:

  1. gosh. I'm speechless. Maybe because I know this place. A lot. Lately especially. As I am literally just starting menopause on the eve of my 50th; my periods, regular ALL my life are suddenly, alarmingly screwed up. ANd like you I spend most days alone until the kids come home. I do not have enough to occupy my head, to stave off those black clouds that hover as soon as I get out of bed. And yes, I cuddle the dog every morning. I escape onto the internet. I try to think how I could change the pattern of my days but it is what it is. But finding mental distractions are key. Though I too want to retreat to that house by the sea.

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    1. ST, it sounds like we have a lot in common. Metaphorically I think we all retreat to place like this in our minds in an attempt to regain our focus. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  2. This is such beautiful writing. I am sorry that you're feeling so down. I've followed you for a long time and 95% of the time is always so upbeat and positive. You are allowed to have these sad feelings and go to your safe haven. Menopause DOES suck! The hot flashes are killing me and my sex drive has plummeted which causes hurt feelings for my fiance. Not good at all!!
    I wish i could give you a hug.

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    1. Holli, it is a screwy time of life. I try to be upbeat, but sometimes life just isn't funny. It makes me feel like a fraud writing under the header as the giggling truckers wife. Thank you for the kind words and the virtual hugs. I haven't experienced the hot flashes yet, but have experienced feeling cold. Just weird. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments! ♥

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  3. Wow.. I can't say anything more.. This is beautiful..

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    1. MiMi, I am so pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your sweet comments! ♥

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  4. Oh we all know this place. You are not alone and we feel for you. I got my HRT doubled last week. Hasn't made any difference. I suppose the rest we have to deal with ourselves. Let me know if you want to talk - will give you my personal email address anytime. Hold in there girl!

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    1. Lanthie, you got it!! My mom said her life began at 40. The sad part was that she died at 51 so she didn't really get much time to enjoy it. She went through menopause in her 30's when I was little. She had to have a hysterectomy which threw her into menopause. It is comforting that everyone goes through this hot mess but it is still daunting when you are experiencing it yourself. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  5. This is SOOO beautifully written--I'm just so sorry that you are going through this dark time. Menopause does this. It can suck the life out of you and rob you of the joy you once knew. But you can get through this, I promise, if you get on the right meds. I did, and it made a HUGE difference in my life. It doesn't mean you will need meds forever, maybe just for now, until you get through the menopausal phase. Hang in there, Kathy. I'm here for you & you know how to reach me. Sending hugs! XOXO

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    1. Menopausal Mama, I am so pleased you enjoyed it. I really put my guts into this one. I really appreciate your friendship. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments! ♥

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  6. Sending you all the warmth in the world, Kathy! Truly. I don't know if this will be helpful to you, by the Bloggess always says, "Depression lies." And I think this is true. It tried to tell us that things exist which don't, that we are less worthy than we truly are. So don't let it lie to you. You are a beautiful, valuable person - don't forget that.

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    1. Katie, thank you! I have never heard that before that depression is a big ass liar. It certainly is no fun. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your sweet comments ♥

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  7. It's the loneliness talking! Don't listen to it! It's one job is to hold up a distorted mirror to your face. I don't know you, but it is clear from your blog that you are a gifted, beautiful woman. I wish I could reach through this computer and hold your hand. You deserve to be held in warm compassion!!

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    1. Rachel, you are probably right. It is the loneliness. It warps everything and distorts everything. Most of the time I have not really been bothered by my husband's absences. It is part of my life. Still all these crazy emotions just have blown everything out of proportion. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your words of kindness and compassion. ♥

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  8. I really enjoyed your post. It was so touching so raw and so true. I have been there too. I have to tell you also that you take some beautiful pictures. Those storm clouds are just beautiful and when they clear you will see the sunlight and let it touch you and lift you up. Angelia @ http://dixielandcountry.com

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    1. Trauma, I am so pleased you enjoyed my post. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  9. I am so glad you have your retreat to go to when the storm clouds gather in your mind. We all get these "storms" that roll through and we all need a place to go to now and then when the rain beats us down too hard. It's OK to seek shelter when you need to. Just know that all storms "Run out of Rain" and they all pass. This too, shall pass. Know that you are connecting with women who have been there, are there and are headed for it. Know that you are loved, not just by your family, but by God and those who may not know you, but understand you. You don't have to do anything for their love, just believe in them and love them - the return love is free. :) Wishing you peace and happiness and a thick raincoat to wear to ride out these storms. :)
    Blessings.
    Julie
    PS. You may want to delete the same comment I did on the wrong post! See, I have my occasions of being a little too busy and get oblivious to what's right in front of me! lol

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    1. Julie, my mom always used to say this too shall pass...and she is right and so are you. This will pass. The bitch of it is by the time it passes I will be even OLDER. UGH. LOLOLOLOL Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments! ♥

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  10. Wow I'm so sorry you are going through this. I hope that things pick up for you. It's been a horrible month for me and so many other people. I've never seen such despair as I have since 1/1. Hang in there OK? Email me if you want..... ((hugs))

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    1. JoJo, from what I gather from the doctor and everyone else this is all part of the happy rollercoaster of menopause. Happy happy joy joy...NOT. I am sorry you have had a horrible month. On the bright side February is almost here and January will be behind us. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments! ♥

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  11. Sorry you're having such a rough time. Menopause is an emotional roller coaster, for sure, but, take heart. We DO survive it and carry on. Thank goodness you have your fur babies for comfort and hopefully, your hubby will be home soon, too. Something to look forward to!

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    1. Debbie, that is what I am looking forward to...surviving it with my sanity intact. I love my furbabies and my kids. Without them I would be completely bat shit crazy. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  12. I know it's hard to cope with your husband being gone a lot and having to run the household and also dealing with menopause on top of it. I can't even imagine!

    But I do know that you are good enough and you are kind and definitely worth it. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

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    1. Jennifer, it is finding that light that is sometimes difficult but I will find it! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments! ♥

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  13. I'm here to offer a giant understanding hug. It'll get better, Kathy. It will.

    I had a terrible time with menopause. I wasn't depressed, but the anxiety was off the charts. I thought it was going to kill me, no exaggeration. Well, first make me bat-shit crazy and then kill me. It did neither and I survived, better for having walked through it.

    You'll be okay. No wait. You'll be magnificent. But first you have to walk through the fire.

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    1. Word Nerd, I am in the bat shit crazy stage I think. Between that, the depression, and the anxiety some days can be just bad. I will be OK. Thank you for stopping by, reading, and for your words of encouragement! They mean a lot! ♥

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  14. Beautiful word picture to describe such an emotional roller coaster of a ride. I'm lifting you up in prayer as you fight "the demons in your head". You will come through this stronger!

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    1. Carrie, thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  15. Sorry to read you are feeling so sad. I have been finding that when I started menopause i was weepy, then angry, then weepy again then full of anxiety. It has leveled off a bit, but still find my emotions can be rough. I also had trouble sleeping so it made it a lot worse. Keep doing what you are doing, and you will make it through.

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    1. Winnie, it sounds like the same crap I am experiencing!! Oh boy. I am thankful at least that it isn't just me and that I am not going crazy. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your reassuring words! ♥

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  16. We all need a place to go to, where it's quiet, can be uninterrupted and come to terms with ourselves. A wonderful take on the prompt!!!!! I love it!

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    1. Michelle, I am so pleased you enjoyed my take on the prompt!! It was one of those posts that just flowed and made me feel better for writing it. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  17. what a heartfelt post. I hope writing it helped some.

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    1. Audrey, I am so pleased you enjoyed it!! It did help to write it and vent. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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    1. Tayla, thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments! ♥

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  19. So sorry you are struggling. Retreat, relax, refocus. Life is good--just have to look around ;)

    Cheers, Jenn

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    1. Jenn, I will have to look around AGAIN and find the good and a reason for being glad. Oh hells bells I sound like Pollyanna. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  20. I am prematurely menopausal myself, but experience more mood swings with rage . . .definitely not a good space. Acknowledge it for what it is and reach out, if you can. Journal it, walk it out, talk it out, dance it out . . .know that it will pass. And it will. I know it's a platitude and at times, if someone said that to me, I'd want to punch them in the head . . .with a chair. BUT, I also know in my rational head that it's true. It will pass. Do whatever you have to to get through the darkness because know and believe that light is on the other side. Wishing you peace in your struggle and sending you light in your darkness.

    Kelly
    http://beso519.blogspot.com

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    1. Kelly, I have experienced the rage too. It was a little more manageable because it passed. The depression hangs over me like a little black rain cloud. The meds do help though. Thank you for the light. I have tried to keep busy and try new things like take a class. The class was the best thing I have ever done for myself and I will plan on taking more. It is a struggle but it will pass. Thank you for stopping by to read, comment, and for your heartfelt encouragement! ♥

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  21. That picture prompt really let out your creative juices! Beautiful writing and I hope it was good therapy too. Hope you'll feel better soon :)

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    1. Anne, I am so pleased you enjoyed it. All of my writing occurs as a free fall of thought that flows through my fingertips. It isn't planned or thought out ahead of time...the best just happens. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments! ♥

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  22. I am sorry to hear you are having a rough time. Sending you many virtual hugs. I'm sure it will get better soon Kathy.

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    1. Suzy, Thank you for the hugs. I am sure it will too. It has too. It is not fun to be so sad and barking mad. I am taking definite steps to fight the shadows away. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments. They mean the world to me! ♥

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  23. Kathy, I'm sorry that you feel so bad...I really have no words...I wish I could hug and tell you how beautiful and talented you are. I hope you can find that 'girl' again. ♥

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    1. Corinne, honestly your stopping by and leaving your heart felt encouragement is just priceless. Thank you for stopping by and for your dear comments. I am so proud to have you as a friend. ♥

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  24. Heartfelt and heart-rending. As I think you know, I've had depression all my life so I can certainly empathise, and it does get better. May I suggest you go do something absolutely silly, preferably childlike (not childish). Go make a pasta collage, finger paint, blow bubbles or make mud pies, something silly, simple and full of joy to encourage the re-emergence of that giggly girl. I'd like to hear she put in an appearance *hugs*

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    1. Gill, I have had it at different points brought on by different things. Each time it is more soul wrenching than the time before. I think your suggestions are amazing and may be just the medicine I need. Thank you for stopping in and for your kind comments! ♥

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  25. Beautifully expressed, Kathy, and I just want to give you a big HUG! I'm now on the other side of the menopause, and I can tell you it does get better. I think I'm happier now than I've ever been.

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    1. Paula, it is comforting to hear that it does get better. I will be glad to get to the other side where I can feel happy again. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  26. How sad to read our beautiful giggler is suffering with menopausal junk. You should not have to deal with this at all. I'm so sorry, Honey. Also I'm sorry I've not been around to talk lately. As you probably guessed, I'm battling my own demons and trying not to burden anyone with my crappy outlook.

    I've been told so many times to seek cheer and joy. I wish it really worked that way. Cuz I'd choose joy and I bet you would, too.

    (((Hugs my sweet friend and believe this will pass.)))).

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    1. Jo, I would choose joy, happiness, and giggles too. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  27. OH MY GOODNESS..its freakin me out a bit......how you captured...kinda like the flight i took with the meditation on this topic...its actually freakin me out alot..as i see we are all SO CONNECTED!!!!!!!!!!! ((hugs)) love you! (and this too shall pass..YES even the hot flashes!!!!!!!!!!!!!) lol

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    1. drchoneydewcrm, in a way I can't wait till it passes and in other ways I want no part of it. It makes me feel so old. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  28. Oh Kathy, I hear ya on this one. Very powerful. I'm in the middle of the dreaded M myself and it does steal something away from you. I'm here if you need to talk.

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    1. Langley, it surely does. It can be overwhelming on some days and not so bad on others. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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