(image source unknown, quote via)
the tell-tale signs of a funk
We’re coming up on the halfway point of J’s deployment, and I’m starting to slip into a slump. How do I know this is more than just feeling sad about being apart from my husband? Here are some of my tell-tale signs:
- Biting my (polished) nails
- Staying up late
- Eating too many sweets
- Isolating myself from friends and family
- Having difficulty checking off items on my To Do list
I know that eating more well-balanced meals and going to bed earlier would probably help me feel better, but when I’m in a funk it’s hard to make good-for-me choices. I also don’t get the satisfaction of accomplishing tasks like I usually do, making everything, even easy things like chores, more difficult.
What are your tell-tale signs of being in a funk? How do you get through a slump? I’d especially love to hear from other military wives.
(The print above is by modernemotive and features my new favorite quote: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. Albert Einstein, 1879 – 1955)
i can’t come to the phone right now
I feel so incredibly guilty when my husband, who is currently deployed, calls at inopportune times.
A couple of weeks ago, I was distracted by Rilo Kiley blasting through the speakers at Urban Outfitters and had to move outside to hear him… although the music was still plenty audible, making it difficult to converse. Another night I was elbow-deep in preparing dinner, at a point in my recipe when timing was key, and I couldn’t step away from the stove. My frustration was evident to him, I’m sure, but I had my grandmother at my side, my dog at my feet and my mother across the room, and I was overwhelmed.
This morning I was literally walking out the door when J called, wanting to Skype. I should have eagerly ran back to my computer, but I panicked that I was going to be late for work. Ultimately I decided to drop my keys and get online. I got to say a quick hello and shed a few tears before hopping in the car and speeding down to the Old Market.
I know that I’m extremely lucky that J is in a position where he can call a couple of times a week, even if he can only stay on the phone for a minute or two. I’m sure there are thousands of military wives who go weeks or months without hearing from their husbands, so I know I should drop everything to talk to him when I have the chance.
Am I a bad (military) wife because sometimes I can’t?
(image source)
taming an overactive imagination
I have an overactive imagination. It comes in handy for some things (creative writing, for example… perhaps one day I’ll write a novel) but not for living in the moment. It wouldn’t be such a problem if I were imagining my future self winning the lottery, but I’m usually forecasting the worst case scenario for any situation, especially when J is deployed.
To ensure that I’m not living in a constant state of worry for the next 3 months and to keep my anxiety levels low(ish), it’s been suggested to me that I practice meditation and mindfulness. I’m not opposed to this idea; I’ve read in magazines like Whole Living that the benefits of meditation are numerous. For instance, you can reduce your stress and boost your mood. But my mind is so well trained to think certain thoughts that I need some help learning how to clear it.
Guided meditation CDs or websites seem like a good place to start. I’m also intrigued by Hyp-Yoga at Omaha Yoga School; the topic of the summer session is “Living in the Present Moment.” Could be perfect, don’t you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on meditation. Do you use guided meditation CDs? Are you able to practice mindfulness on a daily basis? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
(image via Martha Stewart)
personal funk
This print pretty much sums up how I’m feeling right now, except my funk isn’t totally self-induced. J deployed on Saturday. That’s a valid reason for being in a funk, I think.
Hopefully I can get myself back on track soon; I have a lot of projects planned for this summer to keep myself busy.
(via @scoutiegirlblog)
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