Saturday, April 14, 2012

Let's Get Serious

Hey everyone. I'm not going to lie to you, I can't even express how happy I am that I have the whole weekend off. I've had a pretty shitty week and on top of that I've been experiencing some pretty intense anxiety pretty much all week. It is something that I've dealt with on and off since I was a teenager.  Physically I'm ok but I have an overwhelming feeling of anxiety that I can't seem to shake. When this happens I become very withdrawn.  I don't really go out much except to work and the gym. I tend to cut off from social media and my participation drops significantly. To be honest this blog is probably the only thing I've maintained somewhat normally this week.

Fortunately I've dealt with it enough and have enough clarity in the moment to know that I will be ok and that I just need to deal with it and move on. I guess at this point I just acknowledge that I need to feel whatever it is that I'm feeling and then let it go. So if I've seemed a bit off this week, this is why. I'll be fine, I'm starting to feel a little better but I guess it just takes time.

So, on that note I'm sorry to be such a Debbie Downer and now I am going to try and lift the mood a little bit and share something that I put together with a little inspiration from Sage.

A few days ago Sage posted about a bad day emergency kit. I think she can read my mind because the timing of her posts is always impeccable. Anyway, now is definitely a time where I can use a bad day emergency kit and I figured I should set one up since I have the whole weekend off and some time to decompress and just deal with it. So I wanted to share it with you.


This is an overall shot of everything I've included. I figured I'd break it down for you.


This is my "baking section." Baking makes me happy and calm so I figured what better way to get out of my own head than make ninja cookies. I included my iPod because more often than not I have a one woman dance party around the kitchen when I'm baking. I usually listen to music on my phone but I figure that the phone needs to be out of sight when I'm trying to enjoy the moment.


Here I have a yoga DVD and a book on Travel Photography. Yoga is obviously an amazing way to relax, meditate and just to breathe and connect to your own body. I bought the book years ago and read it once and it has been on the shelf since. Travel photography has always been an interest of mine so I thought it may be fun to read it again and get the dream fired up again. 


I've also included a huge ass fun mug and some of my favorite Spearmint tea. It is one of the few non organic things I'll consume because it had been my favorite for years and I started drinking it way before I started eating and drinking organic. I figure a cup once in a while won't kill me :) I also included fun, bright nail polish because sometimes it is just fun to be girly.


After I gathered everything I packed it all up in this re-useable small sized bag. Now it is ready to go when I feel overwhelmed or like I'm having a really bad day. Thank you so much for the inspiration Sage! Oh and obviously I have those amazing Banana Bites in the freezer for a decadent treat.


In fact, I just tried one and it was amazing. Definitely make these, they are so fast and easy and a perfect refreshing treat.

So as I said in the beginning of this post, I tend to withdraw and stay home when I am experiencing severe anxiety (usually it is pretty manageable, but once in a while it is a little more intense and lasts a bit longer) but today I basically decided that enough was enough and it was too beautiful of a day to waste inside. I went to the gym in the morning and then spent the day outside walking around some outlets out in Eastern Long Island. I'm glad I went out because the fresh air was nice and it took my mind off of things for a bit. Plus I got to hang out with Delilah.


Here she is rocking my tie dye sunglasses. She looks pretty awesome in them I'd say!

Thanks for reading this beast of a post, I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your weekend! Hopefully I'll be able to relax for a bit tomorrow and hopefully I'll have some food to show you. 

18 comments:

  1. I think you & I are a lot alike- I get that same type of anxiety. No reason for it, but I react the way you do- silent withdrawl. I totally understand! I've found that getting out, especially when it's nice weather, really helps a lot. It sounds like the same works for you. :)

    It's so awesome that you put together a bad day emergency kit. Such fun things you put in it, and even in such a cute bag! Sage does rock, doesn't she?

    I meant to print off the recipe for the banana bites yesterday and it slipped my mind. Going to do that right now, before I forget again! They look like a perfect treat.

    This didn't seem like a beast of a post at all, by the way. I appreciate when others post about their challenges because it shows that they're "keeping it real" (sorry, I'm at a loss for a similar expression....).

    Delilah is looking mighty stylish, and adorable as always! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Sarah!

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    1. Yes, it definitely seems like we are alike. Getting out did indeed help even though it was difficult to actually get out the door. Once I was out I was glad I went though.

      Sage is very awesome, I always feel like I've learned something after reading her posts! I'm very excited that I got my kit together too!

      Hope you enjoy the bites! Haha yes indeed I decided to keep it real. It was kind of difficult to write but I'm glad I got it out.

      Thanks Molly, you too!

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  2. Hugs! I'm so glad the crappy week is over, and that the weekend is treating you well. Working through stuff is tough, and it's awesome that you're on your way.

    Definitely not a Debbie Downer post! I think it's therapeutic to share a little of ourselves sometimes. :)

    Thus, a Survival Kit is a great idea!! The cookie cutter ninjas are awesome! I've always wanted to be a travel writer, so in another life we'll be besties who travel - you'll photograph, and I'll try to think of a witty caption, while reviewing hotels/ restaurants! Perfect! ;)

    OMG - Delilah is too cute!!

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    1. Thanks Ingrid, I'm very glad too! I'm definitely trying to work it out, the sooner the better :)

      OMG that is so cool that you want to be a travel writer! I bet we'd make a hell of a team. I wanted to be a travel writer for some time but then I shifted focus to photography. I bet you could totally do it!

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  3. I love your bad day kit, especially the cheery yellow bag. I make tea too when I need a pick-me-up. Jasmine is my favorite. Thank you so much for the shout out! :)

    That's so strange that you mention anxiety attacks--I get panic attacks when I'm severely stressed out and I was just thinking about writing a post on them. I don't know what the difference is between anxiety attacks and panic attacks. My attacks come on super quick and I feel like I've been pushed off a tall building. It feels like I am dying and the world is ending all at once. Super scary. :(

    I feel bad that you're having a tough time. I'm thinking good thoughts for you.

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    1. Thanks Sage and thank you for the wonderful idea! I'm really glad I have it all set up and I'm pretty happy with how it came out :)

      I'm very interested in seeing what you have to say about anxiety and panic. I think that one of the differences is that panic attacks are acute and often include physiological symptoms like inability to breathe, racing heart, etc. I get panic attacks too but those are usually brought on by something. I can have periods of anxiety where they can last a while and I just retreat within myself and get consumed by stress and anxiety. Like I said though, I can recognize it quickly and it helps me from falling too far in which is definitely a good thing.

      Thanks Sage, I really appreciate it! I'm feeling better and I'm sure I'll be back to my usual self soon.

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  4. I'm sorry to hear you've been having such a tough time :(. I don't have any experience with anxiety attacks but my best friend gets them and I have seen first hand how terrible they are. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better though! I love you bad day kit! You included so many things I would- tea, yoga, nail polish and baking equipment. I might have to create one of my own :)

    Gabby @ the veggie nook

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    1. Thanks Gabby, I'm definitely feeling better. It is amazing what some fresh air can do for you! I definitely recommend making one, it is such a brilliant idea and I'm so glad I read Sage's post when I did!

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  5. I agree with Ingrid and molly - It's a good thing to talk about things, even with yourself, or writing things down so that you don't create more stress and a burden that you have to bottle up and shoulder alone.
    maybe I shouldn't speak in such blanket terms, but I think a lot of us (bloggers) have anxiety issues and that's why we turned to blogging and internet communities in the first place. I'm pretty sure you will always find an empathetic ear here, and maybe even by talking about such things, you'll help somebody else.
    At the time time, I understand the reluctance to share. I'm going through something pretty weird right now too and it's hard to assume people will care, and allow yrself to be vulnerable - but we do - and it's okay.
    I hope things go better for you. Getting outside does help. And if it doesn't, you can always go back in :)

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    1. I agree, and in the end I'm glad I wrote this post because I've been getting a lot of positive support from it. I tend to bottle up everything which is why I think I get pretty intense anxiety for a long period of time.

      It is always a tough decision to share something so personal but I in the end I know I did the right thing. I've gotten a lot of support and wonderful messages and if I'm able to help someone in any small way then it was definitely worth it.

      Thank you! I got out for a bit today too and now I'm back ha! I hope that you are able to overcome what you are dealing with right now and you definitely have a bunch of people here in the blogosphere rooting for you too!

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  6. Completely agree with Maud all the way - it is definitely a good thing for you to write about it on here (or anywhere) so that you can relieve some of the feelings you have from the anxiety. I really wish I could hug you!
    I know it must be tough. I struggle with the same thing occasionally, but I haven't found the confidence to talk about it on the blog - which is why I'm so proud of you for writing this! It's really helpful for all of us to understand.

    I love your little bad day kit! Oh and I also dance around the kitchen when I'm baking/cooking. There's no way around it, it just always happens.
    Delilah is the best lookin' chick around! SO CUTE.

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    1. Aww thanks Isobelle, you are such a sweetheart. I definitely feel better that I got it off of my chest. It's not easy to write about but in the end, it has to be talked about because that's my reality. And as I'm learning a lot of other people's reality. If I can do anything to help anyone that's what I'm going to do.

      Thanks! I love kitchen dance parties, I think it is so fun and a great way to burn off the extra tasting calories ;) Haha yeah Delilah is a sassy chick, can't get enough of her!

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  7. Oh wow, sorry I didn't see this post until now...I know how anxiety is. I've suffered from anxiety, both general and acute attacks ever since I was in my early twenties. I've found that being able to recognize the signs and define it/what triggers it is a huge help...sort of like being able to "pop" out of a bubble. I hope this coming week is much better!

    I love the shot of those banana bites! I can imagine how perfectly sweet and satisfying they are. I haven't made theme yet, but I'm definitely going to.

    Take care! xoxo

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    1. Thanks Rose! It definitely helps to be able to address it immediately. I'm getting better every day so hopefully I'll be 100% soon.

      They are so good and very refreshing on a warm day! A perfect sweet treat!

      Thanks, you too!

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  8. It's great the way you are able to identify and deal with your emotions, no matter how difficult they are. I hope things are going better for you now.

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    1. Thanks Miss Rachel, things are a bit better for the time being. I'm glad I have my bad day kit for the future though! ;)

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  9. What is it about outlet malls that appeal to our primal instincts? Awesome picture of Delilah. She knows the 411.

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    1. I have no idea what the deal is with outlets! I had no interest in shopping, I just went along for the ride and to get some fresh air and hang out with Delilah. She's a sassy little thing that's for sure!

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