So, it’s been a bit since I have been here. It took me a while and the use of resources to feel in a better place. Last time I wrote, I talked about my overwhelming anxiety. I have to be honest, it got sort of bad – I was managing but not well. I was doing what I needed to but it was extremely difficult. So, I reached out. I reached out to family, to friends. And finally, to an online therapist and psychiatrist, which has helped me a great deal. I highly recommend looking into this option if you are struggling – I have found that there are free resources online for those who need it. And I needed it. I have learned some new coping techniques, and I also have started a low dose medication as well. Between all of these methods, I am functioning much better. I still have low key anxiety, simmering below the surface like a dormant volcano, but it is not all the time all consuming. I have even been able to read again, and do some different projects at home.
Things we have been up to:
Wyatt had received a butterfly kit for his birthday with live caterpillars – so we now have some butterflies! It is too cold to release them still so we are caring for them until we can let them go. They are a bright spot in our days.
We made butter! We ran out and did not want to go to the store just for one item – but I had heavy whipping cream so, we made our own until we could get some from the store.
We have been taking our daily government sanctioned walks, and noticing all the springtime changes in our neighborhood.
I have been giving baby sourdough starters to a few people who have wanted them, from my own big guy, Yukon Cornelius. The one I gave my sister-in-law has gotten big and she has used Baby Yukon to make so many delicious looking baked goods!!
I have even started making some sort of daily routine and lesson plan – I have always dreamed of homeschooling and I guess I am getting my chance. So, I am trying to get organized! Nothing like being thrown right in though.
We planted seeds, and even planted a little surprise for my mom, or Grandma Bird as Wyatt calls her. My mom’s birthday may be spent in quarantine, and she is quarantining alone. We can’t see her because my husband’s job is essential and he still has to go out a few days a week – so we are planting her a surprise gift. We will have a video chat breakfast with her on Easter Sunday as well.
Speaking of video chats, we have been video chatting friends and family. What a great use of technology. I know it brings a smile to my little guy’s face.
Watching When Calls the Heart on Netflix. It is perfect for my frame of mind right now.
And that’s where we are right now. Little bit by little bit, day by day. Minute by minute sometimes. And thinking about all of you too, during this time!
Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs.. 
I am glad you are feeling better! I have had issues with anxiety and depression off and on over the years, and had been doing well until I ended up in hospital and then in this residential facility (10 months ago!). I had a severe infection that led to surgery. I was doing better…and then the Pandemic hit! Wow!
It is great that we are also living in a world with online resources. What would we do about connecting to others without them? Hang in there!
Stay safe and well. I like the idea of homemade butter. My mom had a butter churn when I was a small child.
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I’ve had anxiety here and there during my adult life – but this was like something I have never experienced before. It made me understand those who do suffer from clinical depression, like members of my family, much better. And realize that they are hardcore from dealing with it for so long.
It sounds like you have definitely had a time! And this pandemic… I pray daily for it to finally end.
The butter was fun! A butter churn would be cool! We used a mixer but it would be pretty neat to do it really old school. 🙂
Stay safe and well too, Laurel-Rain.
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I think a lot of us are dealing with anxiety and/or depression these days. I’m glad you realized it was at a point where you needed to seek help and find what you needed. It sounds s though you are doing some wonderful things with your family and that’s good for both you and for Wyatt. Please stay well and safe. We’ll get through.
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One measuring stick I am using for my improvement is I have gone from texting my poor brother 8 times a day about things that were upsetting me to one or none. Lol. I have a wonderful family. But yes, it did evolve beyond that and needing more support. And now I am feeling better. 🙂
We are trying over here! I do need to place an order for craft supplies – I had a bunch but I need more now that we are homebound! 🙂 Stay well and safe as well Jeannie.
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I ordered a surprise delivery of flour for Rick from King Arthur because the store here is low on it and will probably order a book for our oldest Greg’s birthday to be delivered to him. But other than that, we’re saving a lot! It’s good to have your personal measuring sticks. That shows a progress and it helps to track.
It’s going to get dicier for us here in the next couple of weeks, I think. Stay safe, Erin.
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Flour is hard to find! My brother-in-law is a first responder and goes to special shopping hours – I usually give him one or two items to find for me, that I need usually for Wyatt. But I did ask for flour once!
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Nice to see a post from you. I am glad you found an online therapist. Mine switched to online for now and i am glad to be able to talk to someone about my fears during this scary time. The website, readbrightly.com has a lot of activities to go with books, they have all ages, 0-teens with free materials. Stay healthy. XO
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Yes! So important, and I am glad to hear that your doctor is doing online for you now as well. Mental health is just as important to take care of as physical.
I will check that website out, thank you!
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Glad you got some help! And good to see you on here. As a homeschooling Mom, trust me, just by reading what you already do with your little guy on here, you are going to be fine and do an amazing job. Just remember – homeschooling does not have to be like public school. So for a young child you are looking at an hour to an hour and a half of actual instructional time and the rest of the learning day can be play and just fun activities that you can incorporate learning moments into. I know you’re already equipped for that so don’t stress (but I know you’re a little like me and will.) 😉 I can’t remember if I already shared resources with you but If not there are some on my blog and I can send you some others!
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Thanks Lisa! I am a bit intimidated!! I didn’t want to have to do the basics with him…lol. Plus he has some extra challenges to deal with, with his CP – but we can do it. I just have to be creative! And thanks for the tips. I will make sure to limit the time like that. 🙂 And thanks for the words of encouragement!! 🙂
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The curriculum I use with my youngest is fairly simple to teach and that helped with me being worried about teaching the basics. That and ABC mouse
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I need to get to your post and check it out still. I am hoping I have time today or tomorrow! 🙂
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I failed to read your last couple of posts until this one today. I’m glad you got the help you needed. I’ve been on a low dose of a medication for several years and it has made a world of difference in my life.
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It has for me too. I was not in a good spot and now I can function again, and feel joy as well. 🙂 Thanks for sharing that with me. 🙂
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You’re welcome. It’s important to know you aren’t alone.
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I’m just catching up on blog posts now (after an unintentional break) and am happy to hear that you reached out and received help with regards to how you feel – that step is big & brave, so go you!
Lovely to hear you have had so many little bright spots in your week – I love the butterflies and planting seeds for Grandma.
Take care.
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Thanks Jade. I have never really experienced anything like that before, and it was really horrible! I’m so grateful that these resources were available to me – I definitely needed them. 🙂 And thank you for your words of support!
We are working on those bright spots!
Take care as well Jade.
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Technology is just amazing right now.
Yep – here’s your little chance to try out homeschooling. that little natural push 🙂
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It’s definitely keeping me busy! I pulled together some materials and things the past two days. We will see how this goes! 🙂
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What bravery you have to reach out for help. I’m happy for you as I was worried about you. What fun things goin on at home for you and Wyatt!
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Lol I don’t know about that, but thank you. 🙂 I am doing better, so I am glad that I did it. 🙂
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