When I am struggling, I tend to shut down or lash out. Or I lash out and then shut down. It’s a game time decision and basically not really a decision at all because I never know how I’m going to react in the moment. To put it ever so delicately, I think that it must insanely suck to be part of my family (or within ten miles of me) whenever I’m spiraling. I don’t hide it at all. It’s not in my nature nor is it in my innate set of skills. I basically exude “Hot Mess Here!” when I’m in that place. And I hate it.
I don’t believe in taking medications (I AM ONLY SPEAKING FOR MYSELF ON THIS – I absolutely do NOT speak for others nor am I advising anyone else to toss their pills ever), and I can’t muster the willpower or energy to exercise. It’s like slogging through tar. Or old Velveeta on a sponge. Eck. That’s the worst, no?
When I have a mental meltdown, I operate in full-out sour puss mode. Eventually I move to doing projects. That could be painting a mural, gardening, refinishing an old something, doing design work, photography, or any other number of things that will require an extensive level of detail and concentration. If I’m lucky, I get started on the project long before the crazy brain hits, but that isn’t always the case. Sadly I did not get in front of the downward spiral before it struck this past weekend, but I did manage to pull myself out of it with the succulent garden pallet (thank heavens).
I wrote the post below on anotherjoproject.com detailing how I put together the above garden as a light DIY piece for other creative gardeners out there. I didn’t delve into the why but I don’t get into the mental explanations on that blog. I keep those posts light because I it gives me a sense of comfort (false though it may be) when I feel like there’s a small place in my life that isn’t marred by the emotional roller coaster that I never fully exit.
DIY – Creating a Succulent Garden with a Pallet
If you need a pick me up or other general DIY project ideas, feel free to check the site.
Just remember that although the dark times may feel deep and real and raw right then, but they are not permanent residents. Do not allow those heavy days (weeks / years) to defeat you or destroy your relationships. As my abundantly wise friend Louise Gallagher at https://dareboldly.com/ reminded me, now is not forever. It really isn’t.
Such wisdom in those words.
If you feel like you are caught up in the heaviness of the now, allow yourself the meltdown and then move another direction. Drink a cup of coffee, drag your butt out of bed, and do something. Write. Draw. Garden. Paint. Sing. Read. Whatever. Just find your way back.
If you are stuck, I’m here and am always happy to remind you that the sun is still there even when you can’t see past the clouds. I need those reminders, too.
Now is not forever.
Dig past the rough spots and uncover the life that you are meant to have. It’s there. It just gets a little hidden sometimes.
Love, light, and hugs – Jo
Momentum of Joy 
Jun 26, 2018 @ 07:30:10
This is a nice post. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
If you have time, let me know what you think of mine – https://www.markmyworld.me/2018/06/13/lets-talk-about-depression/
Jul 15, 2018 @ 15:21:47
That was a beautiful post, and I may have to set the Will Ferrell drum-playing GIF on permanent rotation on my screen. I agree with your words on so many levels and will definitely give you a shout out on one of my upcoming posts. Thanks so very much for sharing this with me. Big hugs to you my friend. Jo
Jul 16, 2018 @ 02:16:04
Thank you so much, appreciate it 😊
Jul 16, 2018 @ 06:46:21
Thank you and big hugs to you darling!
Jun 26, 2018 @ 07:30:20
Your garden is lovely, Jo. Out of darkness, beauty! Hang in there….
Jun 26, 2018 @ 07:44:51
Thank you darling! ❤️
Jun 26, 2018 @ 08:57:46
Thank you, Joanna, this was great pick-me-up for my day. Been struggling a bit too here lately. Love the succulents.
Jun 26, 2018 @ 11:47:47
Maybe I should drag you out of the house and make you come take bird pics with me??? Nothing says feel better like some good Texas swampy heat plus b.o.! 😉 I’m here if you ever want to talk and the sweaty bird photo session offer is there always. I mean it! ❤️🐦❤️
Jun 26, 2018 @ 09:23:52
Digging your garden!
Jun 26, 2018 @ 11:48:16
Ha! Love the pun! 😉 And thank you lovebug!
Jun 26, 2018 @ 14:40:40
yw lady…have a great day!
Jun 26, 2018 @ 16:00:30
You too!
Jun 26, 2018 @ 11:07:02
Beautiful and talented work. Do you know what it would be great therapeutic work for you? To come to my house and apply all your talents to improve it. I am willing to do this great favor to you.
Jun 26, 2018 @ 11:48:57
Only if you agree to practice your own therapy which involves going through the mountains of incomplete and endless laundry here.
Jun 26, 2018 @ 16:39:02
That does not sound therapeutic at all.
Jun 26, 2018 @ 15:24:11
Now it’s not forever it’s so important to remember during the bad times.
Jun 26, 2018 @ 16:00:15
I definitely agree! ❤️
Jun 26, 2018 @ 18:44:26
I hear you. I find myself most thankful for those who love me even as or after I have moments, or meltdowns, who are there to enjoy the bright times and the dark. I can relate to the comment here about taking bird pics. I also love bird watching and am working on bird and nature photography myself. I invested in a really nice DSLR and lens to challenge myself and try to capture special moments from a distance. So much peace in nature! I have to take my nature breaks.
Lovely succulent garden Jo. I can see your projects often involve connecting with nature!
Jun 26, 2018 @ 21:36:13
Sounds like we have the perfect excuse to go hang out (not that we needed one anyway!)! 😉❤️
Jun 26, 2018 @ 22:04:33
Reblogged this on Life in the Spectrum.
Jun 29, 2018 @ 00:39:35
I used to work through my stress by gardening. I’d dig the feck out of the garden. I’d wear myself out, then I’d sit back and admire how beautiful it all looked. I can no longer dig or mow or strim, but my little ‘yarden’ is beautiful and gives me pleasure when it aint too hot to sit in it lol X
Jun 29, 2018 @ 01:42:07
by chance, do mosquitoes make it to your side of the globe?
Jun 30, 2018 @ 01:05:18
We do, yes.
Aug 02, 2018 @ 22:28:58
hi very good article
thanks for sharing keep up the good work
Aug 02, 2018 @ 22:32:48
❤️
Aug 08, 2018 @ 15:40:58
This is beautiful
Aug 08, 2018 @ 17:46:11
Thank you lovebug. ❤️
Aug 08, 2018 @ 17:48:48
And how in the world have I missed reading your awesome blog so far?? Anyone who is fabulous enough to incorporate the phrase “arse over tit” into a post is absolutely meant to be a blogging friend o’ mine! I love it and I loved that post!
Aug 08, 2018 @ 23:46:46
HA! Thank you so much. Much more to come! Xx
Aug 10, 2018 @ 14:14:22
WHat a lovely garden. Keep up the good work!
Aug 12, 2018 @ 10:16:19
Thank you! ❤️
Feb 04, 2019 @ 04:37:14
Really love the gardening i have a landscape garden as well.
thank you for sharing this wonderful article
Feb 17, 2019 @ 00:37:01
Something about gardening can be so soothing. Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment or just the overall joy of adding beauty to our spaces and the world in general. I love that you garden, too. Such a blessing. 🙂
Feb 05, 2019 @ 10:12:04
Very beautiful garden. fresh air is very important for a healthy mind and body.
Feb 17, 2019 @ 00:37:33
So true! ❤️
Feb 14, 2019 @ 06:10:34
Really love the garden while drinking a coffee
thank you for sharing this beautiful post
Keep sharing tho
Feb 17, 2019 @ 00:37:55
Thank you sweet friend! ❤️
Jun 04, 2019 @ 06:07:24
Thank you for the awesome article sharing us. impressive!