Day by day...

faithcecilia

Its been suggested I start a thread here as a prievious one went waaay off its original topic, was moved, and then pretty much died!

To summarise for those who don't know: Until just over 4 weeks ago I was a nun, well a novice nun. I loved it and am absolutely sure it is where I will end up again, but I had a difficult childhood (don't we all:rolleyes:) and my superiors feel I need to have counselling 'outside' before I can go back and restart.

Its a struggle. Emotionally and financially. I am having trouble getting benefits - at every stage they seem to come up with another reason why I shouldn't get any money. I was given a resettlement allowance by the convent, which helped buy a few clothes, and funded me for the first few weeks when I knew I was in no state to think about work and so didn't feel I could honestly sign on for JSA. I finallt did put in the clain on 22nd but still not had a positive result so I will be contacting them again tomorrow.

My main problem, though, is the real culture shock. While I was in the convent my life was structured and quiet and calm. I knew exactly what I was doing and when. Now I just have no idea! I am in a town where the only person I know is the friend I am currently lodging with, and I can't say I have settled here. I am lonely, upset and beginning to feel apathetic.

I am seeing a counsellor, who i am getting on well with and who believes I have made significant progress.

So yes, thats me!

Nice to have a new 'home' where my fantastic new friends on here can, I hope, find me - I still need plenty of encouragement.

hardpressed

Hi, were you in a Catholic or Anglican order? Could you approach the priest or vicar in the town where you are living and see if they can offer you any advice. Does your convent give any practical help to those like you who have left the order? Would you benefit from living in a Christian community but not a convent to help you to get yourself sorted out. Could you try googling Christian communities and see what comes up. It must be very difficult to find your feet again. I do hope you are able to go back to your vocation, it must be very hard when you feel that is what you are called to do but the powers that be can't see it. Don't lose heart something will turn up at the right time. God bless.

Savvy_Sue

Well!

Could I suggest that to help with the structure you see if there is any volunteering you could do? Start within your local church, maybe, or find your local volunteer bureau.

I know you'll have to get on with jobhunting, but you should be able to carry on volunteering as long as you are prepared to put the job hunting / interviews / offers first. And it may help you find a job!

Savvy_Sue

Following from hardpressed's suggestion - Emmaus.

ceridwen

Hi Faith

Found your new thread:D

Just to say "still wishing you well - hoping things work out for you".

love
ceridwen
x

pinkshoes

faithcecilia wrote: »

My main problem, though, is the real culture shock. While I was in the convent my life was structured and quiet and calm. I knew exactly what I was doing and when. Now I just have no idea!

This sentence you have written is highly significant, and no doubt the reason they felt you needed "outside" councelling...

Perhaps they felt you were somewhat "hiding" from life as a nun, so wanted you to feel happy in the outside world and prove you weren't just hiding away from life itself?

I'd definitely consider doing volunteer work.

faithcecilia

At last, some good news, my JSA has been processes, so will be triggered when I sign on tomorrow, so all being well I will get some money on Monday, which will be a relief. No news on LHA yet though...

ceridwen

faithcecilia wrote: »

At last, some good news, my JSA has been processes, so will be triggered when I sign on tomorrow, so all being well I will get some money on Monday, which will be a relief. No news on LHA yet though...

Thank goodness for one positive thing then. Glad to hear the JSA is going to start at last. Hopefully the LHA will start soon too - dont know whether there are any possibilities for it being backdated? (it should say in that book I told your friendly hostess Forumite about).

faithcecilia

ceridwen wrote: »

Thank goodness for one positive thing then. Glad to hear the JSA is going to start at last. Hopefully the LHA will start soon too - dont know whether there are any possibilities for it being backdated? (it should say in that book I told your friendly hostess Forumite about).

JSA is backdated from my original claim date, thank goodness. Hopefully LHA will be the same.

23rdspiral

hello again cecilia! :hello:

I've found your new home, and it seems very nice over here... i've not visited this board before, but they seem like a nice bunch!

congratulations on the claim :T. I hope monday comes soon and goes smoothley for you.

take care x

ifonlyitwaseasier

YAY about the JSA,