Just needed to be heard for a little while

Waves_and_Smiles

That makes perfect sense, Pyxis and a really good way to look at it. I often see depression referred to as a black dog so on bad days often imagine myself with a black dog (I think its a Labrador) following me quietly. Rather than something that scares me I then view it as something that walks by my side, not something to be afraid of but something that is as much of a part of me as everything else, good or bad that has it's place at my side. I find by accepting it that it doesn't hurt me so much, it is a part of what makes me, me as much as everything else is. Nothing to cower from or desperately pretend doesn't exist.

I just tried imagining fear as a blanket covered creature with me and the image turned into a blanket covered pug shape! So now I am laughing instead!

Pyxis

Right.
So.........
There's a blanket-covered giant pug.
There's a black dog.

Anything else to add to the retinue?
I might need a convoy of cars at this rate!

seven-day-weekend

I think it might be important that the black dog follows you ( i.e. is behind you), rather than be by your side or in front of you, so that YOU lead the way, not the fear.

I will tell my husband this image, I think it will help him.

Waves_and_Smiles

Hahahahahaha! I am now picturing you with a long line of objects following you rather like the Pied Piper, Pyxis!

Very good point, SDW. My black dog is always behind me, I always take the lead. I acknowledge that it is there but it is always me that chooses what direction we take. It accompanies me but I stay in control of our journey. I hope it helps your husband.

lostinrates

I like to go prepared everywhere. ( remember, I take packed bags to outpatient appointments with me just in case!)

Ultimately though I always remind myself the things I NEED are my wallet, my keys and my phone. With those three things I can cope, even if in ways I might not like to.

I find the worrying side of me frustrating because it fights with other parts of my personality I think.

Waves_and_Smiles

I know what you mean, LIR. I am personality-wise a very laid back person but at the same time I have times of total worrying panic and boomerang between the two. I do confess I lurk on all of the preparing for an emergency threads on the Old Style Board and have picked up some good ideas from those. I just don't read them too often or I will start planning for a zombie apocalypse or something. I also need to be careful how much I stock up on in case of emergency because I'm a hoarder as it is. I don't need more things!

Pyxis

lostinrates wrote: »

I find the worrying side of me frustrating because it fights with other parts of my personality I think.

Yes, you're right.
The worst battle is between the fear and the procrastination. The latter usually wins, but funnily enough, that doesn't defeat the fear but makes it stronger!

This is getting surreal, now!

Because on the rare occasion that fear wins over procrastination, fear gets weaker!

Wow!


(I see procrastination as the hare in the Hare and the Tortoise, who keeps getting diverted off-purpose by other, more interesting or diverting [or less upsetting/less confrontational] things to do.
So hare is tugging at my ankle and I veer off course.)

So.....
Giant blanketed pug
Black dog
Ankle-tugging hare.


Next?



Oh! Is there a 'preparing for an emergency' thread? I didn't know! Must go find it!

Waves_and_Smiles

Here you go, Pyxis. Loads of wonderful ideas and insights on here-

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4065593

seven-day-weekend

Pyxis wrote: »

......


Oh! Is there a 'preparing for an emergency' thread? I didn't know! Must go find it!

I will NOT be showing that to my husband!!!:rotfl::rotfl:

Waves_and_Smiles

Hahahahaha! No don't, SDW! The people there are very emergency-minded and buy lots to prepare, you could end up with a house full of odd things!