I have decided that it is more important to share something with you today than to post my most recent fashion photos. That will have to be posted on Wednesday. I will be escaping the house this morning for some sunshine and activity – sometimes the walls want to close in just a little bit too much. The Cloak is visiting me.
The Cloak of Darkness
I woke up wearing an invisible accessory piece that is just not my style. Unfortunately, it cannot be returned to the This-is-Life Boutique. The Cloak of Darkness is all sales final, so it is up to me to figure out what to do with it. I know that buying into life comes with the highs and lows, good and bad, fun and sad, it is all just part of the whole deal. I am not talking about full-blown depression, if any of us get to that point, please seek professional help. This is an “episode” and something that does not last for very long, but the kicker is that it sneaks up on you and grabs on when you least expect it.
I am not here to dump on anyone, just sharing what I think many of us over 50 probably have in common and deal with every once in a while. Yup, I woke up with what I call the “funk” – that heavy, sad feeling that I now have to shake off. Probably a combination of hormonal swings and sentimental feelings about this past weekend being Father’s Day, plus we also had to move Tim’s mom over to the memory care section of her lovely assisted living residence. For me, this part of life carries changes, loss and memories that I have to work through and keep in perspective to feel positive and happy. I will NOT let the cloak completely envelop and smother me.
How I Shed the Cloak
My personal remedy for shedding this cloak is to first recognize it and tell myself, “that’s it, get up, get dressed, get out and get with it!” When I am put together and dressed for the day, I instantly feel better. I enjoy cooking, so I am making a small list of grocery items that I need to make something new and outside of the basic ho-hum meals. I do not take on big projects when I am feeling like this. I have tried that and I end up having a heavier overworked feeling. Instead, I will do some easy home cleaning and organizing to feel productive and keep a calm environment that doesn’t feel cluttered and distracting. Creative, engaging activities also help me break through these feelings and bring a fresh light onto things in general. Writing, reading, cooking, watering and tending to my little gardens, or calling a friend for a quick chat also helps shake off the darkness.
It has been said that you can feel lonely in a room full of people, which is similar to this cloak of mine. So, working through it on my own, at my own pace through activities that I enjoy usually works. I will have the cloak balled up and tossed away by the end of the day, that is for certain, I will not be defeated!
What About You?
Do you also have these feelings more now that you are over 50? What type of self-help things do you do that help you drop the cloak?
I would love to hear from you. The friends I have made through this blog encourage and uplift me, I look forward to your comments!
10 Comments
The other day I woke up and looked in the mirror and nearly fell over at the ‘old lady’ that looked back at me. I have not been well so the overall look was not a good one. At 58 I am not old but, well, you know. I took myself out for coffee and a long overdue haircut and even though it wore me out it solved that ‘yukky’ feeling.
Thank you for sharing! I also will be 58 in August. It seems like the little self-care things do help. I decided to take myself to lunch and read a book, then off to Aldi for grocery adventures. No, we are not old, we are “timeless” and in this thing together. Thank you for visiting, talk soon!
Lori Jo
Haven’t had the funk so much as a little melancholy. When that happens, I like to set up in my bedroom with books and magazines and just read and nap. It happens a couple times a year and even my husband recognizes my need and will not try to guilt me out of the bedroom.
So glad that works for you. And melancholy is a good word for it, that is under my cloak as well. I am already better, a coffee and good sunshine at Starbucks is soothing. Thank you for visiting, talk soon!
Lori Jo
I try to find something fun or positive and focus on that. Am I just using avoidance? I hope not. Was feeling pretty good last week as my kids are all home for the summer. Quickly realized that they are all almost flown and that my next will be permanently empty soon. Sigh. But I am determined to have fun with them and make memories while I can.
Hey, Leah! Engaging in good positive things is always great tonic. I have my motherhood memories and am a step ahead, both daughters grown and we have an empty nest; I am in no hurry for grandkids, still catching my breath, ha! I am under reinvention, the theme of my blog and why I started the blog. I will be 58 in August, maybe that is looming in my mind and I don’t realize it, reminder of closer to 60? Thank you for visiting, talk soon!
Sorry to hear your not 100% today Lori Jo….. We all have those days! Hoping your back on track tomorrow! Take care!
Hey, Kathy! Working away at getting back on track, this junk is no fun. The blog helps and I really enjoy my friends from it, like you! There will be some fun fashion tomorrow, thank you for visiting and being supportive, talk soon! 🙂
Lori Jo
Hi Lori Jo, when I turned 50 I found running and exercise. I still run now at 60 but even walking can help our mental and physical health so much. If I feel down or have ‘the blues’, I go for a run or do yoga or a workout and I always feel so much better afterwards. Have a great week and hope the blog is going well for you.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Hey, Sue! Yes, I think if I bump up my walking and yoga it will help, usually does. The blog is going great, I love it! Now, just to shake off this weirdness and get on with things. Thank you for visiting and commenting, talk soon! 🙂
Lori Jo