Funky town
I’ve been a bit neglectful of the blog lately and the reason is, I’m in a funk. A big one.
I wrote two semi-whiney, bleh posts last week and I didn’t want to continue that trend this week so rather than writing about how blue I feel I decided not to write at all.
I’ve been very homesick the last few weeks. I haven’t been this homesick since first moving to Kamloops almost a year ago. I think about moving home all. the. time. A month ago I was telling Eric how there was NO way I was moving home anytime in the next five years.
All I want to do is sleep; which, I know is NOT a good sign, so I’m forcing myself to go through the motions of the day. But that’s the thing, I’m forcing myself. I don’t wake up and want to run or want to go to work or want to read blogs, I wake up and I want to go back to sleep. It’s not a fun feeling.
This isn’t normal for me. I have days where I feel down and blue but it never lasts this long (almost two weeks) and I’m just not sure how to shake myself out of it. Has anybody else ever experienced anything like this? How do you make yourself feel better when you’re feeling down and blue all. the. time!?
On another, happier note, Eric’s cousin Katrina and her fiancee Steve are tying the knot in Tofino today. Actually, right at this very moment. They planned a beautiful beach wedding in six days. Six days, people! Sadly, me and Eric weren’t able to get the time off of work/school to attend, but we’re super happy for them. I love weddings!
I’m also reading a book called “Dewey”, it’s about the famous library cat in Spencer, Iowa. Anyone? Anyways, the book kind of makes me want to become a librarian and Webster could be my library cat. I’m really enjoying the book but I think you’d have to be a cat person to like it. Also Dewey reminds me a lot of Webster. I’m going to do a full review on it later!
Hey Hey Amber! Perk up girl! I’ve been in this mode for a few days in the past, but never for too long. I had a friend who was so full of anxiety that she was sleeping all the time. I made it a point to call her, bring her flowers, make her get out of bed to do something.
So, if I were you, as much as your mind is thinking ” I don’t effing care about anything right now.” Fake it. Trick yourself happy. Do shit that usually makes you smiley and happy and wait for its after affects. Things that come to mind for me are…a scenic run with friends, an hour at a coffee shop with a good book, a latte and my journal, shopping, doing something creative, cleaning (weird, but therapeutic), listening to my fav music, going to see a new movie.
The point is, you need support from friends and family when you’re down in the dumps, but you also need to know how to get yourself out of these situations. Find something that makes you happy and just do it. No matter how boring and painful it seems at first.
First, BIG HUG.
Second, I always take a look at what has changed in my life to make me feel this way. It’s usually something I wouldn’t have thought of, like a project at work, finals, going back to school, PMS (yes, I forget about PMS), changes to my sleep/health, overbooked with activities. Once I figure out what it is, I come with a plan to change it/adjust it/eradicate it. That usually helps.
Thirdly, I give myself one day to totally wallow in the feeling. I’m talking sweatpants, ice cream, movies, turning off the cell phone and telling the world to f–k off. Then the next day? I put on a smile and soon enough, I’m really smiling. I get back into the groove of things, and it’s better. Not great, but better.
Fourth, ask Eric to take you on a really awesome date. Sounds selfish, but I bet both of you will be happy if you take a night out to just do something different. It always makes me feel better. Before you know it you’ll be laughing (and meaning it), kissing him (And loving it) and glowing.
And yes, definitely rely on friends and family. I’m always here if you need to chat.
xoxo
When I get in a funk, I force myself to do something that makes me feel good and pray (Maybe not at the same time:)
I don’t have a ton of great advice, but I tend to have a yoga-pants, hair-a-mess, day in front of the TV day and it helps.
I know the feeling and it’s no fun, I’m hoping you’re able to leave your funk behind you soon! Also, in a small world, one of my best friends from college is from Spencer
I feel like I tend to hit my own downs like this pretty often. I’m not very good at getting myself completely out of them, but one thing that helps is kind of treating myself. Nothing crazy, maybe just buying a smoothie or a cd I’ve been thinking of buying. Although its probably not the best way to go about it.
On a side note, I do love how the cat’s name is Dewey. Want to take a beat he’s named after the dewey decimal system?
I’ve always wanted to read Dewey!
Feel better – I came out of a funk a couple months ago. Sometimes, all it takes is to realize you’re in a funk to get yourself out of it. Good luck!
You need more time with your bud, ME!! This is totally not like you, but I think its a combination of alot of things. Homesick, missing friends, school comming to an end, eric possibly leaving to work (you may not admit it, but it could be in the back of your mind) missing your family is DEFINITLY a HUGE factor & weighs a person down, not enough “you” time, working LOTS. This is just my theory anyway cause i know you so well, but it will pass. continue to force yourself out running because you love it and it always makes you feel so good. RETAIL THERAPY would always help
Im sorry that im taking off for a week & wish i was here to be by your side more, but i’ll back on friday. Keep your chin up.
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU.
xoxox
Hey missy, I am the homesickness EXPERT. The past month or so has been a whirlwind of stress and homesickness just added in on top of it. I was in a huge funk for a few weeks at a time and missing and dreaming of Vancouver like crazy.
Really? The thing that got me through it was the conscious decision to “live in the now”. Doni’s quotes on her blog “wherever you are, be ALL there.” and “wherever you go, go with all your heart.” really managed to pick me up out of my funk.
Not only did they remind me that I can’t live fully while wishing I was somewhere else, but they brought back into focus that your 20′s is THE time to be adventurous. To live away from home, to try new things. Never in your life will you have the means and independence to REALLY live for yourself, but also for your future. It is now that you are making the decisions and experiences that will shape the rest of your life.
I felt like I owed it to my future self, and my family to get out there and live fully in whatever I was experiencing at the time. To travel and to love and to learn and to live without regret. Because later in life? I’ll be living for my children, or my family etc. I’ll have responsibilities that I can’t ignore. And I don’t want to be the parent, the carer, the daughter, the wife that is wishing and regretting all the things she didn’t do when she had the opportunity. I want to be able to say “look, i experienced all of that, I loved it and I learned from it, and now I’m ready to give 100% to whatever my life and responsibilities bring.”
And no, on the worst of days it doesn’t cure the homesickness, but on the best of days I’m funk-less and doing everything I can to be ALL here.
I get into a serious funk every winter around January/February. All I can do is force myself to work out, force myself to get out of the house and do things, and force myself to spend time with friends.
It can take a lot of effort to get out of a serious funk…but the alternative is worse.
♥ Hope you feel better about life soon!
Spencer, Iowa?! Why, that’s just 3 hours northwest of where I live! How funny
Yay!! Dewey! I’m from Iowa and live about three hours from Spencer. That lake I always talk about partying at? About 20 minutes from Spencer and my best friends husband is from Spencer so they ALL know about the famous cat! So cool!
I’m so sorry you’re not feeling so great… I think we all go through these funks and with time it will pass. I think that you forcing yourself to go through the motions is a good idea. You kinda have to otherwise you’ll slip further and further into this funk.
Can you plan a trip home sometime soon? Or plan another trip for your family to come see you? Something to look forward to would probably help out tremendously!
Hang in there!!! I’m thinking of you!!
Dewey?! How randomly cool is it that I watched a show about that here in Japan of all places?
Seriously cool I say.
I was in a month-long funk earlier this year and my emails with family and friends helped me a lot. I say hang out with Eric and your friends, talk with your mom, and relax. Stay positive girl!
I don’t have a lot of advice to offer, except for the fact that I think we all go through a little bit of a funk once in a while.
My trick is to keep busy. The less time my mind has to wonder, the better.
That book sounds super interesting… I may have to look for it! That is after I’m finished with the trashy Sookie Stackhouse books!
hey everybody gets a little down in the dumps every once in a while. and EVERYONE has had it last for two weeks or more. You are not alone here. As long as you are not stressed about money, buying a new shirt always brings me out of it. if money is part of the problem, then you need a good long bike ride. to anywhere to do anything. It’s not running the same streets or trails that will change anything. to make a change in your mood you need a change in the routine. so do something new, it will give you a sense of accomplishment that you haven’t had in a long time.
On tuesday I found out that i didn’t get a job that I really really really wanted. I’ve been depressed and pissed off ever since. So depressed that I have had trouble even applying for other jobs that seem inferior to this one. My run last night sucked. my legs hurt today. I need that bike ride too, but it’s supposed to be in the high 90′s all weeend here.
Buckle up, virginia. we’ll both feel better soon.
From one blog-neglecting redheaded visitor of funky town to another
, hang in there.
Maybe try some simple, little things that usually make you happy? That’s what typically gives my brain a break…Driving somewhere with the windows down and with some irritatingly cheerful, catchy song playing too loudly (and making myself sing along even if I don’t feel like it). A new body spray or perfume. Movie nights on the couch with a bag of chocolate. Freshly-laundered sheets, and curling up with critters at the end of the day. Or doing just one, single thing from the evil, ten-mile-long to-do list so I can pretend I’m making headway…
As to the book, all the cat people I’ve know who read it really enjoyed it—looking forward to your take on it.
I totally understand how you feel. That’s what I was going through too when I didn’t blog for a while. I still am feeling a bit uninterested in things and just want to sleep but I am doing better. I don’t really have any great advice for how to shake yourself out of a funk… I have been just trying to maintain a positive attitude even when I don’t feel so positive. Talking to friends or my mom helps too. But everyone goes through these periods and sometimes they just need to run their course and you’ll be back to yourself soon. I think that doing something you really love to do might snap you out of it, too. Maybe you can do something this weekend that will lift your spirits? Anyhow, just know that you are not the only one to feel like you are feeling! I promise!!
BTW, I bought that book, Dewey, for my animal-loving friend Anna. I haven’t read it, but I read a review on it and it sounded so cute! It sounded like the perfect book for Anna since she LOVES cats and dogs…. can’t wait to hear what you think!
Do you know what began the funk? I think its totally understandable being homesick, but its strange that a month ago you were thinking you’d never move back. I think you need to figure out what began it and then think about maybe going home if thats what you need to do.
hey girl heyyy – you need to take a day or two and just do YOU. things you want to do, things that make You happy, things that you may not even feel like doing at the time (i.e. running) but you always feel better once they’re done! When I get into a funk, I spend time with ME. sometimes I forget how relaxing/therapeutic it can be……
I hope you can pull out with a smile!
IT’S THE WEEKEND! that’s always something to enjoy!
Awh, I’m so sorry! I can totally relate. I was where you were at when I moved away from home. After 6 months I got really home sick. My husband was great about it and we went out and did some of the familiar things that I always did back home… like getting frozen yogurt! Hope you feel better soon.
I know how you feel….I feel that way sometimes too…I am feeling that way now. I’m sorry babe <3
Are you on birth control? Because if you are, try and see if you can determine if it’s from that. A friend and I were just discussing how crazy different stuff made us. I’ve been off of it for almost 2 years now and am much better. Not to say I do not have funks now and then, I’m just not crazy either..
I’ve also been in a funk for the last few weeks. I just cant seem to snap out of it. Your story sounds a lot like mine- I am so, so, so very homesick. I just want to sleep, and for me, I’m snapping at everyone. I dont think anyone wants to be around me right now. I know I’m not very pleasant to be around but I just can’t seem to make myself smarten up. I hate it.
Sorry you’re missing out on the wedding. I hope you get out of the funk soon! I know that feeling because I’ve been there a time or two over the past few months!
Ok let me first start that I live 3000 miles away from all my family and friends. I do not even live in the same country!
So to cheer myself up “The list”
Shop for shoes.
Go to the gym.
Email/text/call
Plan a trip home (real or fictional) sometimes it just helps.
I hate funks. But picture being a Canadian in the US. Yep its that bad… heres hoping you get out soon! : )
Awww, wish I was there to give you a big hug. I have gone through phases like that. Depression kind of runs in my family, so since I know I am prone to feeling down, I try to be aware of when I am feeling down and make adjustment asap before I get into a funk that lasts way too long!
My advice is to reach out the people that live around you. I went through a phase like this last fall and came to realize that I just couldn’t be alone on the weekends or on some week days, etc. So don’t be afraid to reach out & tell people you need to go to a movie or out for dinner or coffee or whatever.
Keep running – that is probably the best advice I can give you. That endorphine boost will help you. So even though all you want to do is sleep – fight the urge & get a mile or 2 in!
I hope you are feeling better by the time you read this. Being homesick sucks.