6:45 a.m.- It doesn’t even mater why…
I woke to crushing anxiety this morning, as I do most, overwhelming, free-floating anxiety tied to nothing in particular and everything all at once. Nauseous and on the verge of tears, before getting out of bed- I feel immense guilt for how my anxiety robs my sons and Sweet Greg of a more present and emotionally generous me. Weary from white knuckling through every minute, trying to keep from snapping or crying.
I recognize that I have always been this way and how much it cost me, to not have been born and wake daily, all easy breezy and anew like a Golden Retriever ready to seize the day, catch the ball, run and enjoy. I too, would have preferred that. But all these little things kept happening in life which filled little me with big shame and fear of unworthiness–utter inability to experience a sustained sense of well-being and peace. There was no recognizable person, seeking to understand why I suffered, many insisting that I stop– or learn to manage my dis-EASE in less vexing ways. Little things consistently said and done OR not said and done wracked me with great worry and shame-which in turn, caused trouble. Maybe another day, I will share some of the things that I wished I could have shared and felt heard and still loved by just one person.
All of the little things,when un-shared and not honored, turn to soul killing, life robbing, hole in our hearts/ myths–that make us need to hide and numb ourselves.
Honestly, all of the things are fine in the big picture. I am hardwired for panic, which causes me to miss out on so much and holds my children hostage to a mother who is perpetually edgy and brittle and often reacting to 50years worth of pain rather than only what is happening in the moment. Oh for fuck’s sake, the despair over being sad is too much. Secondary feelings kick my ass every single time, if I allow them.
I will be gentle with myself today. Some days are less difficult than others.
Maybe tomorrow will be more thrivey than survivey.
6:45 p.m. – I did manage to focus on only my work today after writing,eating, exercising (none of which I do with regularity). My anxiety definitely is linked to low blood sugar and metabolic issues– mornings and late afternoons are the same for me. My blood sugar drops and I rapidly unravel.
My younger son has become aggressive since the bully incident(possibly, but not necessarily related) and keeps his older brother in his crosshairs 24/7. I have insisted that they(he) demonstrate brotherly loyalty by not taking each other out of team games until it is necessary. JUST go for anyone else first, before going after and taking your own brother down. But nope. It happened again at camp today. And, I reacted poorly. My tone and face have expressed things that cannot be taken back. Possibly, punctuated with a swear word.
The effect of little brother’s persisting efforts to humiliate and alienate big brother may be almost as damaging, as my reaction to the familiar dynamic. Oh my god, history repeating itself. The cycle!!! Please make it stop. Praying for willingness to handle myself differently. Haaaaalp