Patterns in my mind

[andrewducker]

Been noticing a pattern I go through:
1) Something happens that knocks me off balance.
2) Because of that, I retreat to a more insular, introverted existence.
3) The introverted existence actually makes me _less_ happy, because I do nothing and feel pointless.
4) Eventually, some combination of happenstance gives me a good day, in which I do something that makes me feel good.
5) Having achieved that state, I then stay that way until...
6) Something happens that knocks me off balance.

I need to find a way of jumping from 2-4 more easily. I don't think that I can cut the link between 1 and 2, because it's terribly built in to me, but if I'm more aware of it I can possibly cut down on the time I spend in that state, and give myself the jump-start to pull myself out of it again.

Comments

[i-ate-my-crusts.livejournal.com]

Can you assess what types of things knock you off balance and prepare for them mentally/emotionally, so that the effect of 2 is less?

[andrewducker]

I already am/do. Less things knock me off balance than used to. But there are still some things that do, obviously (like the family issues I mentioned earlier this week).

[i-ate-my-crusts.livejournal.com]

Gotchya.

I've got a system based on a They Might Be Giants song, myself.

"Everybody needs a rock to tie a piece of string around", meaning that I found myself my personal rock, and that stabilises me against most (if not quite all) destabiliing effects. As long as my rock i in place, I'm able to branch out and try new stuff, emotionally and mentally. It's kinda cool except when I lose the rock...

[themongkey.livejournal.com]

Do you think people who go around dressed as Klingons are basing their lives on that song also?

[andrewducker]

Have to say I pretty much agree with you - if I don't feel secure, and have something helping me to stay stable then I feel much less able to try new things. Having somewhere safe to come home to makes me much happier to go out...

[nickys.livejournal.com]

Physical exercise is supposed to help.

[aberbotimue.livejournal.com]

You ain't gona know what will get you back out of the box, till you try things...

so, you may have to try a few till you find one that helps you get from 2 till 4

so.. 1) hows about writing down all the things that have done the trick recently, and when you go down, read them back to your self, and it may triger you to think how good you are.


2) post here, you are down again, and watch at least 30 "you are great" that may help?

3) now you know the cycle, you may just trigger your self through it

4) go do somthing you like may work.

5) go hel[psomeone with somthing - that is gota be nice!

6) take drugs

[thishardenedarm.livejournal.com]

"I need to find a way of jumping from 2-4 more easily."

Alternatively you could just not mind. Thats just what you do. Be willing to have it so. You'll be amazed by the results...or your money back

[andrewducker]

Not minding is a tactic I've used before a few times - just pause and let the feeling wash over me. The problem being when it happens at work and i have to wander off for a few minutes to get some quiet - and also it's very hard to work when feeling crap.

[themongkey.livejournal.com]

If you were happy all the time you'd be boring.

(This is what I mutter to myself on a regular basis. It helps to prevent people from sitting next to me on buses.)

[andrewducker]

But would I mind being boring if I was happy? I suspect not...

[channelpenguin.livejournal.com]

My mechanism is when i feel bad, just do stuff. Anything rather than nothing, and that gets me back to feeling pretty good sooner or later. And i remember that in the absence of any actual 'purpose' to life, that every moment is to be enjoyed as much as i possibly can. Which leadi to doing things that increase my capacity and capability for enjoyment.