In this crazy time, I never know which Paula I am going to be when I awaken: Scared to Death Paula,, Oh Well We Will Get Through This Paula, When I Get It and I Have to Call the Squad How Will They Get Into the Building Paula, or the I’ll Just Use This Time to Learn a New Skill Paula. Really, I have no idea how I am going to feel when I wake up each morning. There have been mornings that as soon as I know where I am my stomach starts to roll with fear. Other days my brain seems to embrace where we are and I feel steadfast and determined and patriotic. But I never ever know what it will be until I begin to feel conscious at dawn.
When I am talking with people over the phone or in a Zoom meeting or Facetime call, and they ask me how I am doing or how I am feeling, I have no answer. I can’t be the only one. My feelings are all over the place and they change daily from hopeful to depressed to anxious then back to hopeful.
I can’t imagine that I am the only one feeling uncertain every night as to what my emotions will be the next day. And that lack of control over myself and my life is driving me crazy. How about you? While I try to get control over my life, that very lack of control sends me into a spin again.
The only thing I can say to you is that I hope you wake up in a better place tomorrow than you did today, and that life continues that way for you during this 2020 pandemic. Things are uncertain and they will be for a while. Here’s the good news: we are strong, seasoned women. We have been through a lot. We are all survivors and will come out on the other side just fine. I know it’s hard not to have control over the direction your life is heading right now, but it will pass. Stay safe and stay healthy.
Jane says
Thank you for this. Your experience mirrors mine, and the cycling of emotions is exhausting.
Paula says
Cycling of emotions…well put. Thank you for your comment.
Alesia says
So true. All of it!
We’re not alone.
Paula says
Thanks Alesia. Stay healthy!
Gabriele says
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one feeling this way. Thank you for sharing!
Paula says
Hang in there Gabriele!
Charlene says
I am the same. My first year alone and now this. I was finally feeling better… now this. I’m 60.. 30 year marriage done. He left me for a 34 year old he’s 61… so here I am. Some good days, some terrible. I’m trying my best. Thanks for the helpful article. Praying and hoping for us all. Stay safe.
Paula says
Yikes! That’s younger than most of my children! I am so sorry for your pain. A 30-year-old can’t even cook, so just think of all the bad food he is eating right now. Yuk, on all levels. The only thing I can say to you is that as hard as it is to be alone at this time, it would be even worse with a bad guy. Spend this time planning your comeback and get ready for a better life, because it’s coming and you deserve it. Stay healthy and safe and thank you for your comment.
Vikki Weals says
I usually spend a lot of time at home alone so it’s not that different, but there are days when I’m scared and restless. It’s ok to have good days and bad.
Paula says
You’re right Vikki, it is OK to have good and bad days. It’s hard to remember that on the bad ones, I know. All we can do it use this time as wisely as possible because there will be a time when having so much downtime will seem like a luxury. Thank you for your comment.
Laura Miller says
Kudos to you Paula for all you do for the group!
Paula says
Thanks Laura.
Polly says
Grab hold of yourself. Stop feeling so sorry about your bad situation in life. Work out. Don’t eat so much and be positive.
Paula says
Wow! Not complaining at all. Just expressing myself. You don’t seem to have a problem with that! Thank you for your comment.