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SUPPORT GROUPS

annik

POSTED: Sat, 04/18/2009 - 4:54pm

What do French women do when they are stressed out?

Please share your wisdom about managing stress.

Jenny la Guerla...

POSTED: Sun, 05/20/2012 - 7:15pm They arrange for some TLC! They make an appointment to have a deep-cleanse facial and body massage with relaxing essential oils (huiles essntielles)and some mood music, before going on to the hairdresser for yet more TLC. Then, looking thoroughly gorgeous and irresistible, they perfume themselves, and their boudoir, before slipping into something minimal, but impossibly sexy. leaving their other half totally spellbound. This inevitably leads to a night of fabulous candle-lit sex. Seriously!! And it never fails!!

Robbyn

POSTED: Tue, 03/06/2012 - 2:00pm HEY LADIES.... I surely could use some wisdom on this today. i'm in a funky depressed state the last two days. didn't even go to work. just don't wanna see anyone. i have no idea why. how do i snap out of this. it's soooo not me. any help would be appreciated. thanks, luv, robbyn, xo

jas

POSTED: Sun, 04/08/2012 - 8:55am Another perspective Robbyn, there are reasons the body/mind/spirit gets depressed. Support is necessary and wonderful, but there is more. Sometimes depression is a very real chemical imbalance. Fish Oil (the omegas) has helped some people a lot. Also Try eating only veggies for dinner at night and seeing how you feel the next morning. Some other things to try if you are able to: 1. Does the morning or evening sun come in any of your windows? If so, can you sun bathe in it for an hour or so in the morning or evening? I have evening sun that comes in my bedroom window from 6-8 pm...I lay there as often as I can. A deep lovely peace comes into when I do this. Also "No electricity nights" After you eat your dinner of stir fry veggies (kale, asparagus, spinach....) don't turn on any lights, only burn candles. Do very little, soak up the silence. No TV...maybe read or do gentle yoga by candle light...See what happens in your sleep and especially how you feel in the morning. If you can try these things, let us know the results. You may be quite surprised.

jracus

POSTED: Sat, 04/07/2012 - 5:02pm feeling down What helps me a lot is going out for a walk in a beautiful park somewhere. If I can get out to nature I always feel soo much better when I return. Theres something so relaxing and rejuvenating about walking amongst the beauty of creation. I hope this helps!! Or you could paint like I did today :)

Robbyn

POSTED: Wed, 03/07/2012 - 12:12pm THANK YOU ALL!!!! I don't know what to say except that you girls are amazing! I will def take all of your suggestions. i'm still not feeling the greatest. still haven't gone to work. i will probably take the whole week off, although my sister says she thinks i should go back. that's another thing that depresses me....my job. but that's a whole nother story. but you girls made me feel so happy in my heart! you really did. just the fact that you all took the time to write to me and offer my your help. i will try all the suggestions. hopefully i will be "me" again soon. it's just so comforting to know that you girls are there. luv and hugs today and always, robbyn, xoxo

vickie2

POSTED: Wed, 03/07/2012 - 12:28pm Hi Robbyn I'm sorry to hear that you are still not feeling great. Take care of yourself this week! I hope you feel better.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Tue, 03/06/2012 - 5:49pm Hi Robbyn You are not alone.What everyone has said is right on and doable.It is the end of winter and people sometimes run out of gas,due to the long winter.I share your feelings.Take care in meaningful ways,of you.On a physical side your Vit.D level may be low.Consider taking Vit.D and ask your M.D.to check your leve.It is a simple blood test.Stick with us.We are with you.Sending you healing energy and a hug.OXO

Marilyn

POSTED: Tue, 03/06/2012 - 5:22pm Robbyn Sorry you are in a deep hole. My answer is usually a really lovely bar of dark chocolate. Seriously though try the journalling as there must be a reason for the funk that you need to find. Also it could be a change of season thing, I know I am fed up of the miserable wet winter weather that seems to keep coming back. Mind you in the North of England rain is never far away!!!

vickie2

POSTED: Tue, 03/06/2012 - 2:36pm Hi Robbyn I'm sorry you're having a hard time! I hope you feel better. I agree with the journaling idea. Also, perhaps you can focus on doing things today that make you feel good about yourself - home facial, a nice walk, watch a favorite movie...

snorklee

POSTED: Tue, 03/06/2012 - 2:20pm Hang in there... Hi Robbyn, I'm so sorry you're in a funk. That happens to me sometimes too. Usually, I've discovered that it means that I'm neglecting some part of myself that needs to be expressed and honored. Or, that my life is going in a direction that isn't my true self. The hard part is doing that kind of inner reflection when I'm feeling depressed. Journaling helps. Even if what I write is just a lot of ranting, and wallowing, in the beginning, I keep going, and the truth does come out. Feel better!

Viva la Diva

POSTED: Thu, 12/29/2011 - 12:39pm Need to share my latest stressor.... First, thank you in advance for all the support that always can be found here. My latest stressor is that I have a LOT of GI problems. I could list the diagnoses, but all that matters is the impact. It is very difficult to eat a full serving without pain and discomfort. I am having trouble NOT eating three meals a day. I really want to, but simply cannot 'stomach' it. I have tried juicing and smoothies and really miss soups. By the time I have eaten about a cup of food I am in pain. I am seeing doctors for all this, but they are not nutritionists. I have gained weight and given up in so many ways. I absolutely love food and feel punished as I cannot enjoy it as I used to. I am out of hope and staying power these past few days...but have a little pich of faith that someday, soon, I hope I can accept these changes. I know that I do not need to eat a large amount of food to survive, but even that amount has been cut almost in half to be bearable. There have been days at a time where I could not eat at all. I need hope and inspiration.

snorklee

POSTED: Sun, 01/22/2012 - 11:29am Gluten intolerance? Hi Viva, recently my daughter was having the same issues. She's 24, and just started her first teaching job. It all happened over the course of the late summer and had gotten progressively worse, until she was in tears most days. She can't get in to see a specialist until February, so we tried eliminating gluten from her diet, because I had read somewhere that gluten intolerance and celiac disease have similar symptoms. The improvement was almost immediate. The nausea lessened, and the fatigue is improving. We're not sure if gluten was all of the problem, because her arthritis is also flaring right now, but often, autoimmune diseases go hand in hand. She will still see the specialist next month, but we think that gluten played a big part in her gastrointestinal distress. I hope that you find the answer to your symptoms. I wish you the best health.

Kimberly

POSTED: Fri, 01/20/2012 - 1:42pm I also wanted to share my story with you..... I have had GI problems for some time. I feel like it was brought on by having gall bladder problems which was not diagnosed for many years. I did have it removed and it relieved some symptoms but I have also been diagnosed with IBS. For me, it is very distressing at times. I don't have severe pain but I do have discomfort and at times I cannot hardly eat at all. At the worst times I survive on small portions of broth and sometimes I can add white rice to it. Many things I have to avoid. I cannot eat a lot of fruits all the time and especially if they are very acidic. Tomatoes are practically off my list although I still indulge every once in a while. I cannot help but plant a few varities every year. My symptoms ease at some points and I can eat more of a variety of things. I also find that exercise, even walking eases my discomfort. I also alternate between episodes in the bathroom experiencing both extremes (I think this is self-explanatory). I am not sure exactly what your ailment is exactly but I have found a particular book and website to be very helpful if IBS type issues are what you are having. Please feel free to share with me or ask me anything that I may be able to help you with. After my diagnosis of IBS my doctor was of little help. He prescribed medicines which did not help and I have been better able to deal with it from the book and website. I think it is something the medical community is still trying to figure out. Otherwise I would like to wish you well and I hope you are feeling better.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Sun, 01/22/2012 - 9:36am Dear Kimberly My heart goes out to you.This must be a very difficult challenge.I agree that medicine is a long way from understanding such things.You must and do advocate for yourself.Please take care.OXO

Kimberly

POSTED: Sun, 01/22/2012 - 10:44am Oh thank you! Most of my days are good so I am thankful for that. I appreciate your concern. :) Kimberly

Celtic Owl

POSTED: Thu, 01/19/2012 - 6:17pm have you considered macrobiotics I have just read your distressing story, and I can offer lots of prayers and the idea of macrobiotics. The Kushi Institute ( In Mass, and in France., at least at one time..)never turns anyone away and has had some interesting miracles, they have some on the website. or Facebook. It is quite different from eating for pleasure, more of eating for life. I went there to learn the Way of Health many years ago and still use the remedies to fight flu, etc. I personally was the only person not struck down with a gastro bug that came through the nursing home. Pain is not a good symptom.

kit

POSTED: Thu, 01/19/2012 - 12:31am So sorry to hear Viva... I have heard this for some time from my daughter-in-law who just had gallbladder surgery. Doc told her the surgery still might not solve all her problems because her symptoms were atypical. Yes tests showed she had a huge gallstone which was removed successfully. She still has some pain and bloating after practically any meal. She's waiting to see a GI doc because surgeon thinks she may have irritable bowel syndrome. She eats small meals through out the day to help. Also possibly gluten intolerance, so trying to cut this. I will say a prayer that you get your answer/relief soon and that you can eat what you desire soon. Please have faith,try not to get down on yourself,put the scale in the highest closet. We are here for you anytime,just ask!!xo

Marilyn

POSTED: Thu, 12/29/2011 - 1:45pm 3 meals You do not have to eat 3 meals a day. Could you work out the nutrients you need and divide it into much smaller meals and eat when you can. I have a friend who does this as she cannot eat big meals, she has little meals whenever she feels like it. But healthy nutrious meals not quick snacks. A little fish with a few vegetables, a small portion of soup, mashed potatoes with some nice cheese, beautifully scrambled eggs, anything that you like but small pieces as often as you can manage. I may have completely missed the point if so I'm sorry. Could your doctor refer you to a nutritionist for advice? Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care, my friend.xxxxx

Viva la Diva

POSTED: Sat, 06/04/2011 - 5:07pm WANDERLUST RETURNS! I am tickled to see that I have not changed in this regard. Just last night I was thinking of packing my bags and running away for a week. Too much care taking of my men! Instead I kept it local, but I did see the obvious void in my life that I have had since I stopped my weekly random ventures. I see I need to incorporate sans men! weekly again! ROAD TRIP!

Viva la Diva

POSTED: Mon, 06/20/2011 - 9:11pm I ended up taking a day off I ended up taking a day off and running.....er driving as long as as I needed with my fave music playing and the phone off. Then my friend and I spent the day together a couple of days later. I am still always planning trips in my mind. Actually waiting for the blasted house to sell and wondering which direction I will head first. Thinking of Old Montreal to check out a restaurant we heard about. To be honest, we have also been sitting by the pool and pretending we are at a resort. VERY nice. Jean, we will certainly have to spend time getting to Marilyn's vistas soon.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Sun, 06/05/2011 - 2:45pm Point that car north and head to Ottawa!!!OXO

Marilyn

POSTED: Sun, 06/05/2011 - 7:17am Not far You don't have to go far to have a random venture. I have various little trips. A theatre trip, a visit to a beautiful garden, a jaunt to an exhibition, even just a car drive to town for a wander and a coffee with a friend. Also I am lucky that I have the house to myself 3 days a week from 9.00am to 17.30pm so can do as I please all day after the house work. It is essential to my well being and stress levels especially now with OH's PD. From 14 June we are having a couple of nights away in Harrogate doing nothing!! This time last year as OH's condition was confirmed I was tempted to fly the coop I must admit but the thoughts of the damage it would cause made me stop and think. There are ways around everything and with the support of friends at home and here I can escape from reality whenever I need to. Imagine yourself in my English garden with a glass of Pimms in one hand with the scent of the roses (you will need a sweater!!!), the rustle of the breeze through the beech hedge, the trickle of the water in the tiny fountain, with gentle music drifting out of the window. See you have escaped. Take care and get time for yourself, life is all too short. xx

KATHYH

POSTED: Sun, 03/04/2012 - 8:13am Marilyn's Garden In reading old posts I came across the perfect escape that you Marilyn posted. Thank you for that "food for the soul" Kathy

Vintage1944

POSTED: Sun, 03/04/2012 - 11:17am Hello Kathy Welcome !!I agree Marilyn's garden is a dream place.Hope to hear more from you soon.OXo Jean

KATHYH

POSTED: Sun, 03/04/2012 - 6:18pm New yet not new Thank you Jean. Just trying to figure out how to hop in here. I read the book several years ago, found the website a few months ago, I come here to feed my soul. I am a recent "Weight Watcher" which is so mechanistic vs this route. I am rereading the book and ordering the cookbook. I am a true believer in our mind, body and soul affecting one another and I believe this is "the way". I have been working the 50% rule this past week and its been an amazing recalibration. Thanks again Jean for letting me know I have arrived. : )

Vintage1944

POSTED: Sun, 03/04/2012 - 7:25pm I'm so pleased.. you found a way to jump in.The mind,body,soul connection is a strong belief of mine as well.This way makes ultimate sense.Please post again soon.OXO

Vintage1944

POSTED: Sun, 06/05/2011 - 2:46pm I am so there!! How I wish I really could be there.OXO

Marilyn

POSTED: Mon, 06/06/2011 - 7:56am Moi aussi One day, Jean, one day!! xxx

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 06/06/2011 - 1:03pm Mais oui it will be.oxo

St.TropezChic

POSTED: Tue, 08/11/2009 - 1:46pm Wanderlust Bonjour, Jean et Diva! I am thoroughly enjoying and learning from your conversation. I can appreciate and relate to your strong family ties and how they've influenced your decisions. While I am extremely curious about what's out there, adore world travel, exploration, and meeting new people, no matter how far I roam, I find an indescribable joy in eventually returning to home base. I'm decidedly a "nest-er", and it probably has a lot to do with the fact that I'm a gardener: I've cultivated my little piece of Earth and put down roots. I do live with wanderlust in my soul and the desire to expand my horizons (which I do pursue), but the thought of leaving this home for good would sadden me. I had a friend who could actually fit all of her belongings into her car, and leave at a moment's notice to follow her heart (which she has been known to do). How about you, could you just pack it up in a day, and drive off into the sunset in search of your dreams? :^) Lorraine

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