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Welcome to the Leadership21 blog, an ongoing conversation on mental health, civil rights and social justice. Posting on the blog are twelve young mental health advocates who comprise the L21 commitee, and anything goes--the personal, the political, the cultural, whatever! We hope that you'll check out what's here, and make some comments, and please know that if you're concerned about anonymity, you can comment anonymously. We hope that what you read, and what you contribute, will make you want to return regularly, because to our knowledge, there really isn't anything out there that has the potential to engage people on so many levels about mental health. But we need "outsiders" like you to make it grow into a robust, contagious online blog. So thanks for coming, welcome to the conversation, and please, pass it on--L21

Monday, October 8, 2007

The struggle goes on

I've been struggling this weekend. The sort of sadness that you recognize as having the potential to lead to something deeper. Mornings where I'd rather stay in bed then get up. Afternoons where I want to watch movies instead of going out. The desire to lose myself in sad music. I think a lot of us have been there.

It's a three day weekend for me, so I can afford to lose myself a little--but only a little. I can't let that sense of exhaustion overurle me because tomorrow morning, I know I will have to get up when my alarm goes off and use whatever core of strength I've got to propel myself to my front door, out into the world, to work. And I know how much energy it will seem to take to do it, but I know I will do it anyway.

I find myself in awe of you who I know struggle sometimes like I do and work for yourselves. If you didn't leave your apt, there'd be no one to answer to. And yet, Lizzie, Ross, Anastasia, Alison, you keep working everyday, for yourselves, rolling the ball forward up the hill. I admire all of your strength.

3 comments:

Lizzie Simon said...

I'm sorry you're feeling lousy-when you work for yourself you can hide out more easily-but do you think you're becoming depressed? What steps would you take if you were? As for today, I suggest that you do something really nice for yourself--maybe get a massage? Or take a walk somewhere pretty? Hire someone to clean your apartment? Something really nice. You deserve it.

anastasia said...

I remember once passing a group of construction workers while riding a bus and then starting to tremble with anxiety. How did they all manage to get to the site and get to work and keep their jobs without falling apart? I admire your honesty, and the clarity with which you describe such a complicated set of feelings. The fact that you're showing up for work, for life, etc -- is gigantic. I think Lizzie's ideas are great, though. Manage time in small increments. What would the ultimate caretaker do for you? Maybe do one of those things for yourself. Reward youself for fighting invisible dragons.

Lauren said...

Inspire Yourself. I have faith in you! : )