Our coping toolbox 🧰

[Shaz51]

I used to do jigsaw puzzles all the time @Delicatessen , @Dimity , @Paperdaisy 

500 pieces,  1000 pieces 

[Former-Member]

Hello, hello

I just did some food prep - new year's change. Used to cook as I went along and it was okay - just giving this a go now to minimise "micro decisions."

[amber22]

Good afternoon everyone! @Shaz51 @Former-Member @Delicatessen @Dimity 

[LooneyToones]

@Judi9877 @This resonates with me as well. You don’t have any distractions I presume?  I have a number of hobbies but I can’t seem to get involved in any at this particular time. I know it will pass though. Enjoy your coping strategy 😊

[Delicatessen]

Hi Everyone

It’s early days but I do believe a celebration is in order.  I had to share.

Subsequent to the talked-about jigsaw, which is still proudly housed and checked out at the dining room table…

I’ve started to read a biography on one the earliest thinkers around libertarian socialism. Do NOT request an overview of the thinking -  still early days into reading. The person in question wrote from 1780s onwards. Apart from being taken by their incredible use of language, I am enjoying taking in the writings of someone who was unafraid of stating their point of view. It’s wonderful. I can’t put it down. 

And then there’s the cross stitch that I’ve picked up again. I’d forgotten how cross-eyed you become! I’m so out of practice and it’s taking me a little while to get into it. Really enjoying it even though I’ve made some mistakes.

The real celebration is that, again, my self-talk is minimal. No sudden panics and sharp emotion attacks from nowhere. No rage attacks. Very happy.

[Judi9877]

Hi @Delicatessen! I’m so glad and happy for you that you’ve rediscovered cross stitching and reading again! I’m glad you’re enjoying your book! What are you cross stitching? 

I personally have done both of these in the past - I came across cross stitching in the early years of my mental illness journey and really enjoyed it but I’ve since stopped long ago and would love to get back into it. I’ve got a few kits to do including a sloth bookmark kit I got from Big W on clearance last year so I may just get back into it thanks to you bringing the hobby up again. As for reading, I’m slowly trying to get back into this as well by limiting my phone time and setting a goal to read each night before bed. My current book is called “Rachel’s Holiday” and I’m trying to finish it so I can read the next instalment of the book titled “Again, Rachel” by the same author. I’ve also got several other books I’ve purchased over the past year to read as well once I’m finished them. Slow and steady for me, I think, is the best plan!

As for the self talk and rage attacks, great news on that front and definitely deserving of celebrating⭐️! You really have come a long way!

Take care!

Judi9877☺️💐

[Dimity]

@Delicatessen @Judi9877 you've set me thinking. I used to love reading and cross stitch - I have old unfinished projects  as well as some chicken scratch and needlepoint. I definitely need to limit my phone time and read more. I'll just need to set up the lighting and refind my magnifiers. Who's the author you're reading @Delicatessen ?

I'm also easing myself back into the garden. I bought some kitchen herbs that need planting out.

[Judi9877]

Hi there @Dimity @Former-Member @Delicatessen @Shaz51 @LooneyToones @tyme and all forumites here. I hope you’re travelling well! 

Just popping in to let you know that I started a cross stitch kit last night whilst listening to the tennis on TV. You really inspired me @Delicatessen so thank you! It’s a sloth bookmark kit I purchased at Big W last year and I set a goal of completing 1 sloth last night which I was able to achieve so that’s an accomplishment on my behalf. I had forgotten how relaxing the craft could be so I really enjoyed myself. See photos below!

 

 

I’ve since found a few other kits as well so maybe I’ll do another 1 instead of working on my knitting for a change? I’m not sure!

Take care!

Judi9877☺️💐

[Dimity]

I love your sloths @Judi9877. And I'm glad you're enjoying it. I remember doing needlepoint used to calm me.

Plus you'll have a really nice gift for yourself or a friend. 

I think most of my projects must be stashed in a wardrobe. I do have a pink mohair scarf to finish, and a small crochet rug needing the ends darned in.

[Delicatessen]

Hi @Dimity the person I’m reading about is called William Godwin. He was the first prophet in the social philosophy of libertarian socialism.