‘Motivation’ is the prompt word we have for Linda’s Just Jot it January today. I would say that normally I am quite a motivated person. I know what I have to do, and can usually get stuck straight into it. I am a creature of habit and routines, so many of the mundane things I need to do are carried out on automatic pilot almost. I don’t need to think too much about it, I just get on with it.
When I took part in NaNoWriMo, I was not sure that I would be able to get the motivation to write every day in order to achieve the required word count at the end of it. It was something that I really wanted to achieve though and I wanted to keep up the enthusiasm and momentum that I had at the start of the month. I ended up setting aside a couple of hours each night purely for writing, no distractions if possible. That was my way of getting myself motivated, incorporating my writing into a routine.
Then depression sets in and it all goes out the window.
Isn’t is strange how just getting washed and dressed can seem like such a monumental task? Why bother, when it is easier to just sit around in pyjamas. Who needs to do housework? After all, it is only going to get messed up again, and everywhere is cluttered up anyway. Do I really have to go out and see people when all I want to do is stay at home and be on my own? I don’t feel like talking and smiling and ‘being nice.’ I wanted to get stuck into some sewing projects but have only had one or two days lately where I have had the oomph to get everything out and do it. I was pleased when I did make something, though. It was even a struggle getting myself to my CBT session (Cognitive behavioural therapy) as I was so anxious!
However, I still manage to find the motivation to go countless times to the kitchen and get myself a snack. I can also be sociable here in the blogosphere chatting with people and posting ‘funny’ stories and poems. I can even still play Candy Crush for a while.
Hopefully, my missing motivation will soon find its way back!
Judy, I daresay that even the best of us have these moments of flagging motivation. I have had day’s when I just want to sit in my nightie and hair net and not talk to anyone or do anything except eat cookies and having a routine has helped me a whole lot to keep my focus on such days.
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Yes, I think a routine does normally help 🙂
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I think the tricky part is when you don’t get into motion and just hang around, you get even more depressed in seeing that you did not get anything done. Can that be? So a bad circle. Judy, I just hope you know that you are so much appreciated and that you are a highlight in this blog sphere to me and to many others as well! Whenever you need a shoulder to lean on I am there!
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Thanks so much Erika. Yes it does turn into a circle, which can take a bit of time to break sometimes 🙂
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The longer it goes the harder to break out for sure! Every depression is a little different I think. I depends a lot on where it comes from.
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II agree, it varies from person to person.
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Big hugs, my dear Judy 😘
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Thank you Erika xx
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Are you coming to the Blogger Bash in June? I would love to hug you in person 💖💖💖
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Oh yes I certainly hope so! I am THRILLED that you are coming too! That has made my day! xxx
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Yes, I am so excited!!! I am looking forward to it since Ritu told me about it! So very cool to finally see all of you guys! 😀
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I can’t wait to see you all too 🙂
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This is so amazing! Woohooo!!! 😀
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I can’t imagine you needing motivation. You put my blog to shame. You’re brillo. Xxx
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Thank you, I really appreciate that xxx
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xxx
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Judy, you’re not alone in this. I always think that January should officially be written off anyway… there’s that post-Christmas comedown (possibly the credit card bills too), plus it’s dark and cold and basically not much to lift the spirits, on top of everything else. And if you don’t feel like talking and smiling and being nice online… that’s fine too. We’ll still be here.
Hugs x
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Thank you so much Al for understanding. January is a pretty grotty month as you say. I am hoping to continue feeling better as the days go by. xxx
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Take the time you need. Life is a rollarcoaster. We have ups and downs. You may be slowly coasting right now, but when you reach the peak it’ll be a hell of a ride.
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Thank you, let’s hope so! 🙂
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Well I am so impressed that you have blogged every day so far. I do empathize depression is a mean black dog. Tame him in your own you can get there we are all willing you on. xx
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Thank you Willow, that is really nice to know xx
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🙂
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I can sympathize. I also have laundry piled to the sky. I wear the same clothes. I need to vacuum, but I live in my room, who cares. This is the only room I can call my own. I need a shower too. My hair is getting noticeably dirty. I have bipolar and I am manic and can’t settle down. I just took another half a pill. Hope to settle down soon. I don’t have to be depressed to feel this way.
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Oh, I am sorry that you are not feeling too great either. I hate it when I get like this.
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Thank you! Bipolar mood swing..rapidly at times.
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Sounds dreadful. 😦
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You have no idea how bad it can be.
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No I don’t, and I am sorry that you are suffering with it.
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We will always be your motivation sis!!
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Thank you Sis xx
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😘
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Well, I can’t stay in PJ’s all day, mainly because I don’t wear any, so there’s that. I do have what appear to be days and days of lagging motiviation. For me, I think that I’m beholden to light cycles. Winter is so damned depressing!
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Ha HA! You must get cold at night!!
I agree that the cold, dark winters are pretty miserable
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lol! Yes! Frozen solid! 😉 I used to love the winter, but now find nothing redeeming about the cold and dark.
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The only thing I like about it is being warm and cosy indoors, so there is that!
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I suppose that winter does have it’s silver linings.
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Yes, that’s about it I think! 🙂
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We’ve all been there, Judy. You are to be praised for your loyalty to this blog. Writing out those thoughts can be so therapeutic, and just knowing you are not alone…priceless ! I used to get very down after the holidays. Now, it has completely changed. I dread all the frenzy of the holidays, and look forward to the peace and calm that comes after.
This may seems like a vicious cycle…but it always passes. Always. Thinking of you. With big hugs. 💖
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Thanks Van. I have to say, I am getting much better than I was, and am not lounging around in pjs at the moment I just feel a bit lacklustre at the moment, Thanks so much for your support xx
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I’m sorry the depression is lingering still.
I think it’s wonderful that you blog — there are many days you put the first smile on my face. You UK bloggers post earlier, I presume so I can take you with coffee and sunrise 😛
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It does make me happy to know that I can make you smile first thing in the morning .A lovely thought 🙂
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I do appreciate it 🙂
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Judy, I’m sorry to hear that you’re not feeling your best. This time of year is difficult and certainly doesn’t help with anxiety, etc. I read somewhere recently that Christmastime should come with a mental health warning. I totally agree, and I think we should extend the warning through March. The first three months of the year are always a challenge for me–the whole cold, dark, gloomy thing. Anyway, we all think you’re fantastic and are so glad to read your creative, witty, and humorous posts. Sending sunshine and best wishes your way! 🙂 xoxoxox
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Thanks so much Tonya. I am certainly a lot better than I was before Christmas, Hopefully, I will be back to feeling myself soon. I appreciate the sunshine that you sent me and the kind wishes. That means a lot xx
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You WILL be back to yourself soon. It sounds like you’re heading in the right direction. Just remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself–better days are on the way. I’m always around if you ever want to talk. Thinking of you! 😊💛
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Thanks so much Tonya, I appreciate that a huge amount xxx
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😘 Take care!
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Thank you xx
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Sorry to hear you’re not feeling your mojo. Hope this passes soon.
❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks Tess, me too 🙂
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Virtual hug coming your way. {{ ❤ }}
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Thankyou for the hug, much appreciated. 🙂
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You are more than welcome.
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This is me!
Judy E Martin
Hello, and thanks for stopping by. I am Judy, in my (very) early fifties and decided that life definitely gets more interesting as it goes on! I am a wife and a mum and have just finished University as a Registered Nurse, after having worked as an Associate Practitioner in the NHS. I am also a poet and the author of my debut book, 'Rhymes of the Times.' I love to laugh, and I love rhyming words too, so I joined the two together, and my book was born. I am currently working on another book in the series also. I am a prolific blogger and enjoy writing funny stories, anecdotes, and anything really that takes my fancy.
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