http://mrg.bz/60M4Kt
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“Leave me alone!”
I’m overwhelmed and don’t know how to handle this.
“Leave me alone!”
The things I’m feeling are so negative and seem out of control. I might say or do something that hurts you.
“Leave me alone.”
The things I have to say are not “nice” and I’m questioning everything. I won’t be satisified with any answer that comes too quickly or dismisses the grueling wrestling match I’m in right now.
“Leave me alone.”
Everything takes huge effort right now and I don’t have it in me to return your phone call or go out and about with you.
I feel so isolated in my own thoughts and so mired in this place I can’t talk or think about anything else. I’m terrible company. I want to see you but I can’t pretend I’m my normal self.
“Leave me alone.”
Please tell me there’s a point at which this will lessen without me betraying the love for someone that makes this so difficult. Please tell me I’ll eventually be able to hold the memory of this person in my mind without feeling such pain. Please tell me that feeling less pain doesn’t indicate a loss of love.
“Leave me alone.”
Can I be this undone in front of you? If I do, will you leave me to figure it out all alone? If there’s a formula, I want to know it. If there’s a shortcut, I’m buying the map. It seems like I’m supposed to be doing something differently, or I wouldn’t feel so bad. I’m knocked over by how hard this is, and I’m freaked out I about what the future will be like. Will I ever regain my footing?
“Please don’t leave me alone.”
Please don’t leave me alone.
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This is a link-up with Kate Motaung and Five Minute Friday. Today’s prompt is “Leave” and the understanding is that people set a timer, write for five minutes and then share their post. It’s writing for the fun of it, with minimal editing or stressing out about getting everything just perfect. You can read other Five Minute Friday posts here.
Question time: when you’re in a hard spot, do you prefer to be left alone or do you invite people in? Which do you think is more beneficial to your emotional state? If you’re the one trying to support another person, how do you know when to leave them alone and when you need to barge in? I’ll be curious to hear your responses.
Excellent questions you post, my friend. During my caregiver journey, I wanted people around me who knew when to shut up and just sit and be there (physical presence–I was in no mood for chatting). I wanted people who would come clean my house or bring me a meal so I could rest a little–I didn’t want to ‘visit’. When my husband started down the road to recover (it was a torturous journey to get on that road), I wanted someone to recognize that I was burned out and needed help returning to ‘normal’. As an introvert, I was never able to really articulate all of these things at the time. Hopefully, though my experience I’ve learned to come alongside of someone in pain and I constantly pray for the Holy Spirit to guide my actions and filter my words.
I relate to what you said, especially the idea of it being hard to “visit” and just needing someone to be there. I’m glad your husband started recovering and you found yourself in a position to support others. I’m sure you learned so much on your journey, and can now offer wisdom and help to others, especially since you lean on the Holy Spirit to help in that. Thank you for coming by today.
Hi FMF neighbor! I just got your comment on my blog. Thanks! Nice to meet you!
I enjoyed your post. I agree that usually our desire during hard times is for help and support, but we often don’t know how to let others in and so it’s easier to just say “leave me alone!”A good reminder to be there for those who are hurting! Thanks for sharing!
I love you T. Thanks for giving all of us your heart.
I was given this advice recently – it’s better to over step by showing that you care than to give someone space to grieve and they mistake this for you not caring.
You have been heard, TC. Fair warning about barely containable thoughts and feelings is accepted by those who will stay and not go. Love knows when to offer unfailing presence.
Your journey is uniquely yours. What you are going through now is sacred. I pray that you and anyone whose journey takes them down their dark road may draw on the constant, irrevocable, respectful presence of a loving friend. I believe the one whose loss you grieve would call that “incarnational.” Expect no less.
Grace and Peace to you and all the family.