I briefly touched upon being a bit of a recluse in Monday's outfit post. I've felt incredibly lethargic (a combination of not eating properly, low iron stores and negative feelings) and to be totally honest, scared of the outside world.
It got to the point where I broke down in tears, terrified that I was slipping back into my previous, more poorly ways. Doug's lovely solution was to take me out for an afternoon, to show me that the world wasn't such a scary place.
We walked down to one of my favourite local cafes, Grounded, and had lunch and shared a brownie. I treated myself to my favourite Fentimans drink - rose lemonade - yum!
On the walk back, we snooped around every charity shop, and I bought some lovely striped things (including a Laura Ashley dress, score!) and a nice plain black bag. We also took silly photos with some old cheesy records in the YMCA shop. We took a quick detour through the new play park, and laughed our heads off on the swing.
When I got home I felt proud of myself for spending a couple of hours out and about, happy with my charity shop purchases, and just an all-round sense of contentment. It also gave me the drive to go to a vintage fair and the confidence to go to a blogger meet over the weekend!
It can be so easy to hide inside your safe place when everything feels a bit scary, but it just doesn't help. At all. The fears of what might happen outside are generally hypothetical things. There are lots of lovely things & people out there, and I need to do things like this more often to remind myself.
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you're so right! you gotta get out and keep busy :) glad you're feeling better lovely
ReplyDeleteEmma | Em & Them
I'm so pleased Doug took you out and that you managed to turn the day around. You deserve all the smiles, beautiful lady.
ReplyDeleteAlso, 1) those are some fetching album covers right there and 2) YES TO SWINGS :D
That's awesome you got the chance to get out of the house. Thanks to Doug! :)
ReplyDeleteJes | Naturally Jes
I'm so happy Doug knew just what to do to make you feel better! I LOVE the photos you guys took. Going out is definitely very important, and I need to do so more myself. ^-^
ReplyDeleteWell done Lyzi :) I do get really complacent in my own company. I was absolutely terrified to go to the Bristol blogger meet at the weekend, so much so that I'd pushed it to the back of my mind and forgot about it until after it had happened. I'm sad that I didn't make the effort to go! x
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this Lyzi. So sweet of Doug to take you out and slowly reintroduce you to outside goings-on. I'm a bit of a habit hibernater and then when it comes to being back outside and having to attempt everyday life again, it's a tough call, right? xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it was the perfect outing for breaking the hermit habit! I try to do similar things when feeling reclusive and anxious-small steps in a local, familiar area. I also try to just socialise with people I feel really comfortable and safe with for a couple of weeks-unfortunately at times like that even a slightly sarky comment can knock me back into extreme anxiety. I'm glad your nice afternoon spurred you on to do other things :) Your outfit looks lovely by the way! Also now I miss Bristol. x
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. I've been having one of 'those' weeks, but I think after reading this I'm going to go for a long stroll with my dog and see if getting outside will help me like it did you.
ReplyDeleteYour day looks like a good way of getting you back into the swing of things! Really want some of that rose lemonade.
♥
Jayde | iamjayde.co.uk
Sounds like it ended up being a lovely little outing!! I love these photos and that swing looks like it was so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with this, so nice to find another blogger with anxiety. Thanks for all your blogposts on the topic! x
ReplyDeleteAha! Your record photos are amazing :D
ReplyDeleteAlso kudos for sharing - takes courage xx
Sounds like a fun day out - go you! ^.^ xx
ReplyDeletehttp://peanutbutterandmussels.wordpress.com/
Yay, on getting yourself out there Lyzi! Sometimes taking those first few steps is the hardest and scariest part of all, but it looks like it was definitely worth it and you had a wonderful day! x
ReplyDeleteholljc.blogspot.co.uk
Well done for getting out and about :) it can be so hard to do sometimes. Sounds like a lovely afternoon! xx
ReplyDeleteD Is For...
I have this issue too, since I do not work and the weather has been shitty this past winter there were times where I did not leave the house for almost two weeks!
ReplyDeleteWell done for getting out, I know how you feel though my reasons are a little different. I have two young children and I often sit and wonder if its worth the effort, getting them all ready etc. Do I deal with their strops and terrible 2's indoors or out? lol...
ReplyDeleteLove those rope/tyre swings btw!! So much more fun than a normal swing hehe xx
Www.itsalwaysdarkestbeforethedawn1.blogspot.co.uk
P.S Im running a competition to win a canvas over on my blog which goes live in the next hour for anyone interested. x
I have had the same problem with being kind of a hermit and anxiety as well. I am glad you shared your story with everyone. It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one and it is absolutely something you one can get over! Thank you for sharing! And you look great in your photos!
ReplyDeleteKrystal
http://www.moorekrystal.wordpress.com
I'm glad you shared this sounds like me right now and you're right avoiding doesn't work so you've inspired me to just go out tomorrow, even for a walk it's better than not going out at all hey! Thank you for sharing as it really does help people feel like they're not alone, especially me right now! x
ReplyDeletenotanotheroneamy.blogspot.com
I'm glad you had a fun day out - sometimes just working up to stepping outside is the hardest part. It isn't easy, particularly during winter, to get the motivation to go outside unnecessarily, but spring is on the way so hopefully that will help x
ReplyDeletethese are the best kinds of days out where you don't spend a fortune but have a nice day out.
ReplyDeleteStevie
VintageAndVans
I know how it feel to be scared of the outside world, I do my best to avoid weekends out but it's always worth it in the end, Doug's so cute looking out for you. <3
ReplyDeleteguesswhathollie.blogspot.co.uk
You're a brave little munchkin! You're absolutely right - sometimes you just have to force yourself into situations where you're uncomfortable, it helps :) glad you're feeling better pet! xxx Claire at Jazzpad
ReplyDeleteCompletely true. I know when I'm having a bad day and all I want to do is stay in bed, that going out for a little walk will help. I love being outdoors and feeling as though I am away from it all but sometimes the world is just too scary and I'm just to demotivated. It's important to always challenge these feelings and try to get out when you are having a bad day - It's just the walk from the bed to the front door that is the scary part.
ReplyDelete~ K
bluehairinbelgium.blogspot.be
Lovely post!! Inspired me to wake up tomorrow and go outside! :) x
ReplyDelete