Lately my dog mom life has been….um, what’s a good word for it…oh yeah, challenging. That’s a good word for it. Challenging. I’ve been tired, emotional and lacking motivation. I know I put my motivation around here somewhere, right?! Right??? *Taps the microphone* Is this thing on?
This week has been a great one because I haven’t had to do much. I’ve been able to rest a lot, which is super beneficial considering how I’ve been feeling. Recently I went in for some testing and blood work because I’ve been feeling “off.” I have hypothyroidism and it seems to be acting up lately. I have flare ups but I’ve felt especially horrible recently. This week of rest has done me a ton of good.
It’s no surprise that my body has been feeling out of whack. My stepdad’s recent cancer diagnosis has been enough to knock me on my butt. I haven’t cried in about a week and that’s a record! I feel like I cried everyday for three weeks when I found out about my stepdad. Things have been rough but we’ve been getting good news here and there, so I’m coming around.
With the horrendous news last month my depression came creeping in. The hardest part about depression – for me – is the lack of motivation. I don’t want to do anything. This is where having an extremely supportive partner comes in handy. My motivation has been so lacking that for about three weeks I didn’t even want to take my dogs on walks. I wanted to sleep. Although the absence of motivation feels absolutely life threatening, Matt completely understands. He picks up my slack, especially since I feel like a horrible mom when I go through depression. Matt would take the dogs on walks and runs as well as take them to the park. Sometimes I would go, other times I would stay home and wrap myself in horrid thoughts. Have I mentioned how grateful I am for Matt? I can’t wait to marry him 🙂
The good news is, I feel better this week. Last Saturday was my best friend’s wedding and I’ve been able to catch up on life since then. I actually feel like blogging again and I took Wynston out to the Riparian Preserve yesterday. Matt and I had our wonderful engagement photo session on Wednesday and it was fantastic. We will see the photos in a couple of weeks and I’ll be sharing them when they are ready!
I misplaced my motivation, but I seem to be finding it again. This weekend Matt and I are taking the dogs up to Payson for some relaxing time away. The weather will be beautiful and we could all really use the getaway.
In the meantime, I’m super pumped about a few giveaways I’m doing this month! They are definitely helping bring some motivation back because I’m really exciting about them. I know all of my readers will love the giveaways, so stay tuned!
Anyways, do you ever find yourself in a rut and lacking motivation?
Sabina says
As a fellow suffer of chronic depression and no thyroid at all (it was removed) motivation is a constant battle. The only reason I get up some mornings and go to work is that without work I would have no money and no money means homeless and hungry cats – not to mention me!! But I have learned over time that depression and no motivation comes and goes in waves and in time my world will be better. Enjoy the down time – you deserve it!!!
Amanda says
You are SO right Sabina! I think motivation comes and goes for people without depression, it just may be worse for those of us who do suffer from depression. It does take time and your world WILL be better! Thanks for hanging in there with me! xoxo
Lauren Miller says
I can completely relate to this!! ((hugs)) You’re definitely not alone!
At least our dogs don’t mind! Phoenix is always up for extra snuggles when I feel like that. Lately, I’ve been in a pretty serious slump and if it wasn’t for the training classes my dog is in, I probably wouldn’t be doing anything with them right now.
Amanda says
Hugs to you too, Lauren. I’m ever so slowly coming out of my funk. The good news is, we DO come out of it, sometimes it just takes longer than we want! I’m here if you need to talk because as you can see, I completely understand.
Robbi Hess says
This is great insight and a great reminder to everyone that sometimes you just need to take a day — or more — off and recharge your batteries. I find that when I force myself to take time off I come back with renewed vigor and motivation. Thankfully for us pet lovers, we have our companions to comfort us and help us through the rough spots.
Amanda says
I’m really bad at taking days off but lately I’ve had to, otherwise I’m going to go nuts! I’m glad I’m starting to feel better and I’m on the right track again 🙂