just letting off steam, hope you don't mind
Watch this postI am new to this site, thank you for allowing me to join. I am just turned 57. I was advised to let off steam to stangers so here goes.
I am working as a care home manager, have done this work for 20 years. This year has been tough. My youngest son left home (empty nest syndrome), my best friend died of cancer and COVID hit our care homes.
A tough time to say the least. I feel ....well I don't know how I feel. sad, lonely, desperate at times and also proud that I have coped, that I have worked 11 hour days to keep my care home free from the virus.
Lockdown has taken its tole, people have suffered, folks have dedicated themselves. I am exhausted. I have had no time for myself. I am done.
Please don't think I am acting "OH woe is me" I really am not. I have just had a tough time and have opened up to someone who said to me if you can't speak to someone you know speak to a stranger it helps.
So I have done just that. Tomorrow I will return to work with a smile on my face and will be the proverble swan, gliding gracefully on the surface, paddling frantically below.
Thank you for allowing me to join your group, I am normally very positive and will be from now on.
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Really good to talk to strangers but honestly you are fully justified to be having a rant try also thumping a pillow to get rid of your anger and frustration.
I have done both in the past when I was a support worker and I wasn't coping with Covid.
We know we should be positive but sometimes situations are overwhelming and just getting through each day is enough.
Try and book a break you need something to look forward to some time for yourself to relax and unwind.Take Care.
That’s funny.
No, not the stress you are under, that’s obviously isn’t funny. But the part where you wrote:
“... gliding gracefully on the surface, paddling frantically below. “
The image somehow suddenly caused me to let out a laughter because it is so true. Aren’t we all guilty of trying to look like we are in control when the reality we are all stressed.
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Thank you.
I wasn’t planning to respond to Louise at first. I had planned to feel my way around first before posting anything. But Louise’s post really made me let out a laughter when it triggered an imagery of a swan, calm on the surface but paddling furiously below. Kind of like what I am doing too.
A lot of people have found the past months challenging for all sorts of reasons. Just know that you are doing a great job. Hope you are feeling better today.
Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.
If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.
If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.
Life seems to have been hard for you recently and it’s not surprising that you need to vent. I hope that you are feeling better having got it off your chest. Perhaps now you need to take some time out to do something for YOU even it is only for a short time each day. Got your hair done, have a pampering session, go out for a coffee or meal, go to the gym, go for a walk or whatever it is that makes you feel good. Or how about doing something silly at work - like a silly walk as John Cleese used to do, or get a Tickling Stick like Ken Dodd used. I am sure the residents and staff would enjoy that too!
Also make plans to do something in the future, like a holiday or short break, or what about a Spa weekend? I hope that you stay well and in the words or Sir Tom Moore “tomorrow will be a good day”.
I hope very much you have a smile on your face today and tomorrow,knowing you have given so much of yourself.