Ughhh I feel this one. That moment when you realize your body has been tracking the whole room long before your mind catches up. I’ve had that happen at large gatherings where everything looks picture perfect, but something inside me starts humming like a tuning fork. It’s wild how fast the shift happens. One minute you’re laughing with a plate in your hand, the next you’re counting the exits and checking in with the part of you that wants a quiet corner.
Reading your story made me think about how often I’ve mistaken that early warning signal for moodiness or overthinking. You made it feel more human here, like a sign of an inner compass that still works, even when the room is loud.
I’ll never forget that moment when I stood up and said in my own words that the party was over. and I hope this piece reflects the confusion of conflicting emotions existing all at once.
For going on fifteen years, when I wake up my daughters in the morning I say, “you’re so precious” before saying “I love you.” Just said it this morning and will tomorrow too. 😍
Relatable, the holiday season used to wipe me out completely. It used to be days and days in a row of gatherings and I would wonder why I was feeling so exhausted. I know better now and, like you, I space out my social interactions to a level where I can actually enjoy them. I see it this way: by spacing them out I can actually be present for other people as well, I can actually be there for them.
Ughhh I feel this one. That moment when you realize your body has been tracking the whole room long before your mind catches up. I’ve had that happen at large gatherings where everything looks picture perfect, but something inside me starts humming like a tuning fork. It’s wild how fast the shift happens. One minute you’re laughing with a plate in your hand, the next you’re counting the exits and checking in with the part of you that wants a quiet corner.
Reading your story made me think about how often I’ve mistaken that early warning signal for moodiness or overthinking. You made it feel more human here, like a sign of an inner compass that still works, even when the room is loud.
I’ll never forget that moment when I stood up and said in my own words that the party was over. and I hope this piece reflects the confusion of conflicting emotions existing all at once.
“This year I’m trying something different.
We are having Thanksgiving dinner, just the two of us.”
Tending to yourself, Teri.
Beautiful. ❤️
Tending. That word will always be more precious to me now.
Me too. ❤️. And I love the word precious.
For going on fifteen years, when I wake up my daughters in the morning I say, “you’re so precious” before saying “I love you.” Just said it this morning and will tomorrow too. 😍
Cheers to a chill holiday season 🥂. Grateful for like-minded community during this time of year.
Relatable, the holiday season used to wipe me out completely. It used to be days and days in a row of gatherings and I would wonder why I was feeling so exhausted. I know better now and, like you, I space out my social interactions to a level where I can actually enjoy them. I see it this way: by spacing them out I can actually be present for other people as well, I can actually be there for them.
What great inspiration. Softness and self care.
Oh no! I hope Bet recovers quickly and this offers you both some really great cuddle time in this dark season of the year!