Topic Posted by: mabel smith
Date Posted: Sun Mar 2 11:33:57 2008
Additional Comments: I'm not in trouble with the law, just tired of family hassles. I would love to go somewhere far away, and have no phone, just be anonymous.
Posted by: fee Date posted: Thu Mar 20 20:03:50 2008
Message: Once when my kids drove my totally up the wall, I told them I was running away, and started to do it! It scared them into good behaviour for a week! I think I would have done it, too, if they hadn't straightened up!
Posted by: Babyducks Date posted: Tue Mar 11 10:34:31 2008
Message: Mabel, let me just say that I think it's perfectly normal to feel the way you do. When my mom was terminal, I wished I could run away and leave everything behind. I didn't want to know anything, I would just make myself believe that she was cured and everything was okay again. Of course, I couldn't or wouldn't do that..I had young children and a husband, it was just a daydream that helped me get through the day.
Posted by: maggimae Date posted: Sat Mar 8 13:55:40 2008
Message:
Hi Mabel,
Definitely go, if even for the day. We live about 150 miles from Vegas and in the past I would go up once in a while by myself for a day or two. When I got in the car, I just felt like shouting, "Free at last!" And back then my life was not all that stressful. The lure of Vegas has faded, and my husband is having health problems so I don't like to leave him alone, but I still plan to have a little time to myself.
Also, I like Janie's ideas of talking to someone. It's good to get things off your chest.
Posted by: Deb Date posted: Fri Mar 7 15:19:41 2008
Message: I just had to add that I also understand how you feel. We've been dealing with my father-in-law having pancreatic cancer, my mother-in-law has lupus and my parents are just getting to the point that they don't need to be living by themselves. In fact, they were in a nursing home for a little over a month and then decided they wanted to be back home. Between my dad and my FIL, I feel like I can't do anything right. (Long story) Anyway, seems like you've had some good advice.....take care and know that you are not alone in the way you feel. eom
Posted by: mabel smith Date posted: Tue Mar 4 22:15:12 2008
Message: I appreciate all of your responses so much!
Posted by: Roxie Date posted: Mon Mar 3 22:56:36 2008
Message: Mabel, I know exactly how you feel! And I have done that in a small fashion once. I was feeling overwhelmed and depressed and needed a time-out, so I packed a bag and left for 3 days. I only went 2 towns away. I couldn't afford to go ''far away''. But I got a motel room and read, chilled, watched TV and talked to no one! I just mostly tried to get my thoughts in order and enjoy some alone time away from everyone. It helped me immensely! Just a short break from the demands of everyday life and people. I think it saved me from a breakdown at the time and I came home feeling brand new and ready to tackle life again. I think I'm about ready to do it again!! Stress can really overwhelm us sometimes. We all need a break at times!!
Posted by: Tosca Date posted: Mon Mar 3 19:15:34 2008
Message:
I've done it, kind of. I have made an effort to get together with girlfriends for a long weekend at least once a year. When I'm with them, I feel like I'm in an alternate universe, far from the responsibilities of being a wife, mother and grandmother. We laugh as hard as we did 35 years ago when we went to college together. It's extremely theraputic.
When my kids were young and I was visibly strung out (usually on a weekend) my husband would say to me, "GO" . I'd say "Where?" and he said "Anywhere. Go to the mall. Go for a walk. Go to a movie but don't come back for 4 hours. I'll take care of the kids and dinner". I love that guy!
Now, I will often go for a drive to someplace I've never been and spend the day, alone. It might be a museum in another town, or a quaint shopping village, or gardens. Spending the day by myself is usually all I need to get through another week or two.
Posted by: Janie Date posted: Mon Mar 3 13:33:04 2008
Message: Whenever I have felt that way, I have gone for a long walk around a lake or other pleasant place and I've always felt better afterwards. Sometimes getting out of town for a vacation helps to change your perspective on things and they don't look quite as bleak when you return. I am also a firm believer in talking things over with a trusted friend, spiritual leader, or psychotherapist. They can help you put things into perspective. I hope that you can find a way to feel better about whatever situation family hassles you are dealing with. Also any kind of physical exercise is a great stress reliever as it releases endorphins (natural happiness hormones) in your brain. Prayers and positive thoughts to you. :)
Posted by: Sammie Date posted: Mon Mar 3 12:38:18 2008
Message: Mabel, I have thought that many times. Simply run away and tell no one where you are going. Just be by myself for awhile and relax and meditate. Do things you want to do, when you want. My family would never understand me wanting to do that, but I have sure thought of it.
Posted by: muffin Date posted: Sun Mar 2 12:05:45 2008
Message: sounds like you need a vacation. it is possible to get away for awhile, if you don't have any responsibilities or children to take care of. but, if you have kids, i wouldn't just take off unless you know they are well taken care of.
