Friday, July 13, 2012

Mentally Fatigued

Do you ever just feel like your brain can't hold one more thing? One more demand on your thoughts. One more problem to deal with. Friends I am just mentally spent. Life just has so many demands on us and then it just keeps handing you more. Now, I am probably just whining and thankfully nothing major to worry about. Just always these constant pulls on our thoughts.


Aging inlaws, so much paperwork in life, letters telling you your financial identity may have been compromised due to one transaction I made like seven years ago. Really? So many forces and things just constantly demand so much thought and follow up. My mother never had to deal with day to day demands of paperwork and things constantly needed sorting out that we must face today and she ran my dad's business and books.


I truly think it causes mental fatigue. Physically I feel great. Have been eating healthy since vacation ended and getting some much needed deep cleaning done around here. Doing the daily tasks like caring for the chickens is a release to me. A time when I don't have to think about the other things. Sadly, we cannot just sweep them under the rug and calls must be made and copies must be sent and care taken with concerns that have to be dealt with.


When I was a kid I loved to run and get the mail. Many days we had none. Now you never have that. It is constant, the bombardment on our homes and lives. The number of sales calls has lead me to unplug my phone even. I cannot stand one more. What happen to the do not call list? Did they sell it too and now it is the call every ten minutes list?  So as I sip some coffee this morning planning my day, I just really wish a magic broom would come and take all these extra cares away. Of course that won't happen but I sure wish it would. Thankfully we have a place to ask these questions and share these concerns. You are all a source of encouragement and inspiration that I am so thankful for.

Linking to:
Potpourri Friday
The Charm of Home

35 comments:

  1. Elaine, it sounds like you and your hubby NEED that little get away to Santa Fe. Hope it happens. I can relate to all the unwanted phone calls. We get them morning, noon, and night now, on our home phone as well as our cell. Do Not Call List ~ what happened?
    Hope life eases up a bit for you. Take care .......Sarah

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  2. Your plate is full right now, so many things to take care of. The identity thing is the worst. sorry. You have the support of your loving family and that is such a great blessing. One day at a time.
    blessings to you.

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  3. There's been times in my life like that for sure, really overwhelming. I try, desperately, to eliminate every single thing I can, from opening mail over the trash can to getting rid of the house phone. Now they've found my cell phone # and call me on that :( Yep, Do Not Call is now a joke. Isn't it heavenly when you're on vacation and no one expects anything major from you, a time to just let your mind rest? So hard to come back to reality. Speaking of which, I need to do some major paperwork for settling my uncle's will, so let me get to it now and get it over with. Hugs ~ Mary

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  4. I so hear you! Between dealing with a bunch of medical bills that our insurance supposedly covers but isn't -- they keep saying they aren't coded properly, the providers all say they have coded them like the insurance wants and I don't know what "I" am supposed to do about it all! -- launching a daughter to college, starting homeschool high school with another this fall -- and I have spent all week arguing with the admins of our homeschooling online Message Board that we need a specific section on the Board for resources and activities for teens because they are getting lost in the zillions of posts aimed at 6-10 year olds so the folks with older families aren't even coming around anymore . . . .

    Yes, it's high time for chai time!

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  5. Elaine, I hear you. I think what has been physically wrong with me has been partly exhaustion. I just cannot be all things to all people. As women managing a home there are so many variables it is truly dizzying. Venting always helps. If I can cut off all noise and read I can find peace or garden but with the heat there has been no gardening. hugs,olive

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  6. I rarely answer my home phone unless I recognize the number on caller ID. Otherwise I let the answering service get it. I figure if it's important, they will leave a message and I can call them back. OR, just for fun, I'll answer it and if it's somebody who shouldn't be wasting my time, I'll set the phone on the counter and walk away. Hehe...... Hugs!

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  7. We got rid of our home phone...but now, they (whoever they are) call our cell. They don't leave a message...so I don't answer...
    I hear you about the pressures...and we need to talk about them at times. Got any chocolate in the house...I find that helps!!

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  8. All the things that were supposed to make our lives easier seem to have merely complicated it. I'm simplifying my personal life to compensate for the things that are beyond my control. Telling it to the chickens really does help, doesn't it! ~ Maureen

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  9. My beautiful friend, I just want to send a hug from the heart and tell you that you are special and loved. I too have the same struggles and I hope knowing that you are not alone helps. One day and one thing at a time.......love ya!

    Debbie

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  10. I know exactly what you mean. It seems to get harder and harder when you thought it would get easier and easier!! The inbetween stage when you have married children and gradndchildren to be concerned about and older parents is extra hard I think! Enjoy your holiday and try to let go of all your responsibilities for a while. Joan

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  11. well it sounds like you are a bit over whelmed and rightly so, time for a break, I feel so bad, i wish there was something someone could do to help, take care,

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  12. Elaine - I am so sorry that you are having to face all this stress. It's tough and words can't help but you do have any support I can give. Take care, J.

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  13. I've unplugged my phone too. It's been off for a couple of months. It's funny to think when we were little people dropped in unannounced, the phone rang without caller id or an answering machine and we were glad for the exchange. Today, it seems every ring of the phone or the doorbell is a demand or a request or a responsibility. Getting away would be good. Taking a break can do wonders. I hope you get everything taken care of and behind you.
    Liz

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  14. All I can say is Amen. Hear you and I so agree. Hugs, Marty

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  15. I am overwhelmed much easier the older I get. I used to be a fabulous multi-tasker and now I'm not. Truly understand!

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  16. You said so well what I feel most everyday! I can relate to almost all of the issues that you have mentioned. Aging parents, paper work...yep, lots of it. We too got rid of our land line about a year ago. I don't miss it one bit! But, at times and today matter of fact I do get a number that calls and I don't recognize, so I don't answer. They still find you! But, you don' t have to answer and I like that!

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  17. i say tear up the "to do list". remember to relax. but i hear ya. it constantly changes. there is always something to be done. i say they need to narrow down the mail delivery days it would save the po so much money. we just don't get enough mail every day that is worth them wasting the time. you have to find the time to hide. take a break ... run to the store or whatever it maybe. you have to do it for yourself. big hugs. enjoy your weekend. (:

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  18. I know exactly where you are coming from.. I think we all do. Take a chill day.. if you can. Find a stream and go rock hopping! Ive been trying to keep busy... dont' want to sit still because I don't what to think about smoking or the other things that are going on. Sheeesh! Time for a cup of coffee, a slice of coconut cream pie and my big brother live feeds. : )
    Have a peacefull evening and calm sweet simple Saturday!!!!

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  19. Oh Elaine, I hear you. It is always something. I do hope though, that there isn't anything terribly wrong. I will be saying a prayer for your burdens.
    So, can you and Q come to swim on the 17th?
    XO Kris

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  20. I can so relate, Elaine. Sometimes the demands on our time and everything we are constantly bombarded with is maddening! Your line about the "call every ten minutes list" made me laugh ~ laughter is such a great stress reliever. Hang in there ~ it will get better!!

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  21. I am so thankful for 'caller ID' on my phone. I never answer a call unless it's a name I recognize. But I do understand your frustration with the constant interruption of sales calls. It's so annoying.

    Hope you get a break and can get away from it all for a while. We all need our batteries recharged once in a while. :-)

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  22. Yup...I can relate. You know I think you might be able to get a hold of the Post Office and tell them to stop sending the junk mail. I have thought about it many times. I end up throwing away so much trash because of junk mailings...I haven't even asked for. Hah! Take a deep breath, and a cool bath like your chickens. I will keep ya in prayer. Hugs, Mica

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  23. so sorry your feeling over whelmed. The only advice is to take a few minutes of me time.
    wishing you a better day.
    Cathy

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  24. Thank goodness for cute chickens, eh?!
    I know how you feel.
    Modern life..it just gets too much at times!
    Hope you get some space to relax and breathe slowly today, Elaine.
    blessings..Trish xx

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  25. I know what you mean. I am taking a little break myself from alot of things for a while.

    I agree with the do not call list. I am on it, but I am getting more calls than ever. They are getting around it saying they are doing a survey or you won something.

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  26. Elaine -- I know EXACTLY what you're saying. i know we cannot sweep things away but sometimes it is great to take a break from it -- a day of reading or whatever quiet activity that centers you in your world.

    Take gentle care my friend -- I agree that life simply isn't so simple anymore :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  27. Elaine, I have somewhat similar circumstances. Sometimes things and people can drive your crazy. The sheer stress of it all takes a toll on you. I know from first hand experience. This comment form would not hold all that goes on around here. I will say this to you people care, I care and hope that you will find a way to not let these day to day happenings that disrupt life get a hold on you. I know easier said than done...Give them to God really give the problems to God...there is my problem I do that and then take them back...enjoy your days and learn from my mistakes don't let it take over....Strive for peace in your life...Have a cup of tea on me..thinking of you.

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  28. I have been there. I think mental fatigue is a good way to describe it. Sometimes you just a little alone time. Maybe a drive to the beach for a few hours if the girls can watch Q? Sometimes we have to force life to be still for a minute or two. Take care my friend. Patty

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  29. Elaine I am right there with you. I have total mental burn out right now. We have accepted an offer on the house and now hopefully will get through inspections and closing. So much to think about in addition to other personal matters that just sap my strength some days. We have decided to totally relax this weekend, do no chores and use our last day pass at Disney on Sunday for a few hours. Pretend to be lighthearted tourists!

    My blog gives me a place to go and talk on and on and I try to focus on the positive aspects in it - that helps me stay more upbeat.

    Hope all that is on your shoulders lightens soon and that you have such a wonderful family (and the chickens) to keep your spirits up. Ann

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  30. Elaine my friend, you have just described my own life perfectly! I have been looking after my Mom and Dad throughout my Dad's battle with Alzheimer's. He's been gone for two years, but I still look after everything for my Mom who now has macular degeneration. My husband and I own a contracting business and I still design interiors. The phone rings morning till night. So much responsibility. I broke down in tears the other night wondering how to manage it all. My advice is to lean on your faith and your family. Do what needs to be done and learn to know what can be delegated. Take good care of yourself because you are important too. Contact me whenever you get too frustrated. I'll always be here to listen!!

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  31. It is so easy to get mentally fatigued, and physically as well. Managing aging parents and children can be draining. I too wonder about that do not call list. Seems there are more than ever!

    Have faith, sweet Elaine. Take care of yourself.

    So happy you shared this at Potpourri Friday! !

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  32. I'm with you- There is always SO MUCH going on that it is hard to relax, isn't it? I hope you get some real YOU TIME soon. Blessings- xo Diana

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  33. I started using "catalog choice", the free service to limit my junk catalogs I got. What a difference! It took about 3 months, but it virtually eliminated all the junk mail. I HATE those sales calls too! Get some rest, be kind to yourself :) Maybe unplug the house for a day or two!

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  34. Hi..when I get down and have too much weight on my shoulders I pamper myself...I go to Barnes n Noble and get myself A WHITE CHOCOLATE MOCHA...and I sit and look through books...then I walk on down the mall to bath n Body and I buy myself some new shower gels and lotions...and anything else I see...then come home and just relax putting on my new lotions...its heavenly!! try it!! Carol

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  35. I know what you mean. The calls and the junk mail drive me crazy too. The paper piles are ridiculous and it's killing too many trees to boot!

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