If you would have told me four years ago and that I could come to a place and write down my feelings and receive support from people all over--most of whom I have never laid actual eyes on--I would have laughed. I wasn't one of 'those people.' But writing is therapeutic for me, reading your comments is therapeutic for me. If I had kept everything that I have poured out here, and on my old blog, in my head...well, I can't even imagine what might have happened. I might have ended up in a nice soft padded room somewhere post meltdown.
The other thing that saves me? Exercise. It saves my sanity and (sort of) my waistline because I do love to eat. Today I went for another long trail run--I used my handy dandy Iphone app to GPS track my 6+ miles-- all by my lonesome as the Mr. is at a work conference. But a trail run in weather like we've been having...I sometimes don't see how I can ever run on the road again. This is what I was looking at today, just me and the trail, the trees, the sky, the hills...
This is the creek we saw yesterday, where I saw the Dads playing with their babies.
What saves you, besides blogging?
Chocolate? :-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I think I'd have to say connecting IRL with some others who have gone/are going through the same thing, and friends who "get it" even though they haven't been through it.
Oh, and travel. At one particularly low point, on the way home from an RE appointment, I told R to just keep driving until we got to the ocean (about 6 hours). We didn't quite do that, but we did go home, pack up, called our bosses to say that we wouldn't be in for a few days, and left for the trip the next day. (Which we could get away with because it was the day after Christmas and we had the vacation time, even though we hadn't planned to use it then.)
So glad you are feeling better. Interesting point about where we would all be if these thoughts stayed inside of us, what did the world do without blogs???!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you get such relief from running. I am big exerciser too and it helps me so much, especially my spin classes, I love them. I think this is why cycling is so hard, with all the exercise restrictions. Great post :)
P.S. You are adorable.
Jersey Shore saves me.
ReplyDeleteAnd baking/cooking for friends.
And red wine.
And sometimes running.
And blogs like this.
So glad you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteTV
I enjoy looking at beautiful things outside - like green grass, colorful flowers, produce at the Farmers Market, the water, clear skies, my fish in my pond, and rainbows. I also swim. Helping and giving advice to others makes me feel good. Researching on the internet and getting people great things at great prices is also really good. I also enjoy reading The Economist. Knowing that so many other people are also going through crap is also helpful. Getting to know you and reading your blog has been very nice.
ReplyDeleteT
And I love puzzles too - like Sudoku - the best thing about the local newspaper.
ReplyDeleteT
Running definitely saves me! I can relax on an easy day, tear up the track to release tension, attempt to solve whatever may be irking me during a long run, ... The possibilities are endless!
ReplyDeleteI also like to savor the simple things in life: walking the dog, watching the leaves blow on the trees, having an impromptu picnic in the front yard, etc... And of course the support of good friends, including those I have yet to meet face to face :) So glad you are feeling better! And I am so jealous of your awesome running trails!!
Besides the on-off blogging I do, the *single most important thing* that has saved me is meeting and connecting me with the other wonderful ladies (and their DHs) who are going through or who have been through the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI just started attending in-person infertility support groups again, and it's really healing for me in different ways. There are always others who get it, really really get it. And these days, attending now as an "IVF Veteran" I can offer helpful info to others based on my experiences and the experiences of others I've met in person or through their blogs.
I attended my 1st in-person support group over 2 years ago and still have wonderful friends that I meet up with. Some now parents, some not, but all who "get it".
Glad you have your exercise outlet. And can't wait for the day you are dipping your baby's toes in that stream!
Cooking. Cozy time with my DH and kitty. Being quiet.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better, and those pics are lovely - I'd run if surrounded by that too! Well...maybe I would. :)
So happy that you're feeling better! That creek is gorgeous & hopefully in the not too distant future you'll be playing with your daughter there.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't until I moved away from Austin after college that I really appreciated how gorgeous it is there.
T.
So glad you're feeling better! That's great news.
ReplyDeleteFor me... whi|le I was waiting, it was crafty stuff - making jewellery and sewing. Now, it's... ummmmmmm..... .I'll let you know if I ever figure it out!
Baking.
ReplyDeleteCooking.
Reading a good trashy Victorian romance novel (real guilty pleasure here)
Dancing with the Stars
I wish I could say exercise of any sort but I can't!
What saved me the most at my lowest point was connecting to all of you through Blog land and finding that there were others like me and there were others who were going through the same thing. Like you said, I've never met so many of you guys but I no longer felt so horribly alone anymore.
I am SO glad you're feeling better!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... things that save me...
Friends
laughter
yoga
watching clouds disappear
Sleeping
Pumpkin pie
Dark chocolate...anything!!
I never could have imagined finding so much support from people I have never met.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted a pic of the creek. I was telling my husband about your post and the image of your Mr. LC dipping little toes in that same creek some day very soon. I love thinking about that... for you, for me, for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI really, really believe no one deserves to be parents more than you guys. I look forward to the day, because I know it's coming.
xoxo,
Erin
(former blogger who got too tired) :)
Besides blogging? Well, I'd have to say my husband saves me. He never complains about driving me 2+ hours to appointments or about what they "make him do" in that little room. (Wait, he does complain that "those rooms" need white noise machines.) He even goes to acupuncture with me :) I've seen very bad behavior from other husbands in the waiting rooms, so I know I am one lucky girl to have someone who understands the enormity of what we are trying to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better about things. Great pictures!
Just in general, keeping busy--whether it be visiting family/friends, cooking, walking our doggies, watching movies, or gardening. The ability to stay busy has saved my sanity in recent months. I'm glad running and blogging provide outlets for you!
ReplyDeleteit's exercising for me, too! i can feel the stress and confusion melt away along with the sweat that is pouring out of me. it has always been that for me. i played all kinds of sports and always felt that when i was exercising it was time for my brain and my body to synchronize. i bet it's been the same for you. it's a lot better for you than those other bad habits! also, cooking and gardening are other ones for me. and i forgot to mention chocolate. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're feeling better. It's great you're doing all the exercise- you're going to need that stamina when you get your little one home!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley ~
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you remember me or not but you were my first cycle buddy on daily strength my profile name was:(angela48111).
I haven't spoken to you in a long time but understand you are now looking into adoption.
So happy to hear that!
I wanted to share our adoption video with you.
"http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=9a9d5cfdfd3758a5188cd8"
Hope clicking on the link worked.
E-mail me if you have the chance: scottco@comcast.net
Thanks!
Angela
Climbing/exercise, chocolate, and nature, not necessarily in that order! You look great!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I really do hope you turn off your anonymous comments. So not worth the cowards who write hurtful things. And it has nothing to do with you.
What a lovely post. Exercise is a good one. Nothing clears my head like a good jog. Music is also a big contributor. And venting to my hubby, he's pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteBut since IF seems to be the main reason I even need to be "saved" these days, I'd have to say that meeting up with local IFer's is paramount. Those ladies are amazing, I don't know that I'd be as strong as I am without them.