Escape

carolboz - how are things today? Have you managed to come up with any ideas to ease your burdens? I do think that the idea of the sea is a good one - there is something restful about a quiet place by the sea - it is so vast that it puts everything else into perspective. I have a CD of sounds of the seashore which I have transferred to my iPod and listen to in bed sometimes. I also have one of the dawn chorus.

Perhaps a retreat near the sea would be a good combinatio.

I once went to Iona, a peaceful island off Scotland's west coast. It is dominated by the abbey where the community is full of kindness and the wonderful white beaches contribute to the calm atmosphere.http://www.welcometoiona.com/index.php?id=125

Take care

luckygirl you make such a good point, we cannot escape from our own lives.
It's very sad though, the responsibilities in many of our lives weigh so heavily. There's no way we could escape them though without hurting those we love.
carolboz I have no answers for you, sorry, at least you have found us now.

When this feeling comes, as it does from time to time, if I can I go to Tenby in Wales. It's been my 'special place', my running away place, for over 40 years. Of course it gets busy now but there are quiet places with beautiful views. If the season and weather allows a day on Caldey Island sorts me. Is there somewhere you could go for just a little while that would give you some breathing space and allow life to settle a bit? Of course it doesn't change anything practical but I think, relax, clear my mind and come back stronger. Won't work for all of course, hope you find your way. Good thoughts from other posters, hope one resonates with you.

I have a Buddhist friend who goes on so many retreats that I sometimes wonder if she is retreating from the retreats!!

Sometimes even short breaks are very useful. When did you last have a break or a holiday?

I only recently got to know a Buddhist well and he is now a close friend (play ukulele with him) He goes on retreats several times a year and they sound very relaxing, give you a chance to evaluate what is important in life. I suspect they would welcome everyone even if you are not Buddhist.

*GandT is right of course - he knows of what he speaks. And so do I. We cannot escape from our own lives; we have to find ways of living them to the best of our ability.

All I can say is that things do change with time; life moves on and what seems insoluble now will change.

You could see your GP to get things properly assessed - it would I think be a wise thing to do.

Hello carolboz
is it possible for you book in to a Retreat.
A close family member did this when she was going through a bad time
The one she chose was a Buddhist retreat. (There are other types)
She had the space and quietness to think through her life and the issues that were troubling her.
She used the time to assess what she felt was wrong in her life.
She has since made some big changes.
And also some small changes that have turned out to be just as important as the big ones

I think she has found peace and is now more in control of her life.
Good luck

Carplboz, I understand how you feel, get like that from time to time, but luckily I have a family that supports me. Please, please, talk about your problems, either to friends and family or on here, you will find plenty of emphatic ears. If you think your problem is depression, which if there is no obvious cause, could well be the case, seek medical advice, doctors are well versed in how to help.

You sound very hopeless and if you are overwhelmed by life in general then I think that's understandable.

Phoenix is right , just a little more info would help .

If you feel you can't share any more info , are you a list maker ? Maybe writing it all down might help you with some clarity ?

carolboz hard to advise without a bit more info, I had a lightbulb moment some years ago, and walked away from my then husband.

I think many people, if they're honest, feel like walking away, I have read incredible stories on here and the honesty and bravery of some people make me feel very humble. And, as Mums and Grans, we tend to stand and be counted!