I haven't exactly made it a secret around these parts that Chuck and I have struggled with living in Pittsburgh. For one thing, we're pretty darn poor and sometimes fun is expensive. We're also working all the dang time which leaves little room for a social life. Sometimes big city living is lonely.
This past weekend was especially bad. Both of us have been dealing with job-related stress lately and recurring bouts of homesickness, but this weekend, the combined mess of emotions hit its pinnacle and we slunk down into the pit o' depression. For five days I didn't work (I called out sick for 2) and during those five days, I didn't accomplish a single thing. In fact, I don't think I even left the house. Chuck was spent his time in a similarly funky mood and we confessed to each other that we felt like we were on the verge of a mental breakdown.
 |
| Oh hey there, sleepy hubby! :) |
And then today, God continued speaking to our prayers. I asked to speak with my boss first thing this morning and in the span of about 5 minutes, every single thing that had been causing me anxiety for the last few weeks was resolved! I couldn't believe how easy it was to just exercise a little courage and express my feelings. It was such a huge weight lifted!
Chuck's salvation came in the form of a phone conversation with his oldest brother. His brotherly advice led us to realize what we've known all along and have just been too dang lazy to admit: we're responsible for our own happiness. We need to start "living in the now" as Chuck's bro so wisely shared. And he is so right. So while we had our daily on-the-road phone call (while I'm driving home from work and Chuck is driving to his second job) we made a pact: Every weekend we have to leave the apartment to do one fun thing. It can be a trip to the drive-in, getting some froyo, or just going to the nearby high school to run the track or toss some frisbee.
We're taking this challenge head on because in the long run, we know it's imperative to our mental health. And to our relationship.
Plus, it definitely couldn't hurt to get some new blogging material! ;)
I've moved to new cities a couple of times and it does tend to bring you down after the newness wears off. Hang in there girlfriend.
ReplyDeletethis is such a good idea! it'll shake up the normalcy (which can be good, but y'all are also so stressed im sure it can suck sometimes) plus you'll make sweeet little memories!!
ReplyDeleteI've had to take that step before...forced fun. Remember to keep it small (like frisbee) if you have to. Every weekend doesn't have to be epic and expensive. Things will fall in place. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteSUCH a good idea. We struggle with this every summer, especially, because our salaries are not year-round and we never have any money in the summer. It is amazing, though, how many free or under $5 fun things you can find with a little research! I make a list of those places and activities at the beginning of the summer, and we hit one up any time we start feeling deprived or sad. It really helps!
ReplyDelete