tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post2073326850553963732..comments2024-02-28T01:27:13.996+00:00Comments on Just Call Me Ruby: New Year IntrospectionJust call me Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-23525195719966659392016-01-08T15:16:36.898+00:002016-01-08T15:16:36.898+00:00A brave post, Susan. Familiar territory. There are...A brave post, Susan. Familiar territory. There are a number of strategies you can employ, any and all will begin to reverse the spiral into negativity and start the opposite, positive cycle working for you instead. I'm sure you're getting plenty of advice, but if you need a further sounding board, do get in touch. XxxScrapianahttp://www.scrapiana.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-50694938262510552952016-01-08T13:59:24.480+00:002016-01-08T13:59:24.480+00:00Sorry to jump on the end of this, but there's ...Sorry to jump on the end of this, but there's a fantastic app I've recently discovered called Headspace which has a 10mins a day meditation to work through. It's really useful and I've found it a bit easier to incorporate into my day. After seeing the discussion above I wanted to recommend this in case you'd not already heard of it and might find it helpful.<br /><br />I wish you all the best, just take your time and look after yourself first. Everything else will wait until you are ready. <br /><br />Emma xEmmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03114556681297088959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-57905275544074070942016-01-07T00:04:11.111+00:002016-01-07T00:04:11.111+00:00Susan. Maybe hugging a sheep would help. I suggest...Susan. Maybe hugging a sheep would help. I suggest Lucy. Our thoughts are with you and Gavin. Xxx. Sue and Martinsusanpwilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06455909110970774359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-79227226455885171292016-01-05T20:36:40.754+00:002016-01-05T20:36:40.754+00:00Dear Susan,
You are really brave to post this and ...Dear Susan,<br />You are really brave to post this and ask us for advise. <br />One day I realised that my thoughts like: I'm doing everything wrong, are just signs of stress, and that means: they are not true! When that happens again, sometimes I can manage to meet these thoughts as a signal, and as something I can better take serious, but not something I must believe.Mariëttehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05407705648852781055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-50457080021360588782016-01-05T17:24:15.977+00:002016-01-05T17:24:15.977+00:00Dear Susan, I thought I would check in on your blo...Dear Susan, I thought I would check in on your blog today....thank you for having the courage to share your difficulties with us. All that you went through with the weather and the farm is already an awful lot to deal with, and completely out of your control. Then top that off with an exciting, ambitious project coming close to its' end, and no wonder you are having a hard time! As everyone else writes, I am happy to wait for the book's appearance in its' own sweet time, after you are rested and well and the farm is back on its feet. What you have created already is inspiration to keep me going on for a long time as it is. By sharing yourself so openly with us, it is truly a gift to us,because in response your readers are also opening their hearts with you and each other, which supports us all, and really, it changes the world in a good way for everyone. earthtonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00915558476166998649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-3641616613745315532016-01-05T13:46:51.742+00:002016-01-05T13:46:51.742+00:00Dear Susan, thank you for your post and I hope you...Dear Susan, thank you for your post and I hope you know that you have lots of friends in this country and in others, whether they be face to face friends who feature daily in your life or people who follow your work and life on the internet. There are a multitude of people who are looking forward to reading your Shetland book but certainly don't want it to cause you all this anxiety. How about forcing yourself to have a couple of days off, get lots of rest both physical and mental, cook something nutritious and do something you really want to but haven't had chance to amidst all the work - whether it be catching up with a friend over coffee, a read in a hot bath, watching old movies in the afternoon, knitting a small project just for your or whatever takes your fancy. Then when you do go back to work write a realistic 'to do' list that you can tick off and achieve, rather than the 'finish the whole project in a week' type we are all wont to do. Two good things to remember, the first being ... it's just a book. A potentially extremely good book but, at the end of the day, it's just a book. No-one's going to die if it's published late or hasn't got a photo in you really wanted. If you need help I'm a Professional Member of the Society of Editors and Proofreaders and would be happy to proof the book for free if another pair of eyes would help. The second is that tomorrow is another day. Life never stays the same and just because today may be awful it doesn't mean that tomorrow will be. When I'm in so much pain that I don't even want to knit or read that thought really helps me. It gives me hope x<br />A Woolly Yarnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-55560298531170835772016-01-04T21:46:50.411+00:002016-01-04T21:46:50.411+00:00Dear Susan, Shetland knitting and your lovely new...Dear Susan, Shetland knitting and your lovely new book can just hang on a little while. We all know it will come and we are all happy to wait so that you can enjoy it Do enjoy knitting little pretty whatevers, if something makes you smile unexpectedly give it your whole attention. It is brightening the day. The pursuit of perfection is exhausting for you and you loved ones, no matter how much they all understand, share the good things with them as well. You will climb out of that gorge, I am almost out myself, there is a good path lit by small bright moments. Keep looking.<br />suewheel@rocketmail.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-72714715393963284342016-01-04T20:46:32.381+00:002016-01-04T20:46:32.381+00:00Thank you - I think in a day or so I'll be rea...Thank you - I think in a day or so I'll be ready for something 'else' to work on creatively. For today its mindless garter stitch :) xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-4915675399915427472016-01-04T20:29:27.785+00:002016-01-04T20:29:27.785+00:00Thank you so much June. I doubt anyone knows bette...Thank you so much June. I doubt anyone knows better than you about putting every piece of yourself into a book! I appreciate your comment so much. Its very hard to give yourself permission to slow down a little xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-79421151364582740522016-01-04T20:23:10.517+00:002016-01-04T20:23:10.517+00:00You're so right. Writing the post has felt inc...You're so right. Writing the post has felt incredibly cathartic and I'm hopeful I'll soon be on the mend xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-6905205692393305392016-01-04T20:21:48.926+00:002016-01-04T20:21:48.926+00:00Thank you Carol. I realised today that the blog po...Thank you Carol. I realised today that the blog post was the best bit of writing that I've done in a while so I must be on the mend :) xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-63478585762918793162016-01-04T20:20:07.439+00:002016-01-04T20:20:07.439+00:00Thank you so much Quinn, I have a terrible habit o...Thank you so much Quinn, I have a terrible habit of neglecting myself when busy so will most definitely try to incorporate this into my day, xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-88767095833953611512016-01-04T20:17:53.624+00:002016-01-04T20:17:53.624+00:00Thank you so much Liz, I think your suggestion of ...Thank you so much Liz, I think your suggestion of small manageable buts is a great idea. It will hopefully help with the feeling of being overwhelmed. Still feeling ill and unbelievably tired but I do feel like I'm turning a corner :) xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-34869860813745272292016-01-04T20:12:01.448+00:002016-01-04T20:12:01.448+00:00Thank you so much Lieke. Please do take care of yo...Thank you so much Lieke. Please do take care of yourself. My daughter didn't sleep for the first 2 years of her life so I completely understand how hard juggling motherhood and work can be xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-67414608433091665442016-01-04T20:09:10.420+00:002016-01-04T20:09:10.420+00:00Thank you so much for the suggestion. I shall be i...Thank you so much for the suggestion. I shall be investigating her tomorrow xxJust call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-34955901788389081552016-01-04T20:08:16.613+00:002016-01-04T20:08:16.613+00:00Thank you Mim, it means a lot to know people have ...Thank you Mim, it means a lot to know people have faith in me, even if right at this moment I lack thaf faith myself - I'm sure I'll start to feel better after some rest xx Just call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-81361118824807150432016-01-04T20:07:53.726+00:002016-01-04T20:07:53.726+00:00Dear Susan, thank you so much for sharing your inn...Dear Susan, thank you so much for sharing your innermost thoughts. It must have taken a huge amount of courage to write your blog, and I feel honoured to have been able to read it this morning. From my tiniest glimpse into your life, I am shocked at how many problems you have endured as a hillside sheep farmer, one after another, they have been relentless. But you have overcome each one in turn, and the latest flooding problems will resolve themselves and your home will be back to normal again. Maybe not immediately but it will happen. As for your career as a knitwear designer and historian, you are simply amazing! I am in awe of you. If your book is a little late, it doesn't matter, we can wait, nobody will mind, and it will be fabulous. Self-doubt is a heavy burden to carry, and you need to find some ways to lessen that burden. There have been some useful suggestions, but if mediation is a step too far at the moment then every day look in the mirror and tell yourself, that you are beautiful, clever and successful. In other words learn to love yourself. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and I have travelled a hard road ever since. The biggest change was learning that my family and friends love me for me, not for what I can do or look like. I am starting to write a blog as one of my mechanisms for coping with relentless treatment, and a poor outlook, your blogs have helped me free myself a little to write, so thank you. You have had a very hard year, but you are not alone, you too have family and friends who love you, and you have us - all your fans - who support you, care for you, and are with you every step of the way. LizLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03673149974846399205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-59412627953399699202016-01-04T20:05:18.034+00:002016-01-04T20:05:18.034+00:00Thank you - I'll remember your advice :)Thank you - I'll remember your advice :)Just call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-50185484733378657302016-01-04T20:04:32.008+00:002016-01-04T20:04:32.008+00:00Thank you - I'll remember your advice :)Thank you - I'll remember your advice :)Just call me Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900845943945737063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-86136955420274413152016-01-04T20:02:49.143+00:002016-01-04T20:02:49.143+00:00Dear Susan, thank you so much for sharing your inn...Dear Susan, thank you so much for sharing your innermost thoughts. It must have taken a huge amount of courage to write your blog, and I feel honoured to have been able to read it this morning. From my tiniest glimpse into your life, I am shocked at how many problems you have endured as a hillside sheep farmer, one after another, they have been relentless. But you have overcome each one in turn, and the latest flooding problems will resolve themselves and your home will be back to normal again. Maybe not immediately but it will happen. As for your career as a knitwear designer and historian, you are simply amazing! I am in awe of you. If your book is a little late, it doesn't matter, we can wait, nobody will mind, and it will be fabulous. Self-doubt is a heavy burden to carry, and you need to find some ways to lessen that burden. There have been some useful suggestions, but if mediation is a step too far at the moment then every day look in the mirror and tell yourself, that you are beautiful, clever and successful. In other words learn to love yourself. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and I have travelled a hard road ever since. The biggest change was learning that my family and friends love me for me, not for what I can do or look like. I am starting to write a blog as one of my mechanisms for coping with relentless treatment, and a poor outlook, your blogs have helped me free myself a little to write, so thank you. You have had a very hard year, but you are not alone, you too have family and friends who love you, and you have us - all your fans - who support you, care for you, and are with you every step of the way. LizLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03673149974846399205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-3788327906510566042016-01-04T18:39:00.336+00:002016-01-04T18:39:00.336+00:00I find the fact that you want to and like to knit ...I find the fact that you want to and like to knit means that you are dedicated, strong and have it in you to finish. That may sound funny.... I loved beading, I opened an Etsy bead store, I have done well and still do.. carry tons of pretty inspiring colours of beads.. But do I still bead? no. not at all. Overload.. passion killed.. I don't think it will ever be renewed. I have a friend that opened a yarn store and although loves the store, no longer really knits. <br /><br /> Overload can do a lot to people, and in many ways. You still have a burning passion.. that will carry you though the mud and come out clean :) Go knit something so redundant, so not you, like a stuffed eel or hideous pot holder .. just know that you will be ok. Vallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06697337304960366677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-54396963296677318212016-01-04T17:40:24.811+00:002016-01-04T17:40:24.811+00:00Thank you for writing this. It is reassuring for m...Thank you for writing this. It is reassuring for me to hear others are as wracked as I become at the thought of 'failure'. There is no one easy answer but by taking time to nourish yourself and just be, you will get the strength to climb out the canyon. Rhiannon xRhiannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06551501185923792777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-70135634437456096462016-01-04T10:06:55.481+00:002016-01-04T10:06:55.481+00:00Dear Susan, first of all let me say that I do not ...Dear Susan, first of all let me say that I do not think anyone will be disappointed in the book, however you feel about it. What I've seen so far in the prerelease is enough in itself. Instead of feeling pressured, feel assured that we in the knitting community all love your work and you, and whatever is there will be gratefully received. Perfectionism is a crippling disease and one I've learned more or less to cope with as an editor - I'm just resigned to the fact that there will always some blemish/mistake, and that that´s ok.<br /><br />Second of all, this will sound really trite but actually yoga and meditation helps me a lot. During stressful times I try to do one or two sets a day at home, with a cd, and I can literally feel my body&mind slow down and become balanced and focussed. I practice MediYoga which is a very soft form of Kundalini Yoga, and which is specifically developed to reduce stress & anxiety.Elsahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10881404301229185909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-89078124265622820452016-01-04T08:45:26.246+00:002016-01-04T08:45:26.246+00:00Firstly I should say It will get better, you will...Firstly I should say It will get better, you will begin the climb out. You have done it before and you recognise that. Also you have help, not with everything from one source but with most things from all over the place. But then I have to say that I could have written every word myself, about the feelings, not the physical failings of the infrastructure,. I don't have an ancient farm at once a joy and at the same time a terrible worry, my surroundings are safer, urban and I don't have the publishing success or affection of yarn wranglers, I just wish for it. But at this time of year, the feelings of inadequacy, the frantic need to get things done, the feeling of time running through my fingers, and all of it piling in as I assemble my thoughts on waking, struggling to breathe through a heavy head cold? I've got it. Thank you for putting all those feelings so well. My hopes for you and all of us... dry weather, some sunshine even, time for work and time to just be and most of all to arrive at that moment, the second you wake when you feel happy, light, and optimisticCatherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06744601510746298605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35036043.post-24238409441215479552016-01-03T20:14:06.656+00:002016-01-03T20:14:06.656+00:00I am so sorry to hear of your struggles Susan we a...I am so sorry to hear of your struggles Susan we are often so hard on ourselves harder than anyone else would be with us! I can only relate what you are going through to the anxiety I started experiencing last year as a reaction to all the pressures I had been through over the last four years culminating with the loss of my mum. Even admitting I wasn't coping felt like a failure but the biggest step forward is talking about how you are feeling you will be amazed at how much support there is out there and how many other ppl have been through it. It's important you take some time for yourself just to focus on the here and now focus on the simple things it really helps �� xxJennifer Smithnoreply@blogger.com