Did You Ever Get Stuck On A Roof?
May 27, 2008
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For the last couple of weeks or so, I’ve been stuck on the roof. Not the actual roof of my house - it’s far too cold here in the North of England. The roof I’ve been on is more of a metaphorical one.
When things get too much, I go up on the roof - I cut myself off from the world. I don’t speak to anyone, I don’t reply to emails and I don’t write. During that time, I don’t think about my problems either - I shut them out.
This isn’t the greatest way to cope when things go wrong, but how we deal with things isn’t important. It’s understanding how and why we do it thats important.
Even I know that I’ll eventually have to get back off the roof and deal with things but my time there gives me a bit of space.
Thanks to everyone who has emailed me or called over the last couple of weeks - I will reply eventually. And for those of you who asked if my absence was due to reactions from a post I wrote about StumbleUpon - the answer is no. I’ve been around too long to worry about what people say about me on the Internet and if I cared, I wouldn’t write some of the stuff I do.
And I’m grateful to everyone who has carried on reading while I’ve been away - I’ve had 48030 unique visitors this month so far and I appreciate you taking the time to read what I have to say.
What do you do when too many problems mount up at once? Do you get stuck on the roof, or do you have a better way of dealing with them?
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19 Responses to “Did You Ever Get Stuck On A Roof?”
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That’s an interesting question and one I’ve never really considered. I think when I get really overwhelmed, I cry. I realize some may see this as a weakness, but I don’t. Sometimes, it all just gets to be too much and a good cry allows me to wash away some of the stress. I guess, in a way, I’ve taken control and dealt with it by acknowledging it. Once I’ve had my cry I feel more prepared to deal with the problem. Sometimes, I take some time to myself to veg out in front of the t.v. or computer so I can clear my mind and relax. I guess that’s the main point, I need to relax, get rid of what’s not important so I can look at the real issue and deal with it.
Debbie Yost’s last blog post..Memes, Awards and Potter, Oh My!
My coping strategy used to be to burrow, to hide from the world (quite literally on some days - I’d hide under the duvet!). It took a good few years to emerge from that cocoon, but emerge I did!
I used to bottle everything up until the dark clouds rolled in and my heart was so heavy that I couldn’t move. Now, I see the value in a good cry… it’s not a storm deluge, more like a cleansing summer shower that leaves everything much more sparkly in its wake
Mags | Woo-Woo Wisdom’s last blog post..Ask Mags: The Spiritual Life Or The Simple Life?
Hello my friend,
It’s good to know you’re okay. I was worried about you.
It doesn’t surprise me that your blog continues to get tons of readers. Your blog has so many value based posts it’s become a terrific resource for those looking for business advice.
When things get overwhelming, I pray a lot. That always seems to put things into perspective.
Catherine, It’s great to have you back. I missed you.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..NBOTW Teaches Simplicity
I think I left my brain on the roof all last month. I was there, but not really. I wrote, but not really. I hope I’m coming out of it now.
Glad to see you back!
Good to see you back.
On the roof or in the cave or wherever — my way of dealing with people in that state is to leave them alone just as long as they want to. Because I’d appreciate it when that happens to me.
So really, welcome back.
Akemi - Yes to Me’s last blog post..If I have to work for an idiot, I may as well work for myself: Tony Lawrence
I’ve been there before. On that roof. So I can totally identify with you Catherine. Like Barbara, I did miss you too, noticing the lack of posts. I used to hide like you just did.
But since that really didn’t work (at least for me it didn’t) I had to find other ways to tackle the onslaught. What I found is that now I’m best of just to keep going and trying to minimize the problem that sent me there in the first place.
The funny thing is that it used to be procrastination which made hiding out on the roof only worse.
Hopefully you can find your own solution to whatever sent you there.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Networking - Freelance Writing Guide
Seems fine to me.
I tend to just carry on when things get bad. But i hold it all in too much and keep it to myself.
I usually go to pieces eventually though!
The roof sound like a good place to be. When you’ve re-charged your batteries you can spread your wings and fly off ino the sunset.
Just don’t jump!
Ian Denny’s last blog post..Deliberately Displease People For Better Results
Hi Cath,
I get stuck on the roof sometimes myself. I think we all do, to some degree.
That’s why I wrote myself that little note that I stuck up on the mirror in my bathroom. To chase myself down off the roof…
We’ve missed you for sure, and you’ve not been forgotten.
-Brett
Brett Legree’s last blog post..practice what you preach.
Hello Cath,
Sorry to hear about your problems, if I can help please let me know, I doubt I can, but I will listen.
Anyway when I have problems, I tend to walk away from what ever is causing them, feeling very low, but after an hour, a day or what ever it takes, come back positive and strong, 9 times out of 10 it works. If I have a really bad day then I can be like you and just shut down.
Regards.
jsanderz’s last blog post..16 Inspirational Portrait Photography Techniques
My problem with heading to the roof is the temptation to JUMP!
You gotta do what you gotta do. If the roof is the environment you need to sort things out… then take your time there!!!
Thanks for letting us (your RSS subscribers) know what’s up!
Kathy’s last blog post..Domain Names, Keywords and Blogging
I was worried about you Catherine. I’m glad to see you’re ok - to some extent.
My wife has a favorite quote she always reminds me of: “If God brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it.” I’m Christian, hope you don’t mind.
My favorite quote, however, was when Einstein said: “If I had to do it over again I’d have been a plumber.”
Hmm, what do I do when it all builds up? I usually just get quiet, drink a little, and carry on with life. As the father of two young children I have no choice.
Take the time you need for a break. I’ll keep your link in my RSS and wish you the best.
John Hoff - eVentureBiz’s last blog post..3 Sentences, Post 1: Marketing
@ Debbie and Mags - crying sounds like it could be therapeutic. I think it is something I probably don’t do enough.
@ Barbara - thanks - I know you were worried. Praying is also a good idea.
@ MM - Glad you’re feeling better.
@ Akemi - Thanks and thank you for the email offer. It came at just the right time - will get back to you.
@ Monika - Your way sounds like a good one to try.
@ Ian - Don’t worry - definitely no jumping.
@ Brett - the note on the mirror sounds like a good idea.
@ Jeff - Thanks. Walking away for a few hours sounds much better than shutting down completely.
@ Kathy - Thanks. Trouble is I don’t sort anything out while I’m there, which is v bad.
@ John - those are good quotes. Am struggling to imagine Einstein being a plumber though.
Glad to hear your ‘voice’; I was a bit worried. I retreat too when life gets tough, and sometimes I even piss off out of the country for 5-6 months!
In Spain now and having great time, but wi-fi access has been harder to come by than expected so must shoot off now and do a post.
Take care.
Kel x
Kelly@SHE-POWER’s last blog post..Lessons Learned on the Way to Barcelona
Great to see you back online Cath. I’ve been checking your blog and twitter account a couple times a week to see if there were any updates.
I’ll be sending about “positive vibes” for you. Whatever you may be going through, please know that you have a loyal & loving community of readers who appreciate all you do for us.
much aloha,
sterling
Hi Sterling - Thank you. I think the positive vibes are working because I feel a whole heap better already this morning.
Hi Catherine,
I’m so happy you’re feeling better. I sure enjoyed seeing you comment on my blog again, I have missed you.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Those Are Fighting Words
Hi Barbara - Thanks. Am slowly getting back into things again.
Howdy,
I just realized I hadn’t seen anything come thru from you via my blogreader and checked up on your site. Sometimes taking a break on the roof is a very wise thing indeed…..glad you’re getting back into things again!
Have a virtual gourmet breakfast on me.
http://tinyurl.com/5ywto9
Best wishes,
Barbara
Barbara Ling’s last blog post..Special Balloon Delivery to Joanna Young!
Thanks for sharing. I hope you do come down soon. Good luck.
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