i call that, "martyr mode."

how big a ladder will i need to climb up on today's cross? or? ? ? do i just snap and throw the ladder at the friggin' cross?

I use to say I was a balloon… start out with no air (happy, things going good) then every little disappointment or anger time…adds a little to the balloon… little by little it would get bigger… then eventually it would pop, and I would hurt my self really bad…. I learned that I deserved the abuse I caused myself, I did t make someone else happy, so it was my fault…

I still struggle sometimes, but my balloon hasn’t ‘popped’ in years… it gets close, but it vents a lot more safely now..

I can relate to this and had many prior years in bad jobs where I felt like a stretched rubber band about to blow. Nowadays, I feel more like an empty bucket, can't explain it more than this. I guess my "stretching" is trying to accept how my body and health and life is now and the loss of people I loved.

You’re still in a great position. I’ve snapped bunches and I may already be way beyond the point of no return. Good job for still stretching and holding it together. BIG HUG

Mid, I can for sure see how that would be so true.

Hugs!

I can relate to the ladder and cross, Arfie. It's a hard choice some days.

That image works, Notalone, I shared it with a teen, who said that's it, a balloon.

Hasty, I had someone describe the empty basket and share how it related to them with the rubber band. Here's to finding what helps!

Mel, I was told I had snapped past the point of no return-so yes, I agree with stretching just a little bit more and holding together the pieces, the ends, the leftovers,.

Carly, yes, hugs!

Hugs to all! Everyone's suggestions have helped!

Carly, yes,, hugs!
Mel, yes, hugs!
Hasty, yes, hugs!
Notalone, yes, hugs!
Arfie, yes, hugs!