I often feel worn out, even more so than usual lately. I'm bad at relaxing and usually on edge.

Whumped, whupped, and worn here, Muji. I know, when I go out on those rare occasions I do, the energy used to "shield" is just enormous... Yesterday I had to wait a while at the doc's office, and I was so tired to start, ugh!

I have no idea how to live in a more relaxed manner overall, but I am thinking of using aromatherapy---putting a bit of the scent on a shirt cuff or something, so if I feel that stress, I can just change position or brush at my face or hair, inhale the happy smell, maybe disrupt the stress. I have no idea if it works or not, but it's a thought. (I'm going to try mint, since I have only good associations. Friend of mine into crystal therapy etc. swears by her amethyst pendant and lemon, for what that's worth.)

Blessings and may your weekend be relaxing and recharging:-)

Thanks, rizen, for sharing how you feel. It's not just me.

Leo, that word "shield" does apply. Nothing was wrong, I was enjoying myself, but I had energy going to some Star Trek type of "force field" of mine, an invisible PTSD shield I carry, I guess. It drains energy from people just like it does from starships. Wouldn't mind putting that shield down for a little while more often.

Oh, those are called Segways. They go for about $7k. It's what the mall cops ride. Glad you reminded me. What a blast that was last July 4th when my friends gave me the present of spending an afternoon riding on one. After the 1 hour orientation the folks who rented them to us issued us "official' Segway driver's licences. I still have mine in my wallet, just pulled it out because you mentioned it. Segways are way cool, you're right. For those of us with fatigue and neuropathy, it's like some miraculous vehicle.

Ha! Yes it is, Lilly. And that image of George Jetson getting run over by the treadmill is an apt metaphor for feeling too tired to keep up with the modern rat race sometimes. Good one.

I didn't mention that I'm driving to a church an hour away tomorrow and giving one of my talks there. I'm pushing myself to do it. I'd rather have the day off, but I'll do it. I'm fighting off resentment, feeling these folks don't care what I'll say anyway, but I think that's just my fatigue talking. It's been a while since I've done it, and I haven't got another one on my calendar for a month, I tell myself. But I'm tired, yeah. I'm trying to think about a way to reward myself.

You wouldn't like my coping technique Muji. It's called withdrawal lol

No, I like withdrawing into a spiritual retreat. Good for the soul.

Didn't feel up to it, but pulled myself together and did a chat about PTSD at a church today. It went brilliantly. Who knew?

Suddenly I felt a lot better, being grateful.

Glad to be home now, alone, for a little retreat before teaching school tomorrow....

Rest well, wise one, and kudos to you!