©2021 Michael Raven
Recall those life events things with respect to interruptions that might occur with NaNoWriMo? On schedule, one arrived and, frankly, I don’t know if I have the energy to continue writing the tale I started a few days ago.
My life seems to move from one crisis to another crisis anymore. I often wonder why I bother getting up in the morning, to be honest, when faced with the likelihood that, if I am not currently experiencing some crisis, one is more apt than not to show itself within the next day or week. It wasn’t always like this, but it seems to have accelerated this past few years — whether it is the world at large, fate working, or my own admitted tendency towards idiocy.
I’ll accept the blame. Might as well. I’m certain the blame has already been cast my direction for most of the recent of a myriad crises, anyway. It usually does, no matter the situation, so I’ve given up trying to advocate for myself.
The past few weeks (maybe months), I’ve been teetering on the cusp of falling off a cliff. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit suicide or “better off dead” wasn’t in my mind more than it wasn’t. Mostly, I’m tired of the continuous crisis mode I’ve been in. If it isn’t me going through some trouble, it is someone else around me going through their own, or an unexpected and unlikely death of a pet, or any number of major fixes that need to occur when you own your home that like to show up when you don’t need or want them to show up, or coworkers with unreasonable expectations, or this, or that… It doesn’t matter — the important thing is that something is always going wrong lately. And, I feel guilty for reaching out aside from some anonymous post under an assumed name to the world at large which couldn’t give two shits about my troubles. And, even then, fearful of how it will be interpreted by someone who doesn’t know what is up (or maybe does), makes me hold back in what I do reveal.
Today culminated in another climax in the shitstorm of my life and I nearly found the courage to end it all. Surprised? My guess is most of you will remain unsurprised, while others will skim this and not notice what I just said (and hit a star on the way in through the out door), while a very tiny percentage will actually be shocked.
I told you: I’m tired AF. I don’t want to continue to be under these kinds of constant stressors, strains, and finding new reasons to doubt my worth. I’d rather stop living.
Luckily, I recalled someone who didn’t have a stake in the crisis who once offered to lend me an ear if I ever hit a breaking point. So I contacted that person and was surprised I really was worth that ear on loan. I didn’t get into the details of my situation, just the broad overview of a rough situational thing that went along with the broader fatigue of the past lifetime or two. I was told to soldier on. “It’s about to get better. Believe me.” No judgment, although one might have been given, perhaps even deserved, considering the situation itself, even as described in the most vague of terms. And honestly, it might have been just cracking the door in on a deep secret that I haven’t been able to share that helped with the building pressure and stress. I came down a bit from that cliff, decided to sit this one out for more than a few hours. That person who listened — just fucking listened without value judgment — probably saved a life today. How insane is that? We’ll see if it sticks because I’m not gonna lie — I don’t think I’m through the proverbial woods entirely. Or at all. But, as it is with my alcoholism, one day at a time. Right? Right?!?
I don’t know.
I don’t know.
But I don’t think I can write that story anymore. It was probably not going to end well anyway.
sceadugenga 
I don’t like to give this a star but it does deserve one. This is occurring in my life with a few people around me. I am their ear. Your ear probably gave you pause long enough to take another deep breath. Evidence? This post. More evidence? if you acknowledge that you read my comment. I wish we as a society were more open to mental health that gets too many beatings due to various causes. And, I wish I was around to take you for a walk. You need not say anything. We just walk. Or sit and have a drink. In your mind, take that walk with me.
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Thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate the thoughts.
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Drop the story and look after yourself. That should be your only focus now.
Look after yourself.
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Trying to. Even I shouldn’t have too much trouble managing that for a short while.
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Hey Michael, I really appreciate these types of posts from you. Though you may see them in one light, for those of us reading, it actually offers a beacon of light. See, many of us struggle with many of the same thoughts and though our details may be different, we struggle nonetheless. Then someone like you comes along and just lays (most of) it all out and there’s a glimmer. Thank you for that, even if it’s unintentional.
And for what it is (or is not) worth, I’m glad you took a couple steps back from the edge. You are cared about.
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I’m glad if, by virtue of camaraderie, my posts along these lines make it easier for other people (such as you) to cope with their own demons. If so, sharing how I feel is worth all apparent risk some people might feel I am assuming by doing so. Even better if, by my sharing, someone takes a step back before they even get to the brink. At least I will have done something worthwhile with this life, even if I never know I did it.
It is always worth something to hear someone express caring, and I thank you for doing so. May your own demons find someone else to haunt and give you respite from their tortures.
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Hopefully without sounding trite, I believe that you’ve done a lot more “worthwhile” than you know. I know for myself, I really appreciated the bits and pieces you shared of yourself with me personally. I was honored and blessed by it, though I know you don’t believe it. I miss you, friend. You touch lives (at least mine) in ways you will never understand. I am forever grateful for that.
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I don’t think it sounds trite, and I know I am understating my impact on lives more than a little — however, my self-esteem is rock bottom at the moment, so… /shrug/
Thank you for the kind words.
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It’s a difficult edge to step back from, but I’m glad you did.
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Thank you. It is very kind of you to say so and I appreciate it more than I can express.
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I know what you mean about the constant crises, it’s been something my family has struggled with for decades and it’s why many of my relatives became alcoholics and a few became addicted to hard drugs. It’s partly why I got into the occult and started practicing. Not so many years ago things came to a head when I lost my most beloved cat. I was utterly devastated. Gutted. I didn’t think I could go on without him. He was my crutch… or as I once told my brother and closest friend, he was my umbrella, and now whenever I hear that song by Rihanna I feel like crying (and if I’m listening to it alone, I do cry). So now on top of everything you’re already going through, you’re grieving for a beloved pet, so I understand. But you’re a light in the darkness to many. The world will be that much darker, and we will be diminished without you. Goddess bless.
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Thank you for all of your kindnesses, Marcilla. Blessed be. ❤
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