This morning I had an appointment with a doctor in Brest. I spent some time before I left writing some notes so that I had things that I could ask about. I remembered that I would need the letter of referral from my GP. Whilst gaining referrals here is much simpler than in the UK, you do need to carry various pieces of paper with you. I spent some time looking for the letter thinking that the one I’d started with was the wrong one. I then had to collect our bread from the bakery before going to Brest.
By the time I got to the bakery I was feeling stressed. I would like to say that things have got better as the day has gone on but unfortunately not! Until about 3 months ago I had spent about 5 years on antidepressants. I have weaned myself off them which I am quite proud of. However there are days when I could quite happily take something to help me feel calm. Instead I try to remember to tell myself to breathe. Deep breathing is central to so many approaches to wellbeing. It seems on the surface something that is very simple to do however in reality we sometimes have to be reminded to do just that. Looking at this pair also helps.
At lunchtime I finally delivered the jumper. I’d love to say that the client is delighted but I’m not sure whether or not he was. Hopefully he will be. He seemed to like the collar which was a really important reason for choosing the pattern.
This afternoon was knit and natter. The new women from last week were back this week. They also mentioned that they will probably be bringing someone else next week. I spent part of the afternoon helping to translate a pattern from English to French. At the same time I have been working on another beanie, number 3. I finished two yesterday. So the plan for the beanies in the gîte is coming together.
Until tomorrow…
Tales from the Sheshed France 
Hope all went well at the quacks!
I’m sure your client loved his jumper – and those beanies are gorgeous 😍
Yes breathing is a great response to stress. It centres you and if done ‘mindfully’, in posture, it strengthens the inner core (as in Pilates). Training the mind while feeling strong and well can really help to find that zone when you’re under stress and need it! I use the technique to sit and stand when my knees, hips and ankles don’t want to work! It’s the only think that does work when my mind tells me I’m not walking!
All that from just breathing – but then it’s the source of life for us all
My admiration for you knows no bounds – your absolute courage to keep on working and moving for work – then working even harder! Then moving country, rebuilding, diversifying. I’m not surprised you have felt stress Zenna – I’m surprised you’re still standing, still driving hundreds of miles around the UK to see family and friends, still blogging, knitting, crocheting, cooking, housekeeping your gites!
You my dear friend are just amazing – so breathe, smile and feel the strength that has brought you to this, or any moment you stop and think of what next. With love 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
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Thank you so much for this response. I am always surprised that people think that I work hard. I think I am generally quite lazy 🤣🤣. In reality it is housework in my home where I’m lax. I will continue to breathe.
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Really empathise with the stress and panic – I had a melt down at M&S when told something I had in my selection as part of a set was not – sounds daft this morning but it got to me at the time and the conversation became ludicrously complicated (mainly the assistant talking) until I said ‘ keep it all then!’ The initial feeling of ‘That told him’ lasted all of 10 seconds and I was left with how to purchase an evening meal that wasn’t a take away! Guess what – we had a take away!!
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This made me smile. It can be so difficult. Breathe! Shops I have sussed. Smile sweetly and say that whatever they’re saying is fine but you’d like to speak to the manager. I find that the manager always sorts it, they don’t want the fuss. I’ve even managed it in Ikea here in France! Hope you enjoyed your takeaway and that you can breathe again now.
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