Thinking About The Future

[Abstract]

Some of what Hashi said resonates with me. I have to say I am in awe of others who discuss how they can make plans and think ahead without being totally overwhelmed or despairing.

Looking ahead freaks me out at present. I don't intend for it to be that way forever even though I avoid thinking about forever as it freaks me out.

It is just a vague knowledge that I have. At present the way I make progress is to put one foot in front of the other and try to concentrate on healing as much as is possible. I avoid looking back in regret as that does me in too. I practice mindfulness as much as I can.

If I look at it philosophically I would expect there to be a time where I have enough stability and healing to tolerate looking ahead. I would see that as getting to the next stage in healing. In my experience it is usually not possible to see future possibilities until one is in a stronger place. That has been the case with other mental health issues for example. I got there with those with this approach and as I went the possibilities I could see changed.

I see no point in putting extra unhelpful pressure on myself when there is more than enough on my plate already. It certainly won't be of help if it just pushes my depression symptoms and despair up as then it will slow down my present progress and the things I need to prioritise.

 

[digger]

I don't think I was thinking of putting extra pressure on myself to actually try and make myself think the future when I posted this last night - it's not a priority for me at the moment to set that as a goal, but it is something I am aware of in myself, and have been for a long time. I think I am just curious as to how other people experience it.

 

[Abstract]

You sound healthier than me digger. Curiosity is good.

 

[digger]

Tell that to the cat ;)

 

[Abstract]

It's Ok. Nine lives...

 

[Mercy]

Nine lives that we can count. One never knows what escapades end up the trees or the wild grape vines. That is fun to imagine.

 

[The Albatross]

The future for me is still a bit short sighted and limited. Next week or next month. Very little in the way of more than the next calendar year still.

That's okay for now because it's the best I can do.

Digger maybe some working on negative thought patterns? They are habitual/behavioral you know. New habits take 26-28 days, 6 months for a new behavior. I have a bunch of new habits, not very many new behaviors.

 

[digger]

Digger maybe some working on negative thought patterns?

I don't think I was thinking of putting extra pressure on myself to actually try and make myself think the future when I posted this last night - it's not a priority for me at the moment to set that as a goal, I am just curious as to how other people experience it.

Other priorities for things to work on than this at the moment, which will probably, maybe, impact on my view of it in time anyway.

 

[The Albatross]

Personally, it was learning about thinking patterns and a brief self examination of where I fell in the spectrum that actually helped me more immediately with the spew from my inner thoughts and critical voice(s) or 3 dimensional spouse and family. When you can or are able it may be worth a second look.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I can think up to a year into the future. Beyond that, panic kicks in and....well, it's just not good.

 

[franciemarnie]

A weird thing happened to me when I was taking care of my mother when I was 22. One day I realized where once there was the sense of a future in front of me literally, suddenly there was a wall up. I honestly could no longer feel any future there at all. It was like a literal block went up in front of me that was there every moment. It was really disconcerting. I imagined at the time or maybe a bit later that it was just that I couldn't imagine a future because that would entail my mother's inevitable death, which I didn't want to contemplate ever happening though her cancer was aggressive.

On and off in my life I simply couldn't fathom a future. Just getting thru the days.

I have read that having no sense of a future is a characteristic of PTSD.

I am happy to say I can see all sorts of things in the future now although I know tomorrow is never promised.