Seemingly simple tasks, often not so simple in reality

Thank you Tamsyn, it’s nice to be posting again.

I agree entirely with your statement. It’s important to remember my strengths in moments like this. I feel brighter again today.

I think the pressures you describe probably do add a bit of extra worry when you consider the already tricky nature of finding your way around. I hope staff in your school understand and try to help.

I must admit, I had done this before hand. At least I thought I had. Another thing I got wrong really. I’m not being so hard on myself today.

The part about doing in 20 minutes what would usually take days of prep really resonates with me. So much unseen work goes into what we do just to keep up with the busyness of life can catch me off guard from time to time. It’s also something that those who have never been there don’t understand, much as they often say that they ‘get it’.

With a fresher perspective today, I’m starting to see the funny side of yesterdays events.

Hi Oakling, lovely to see you here again.

I completely relate, it always seems to take me ten times longer to do many things that others find really quick and easy, yet there are other things that I find easy that others seem to struggle with so I suppose it's not all bad! Sorry you had such a stressful experience.

Hi. Your not alone I get this. I've been going to this school for over 4 years and I'm still getting lost even now! And I'm like it just going anywhere. I think it's an anxiety thing I get so worked have so much to think about and plan that I do just lose my sense of direction. Bit frustrating. And especially at school the anxiety rises because I know I'm going to be late and get a detention. I don't have a magical cure ((sorry)) but I do understand and sympathise.

I always research roads, on Google Maps, before heading off; rather than use a Sat Nav. But I managed to get to Ballymena, last Thursday, for my car's MOT, in spite of taking the wrong entry at a mini-roundabout. I was able to decipher where I was en route towards.

Yep. I ended up in a town 6 miles east of the town I was heading for, totally confused and nearly had a meltdown because I had to be at an appointment on time, trying to avoid a busy road because of my state of mind, shaking. Going over it later I realised where I went wrong - the road I had in my mind to go down was closed for roadworks so I went to the next road a mile east, then didn't adjust and carried on down south. I was so focused on the appointment that it had gone out of my thoughts at the roundabout where I should have turned off. It made me realise how much mental energy I expend doing "simple" things like driving, navigating, time keeping, scripting what I'm going to say to people, rehearsing it all. I felt so foolish thinking I'd nailed it with what to wear, what to say, appearing normal and then it all falling apart because an unforseen road block I hadn't accounted for completely flummoxed me and I ended up confused and distressed trying to work out what to do in 20 minutes what would usually take me days of planning and giving myself pep talks. 

Being late is so anxiety inducing for me, so I imagine that was a stressful occasion. In the end, I was so late I just went home and had to send my apologies. Not that I would have found the place anyway!

I usually do a practice run, but couldn’t on this occasion and this is the result.

I can definitely relate to the idea of avoiding things out of concern of creating a mess. I have said no to so many things due to this. But on days like today, avoiding the situation may have been the better option!

I also think that in moments like these, it doesn’t matter how familiar with something I am, I’ll find a way to mess it up.

Hi

Yes i can relate to this. I often get lost going to places that i have been before. I take a wrong turning or something. If someone asked me the route, i usually couldnt tell them. Once, i was 1 hour late for a work appointment, and i had been there before. X. 

Reading your post I sympathise with your technology problem. I often wish I found it easier, as others have few problems. I have spent this week trying to sort out my contribution to a colleagues birthday gift and card, then remembering when I should have been sleeping that I forgot the electronic signature, then I couldn't sign as it said full, then told to look elsewhere so in the end I had the sense to ask the organiser to do it for me.

I also agree with Shardovan about sorting things. Maybe this is why I sometimes avoid doing things as I end up feeling embarrassed at the mess I make over simple things, for example when shopping or going to a new place. Yes, a new place usually involves me embarrassingly talking out loud, for example working out how to get out of an electronic gate-even when I have done it before.

Thanks Shardovan. It’s nice to hear from you. I have stopped myself posting so many times recently. But hear I am again.

Oh the example you gave is exactly the sort of ridiculous experience I was trying to articulate. Sometime it feels like I owe the world an apology for simply existing!

But you’re right to try and reflect on the positive moments throughout the day too. I was not doing that, but am trying now. Or will be once my ears cool down a bit (sign of embarrassment, anxiety and frustration for me).

Really nice to see you around again, Oakling. 

I can relate to that so much: putting more effort into getting something wrong than many do into getting it right. That kind of 'but how did everyone else just know?' moment has happened to me countless times. Can I produce a single example right now? No. Thanks, brain.

Oh, actually, I did have this thing earlier today where I had to go for a follow-up medical appointment. I'd been to the place in question in November, so basically a 6 month taking stock kind of thing. 

I remembered what a mess of things I'd made in November, going into the wrong one of two related buildings next door to each other. I also remembered having got there only to be asked for a health insurance reference number that I'd stupidly overlooked and then had to try and access an email with that on it only to have my phone die on me and having to scrounge the use of a receptionist's  charger. All really faffy and embarrassing. So this time I thought, 'OK, be ready, nothing left to chance this time'. Had my reference number ready, got there in time... good start. Then, because my head was in the clouds today, I walked into the wrong building just like last time. Then sort of woke up and exited before anyone saw me. But then found out in the 'right' building that this time it was the right one. The doctor yo-yos between premises depending on... reasons (day of the week or something). So I apologise (why? lifelong habit I suppose), go back to the now-right 'wrong' building, get to the reception desk. OK, at least I have my reference number this time... Pleasant and helpful secretary says 'Sorry, but you should have two of those. General and specific appointment.' The low phone charge email hoking scenario repeats itself in full. Deja vu squared. 

Still, I got attending the appointment, but not without getting in a total muddle. Ah well. The day's been kind to me in other ways, so we'll call that incident the flaw in the Persian rug.