Moving Anxiety Dream
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I had the strangest dream, that I figure is one of those moving anxiety dreams.
People, me among them, were in some sort of manufactured home. It was empty but for the people clinging to the walls. There was someone outside sticking the end of a long gun into openings and shooting at us.
For some reason I felt that there were more of these homes with more people worried for their lives outside.
I don’t know which was worse. The shooting or the apprehension waiting for it to start, which was time and again. During the apprehensive period, I would try to make myself smaller and smaller, moving as close to the sides as I could. Then thinking that being against the walls might not be a good idea, and then alternately moving away from the wall.
The various guns would start shooting at us. I’d hold myself as small as I thought I could possibly be, waiting till they came to a stopping point to reload. Once the shooting stopped, I’d check to see if I was shot anywhere. And at the same time I’d see people with blood seeping out around me.
There were people of all ages, including children. The rat-tat-a-tat of gun sounds would going on seemingly interminably. The noise was deafening. But worse was worrying if you’d see that you were shot when finally they ceased for awhile. Then without warning the shooting would start up again.
What was even more frightening is that children would get away from parents and run around inside. Then there was the additional worry that the guns would start up again before the parents got them back in check.
Anxiety Dreams:
I figure this dream is one of those anxiety dreams you have when something big is about to happen in your life. When you’ve worried and worried you won’t remember everything, until it catches up with you one night and seeps into your sleep.
Have you had this type of dream before?
I think the dream came when I woke up around 5-6 and my ankle was still in so much pain I got up to take a couple of Tylenol Arthritis capsules to try to ease it. I knew I wasn’t going to be worth much today in terms of getting things done if I didn’t get the pain level down.
I look around me at the mass confusion of boxes and detritus of moving materials and it seems like I can feel my heart beat a little faster. Will I get all of this taken care of by Friday morning?
I’m one of those people who might as well be holding worry beads when it comes to something big and anticipatory like this. I catch myself fingering the beads rapidly, then force myself to stop. But before I know it I’m working through the round beads again. Unthinkingly and by habit.
A Huge Event In Life:
Moving is a huge event in one’s life. And if my ankle was stable, I wouldn’t feel so uneasy. But I don’t know what it’s going to be like from one hour to the next. So it’s hard to figure out how much to do and when to stop, and whether I have a little more in me to pack a few more boxes.
I knew when I went to bed and it was still pounding that I might not have shed the pain by the time I woke up. But you do what you have to do and hope for the best.
I have ice on both my ankle and my back as I type this. Which is a frequent occurrence in the morning hours after I wake up. I’m trying to loosen things up before I begin work on packing again.
Chronic Pain:
The thing about a chronic injury that causes chronic pain is that it’s with you more than it isn’t with you. It’s an integral part of your life. It is what tips the scales for a good day or a bad day. And if you wake up without pain, you try not to do too much so you land right back where you started.
It’s kind of like shimmying up a pole to get out of a hole, but once close to the top you lose your grip and fall all the way back down again. I never have a day without this pain. It is like a shadow I can’t get away from. It follows me every step of the way.
The best a person can hope for is that the pain won’t be too limiting. That I can still function enough to get things done.
Chronic pain affects over one-quarter of the United States population. To qualify as chronic pain, the condition must encompass a wide range of persistent discomfort lasting beyond 3 to 6 months. This pain originates from various sources, including injury, disease, or unknown causes. It’s been with me now for 12 years and 3 months.
Does it affect overall health? Chronic pain can have a significant impact on your overall health, including your mental health, physical health, and quality of life. This pain can disrupt almost all aspects of someone’s life, including their ability to work, participate in activities, and enjoy life.
Chronic pain can increase the risk of chronic disease and obesity. It can also lead to problems with attention and learning, and a lowered immune system. It can affect sleep, relationships, as well as depression and anxiety.
Getting Things Done:
I see the days and the hours sliding past, and when I go to bed, I wonder if I’ll be able to get the allotted tasks for the next day done. Or if I’ll be sidelined with pain. Increasing pain means I have to have my ankle raised above my heart. That’s hard to do while packing.
But things will work out. They always do. Moving is a major life event. Some say that moving is one of the most stressful life events, and some even consider it to be the most stressful.
A 2020 New York Post article reported that 64% of respondents said their most recent move was one of the most stressful things they’ve ever experienced.
So you try to look to the other side. When all the furniture and boxes have been unloaded and you begin setting up house again. That too will be stressful. But I’ll know that the moving part is over and I can rest without worrying I won’t get to the finish line.
How has moving affected your life? How stressful would you say it was? On a rating scale of 1-10, 10 being the most stressful.
Years ago when we moved because of my husband’s job, I was totally against it. When we got to the new house I lay down on the floor and cried and cried. I had two little boys and a baby girl and I felt we had messed up their lives by moving from friends and family. I cried for a week. My husband told me later he thought I might leave him and go back where we came from. To say moving is stressful is an understatement.It just about killed me. I love my home and where we live now.
I’ve been thinking of you Brenda, and I just popped in to see what you’ve been up to….so excited to read you are moving to an old Craftsman!! I’m sorry I’ve been absent, work has been insanely busy for what feels like years now. Good luck with the move, I’m excited to see you settle in to your new/old home!
Chronic pain is such a life changer…lyme disease did it for me…still have the pain even after meds…Iam 70…moving is stressful but oh the joy you will have..thank goodness your friend is helping you again.. last time we moved we had movers and it was so much easier than depending on busy family..sorry you have to pay at 2 places but understand why to want to get out now and before winter…all will be ok…blessings 💕
I was thinking about you earlier! I hope today is a better day.
Gentle Hugs,
Darlene
I know all about weird dreams. In fact my husband has said many times he would like to have them analyzed! I always remember my dreams and they are always a vivid memory. Anyway, that is just part of who I am. Having moved many times, I always try to take it one day at a time, do what I can every day. I think for you with chronic pain from your injury plays a big role on how you handle your day and that is totally understandable. Hopefully as you move closer to the day you will be able to relax a bit. It will all get done, it always does. Take care
The stress of moving is an amazing thing. Add in our political climate (foreign war) at this time, with an election about to take place, it’s no wonder you are experiencing such dreams of terror. It’s a time of feeling tense for many of us and this makes it rather difficult to relax, a cause of increased pain where chronic pain is a concern. Packing is so hard on the hands and I can remember feeling considerable pain for a few weeks after I moved. The added movement and activity would certainly make you more aware of the other issues throughout your body. Soon you’ll be on your way, hopefully with extra help from the movers you hired.
Haven’t been here for a while. Good luck with the move!
I’m so excited for you and your sweet little house! I think you were made for each other! My own moves have always gone wonky. I’m glad everyone in and about only lasts a day. That’s my biggest anxiety trigger. If able, try the Fit King foot and leg cordless massager on Amazon. It’s like $140 but worth it! Just 20 min in am/pm and so much better w aches!
For me the time leading up to the move was the most stressful. Because I knew I had to move , but didn’t know where I was going to end up. I was 50 when I last moved . I had been packing for 3-4 months . My uncle was the only person that helped me do the actual moving . I was very blessed that 2 friends helped me with the unpacking . I was in no hurry to unpack . It was fun that my friends helped . It was fun to have several opinions where to put things .
And yes just a night or 2 ago I had the strangest dream . I was somewhere strange sleeping on the floor and a robber broke in .
I 100% understand everything you’re going through and yes, I did have dreams about it. We moved into our new location 10 days ago. We still a few things in storage which are being moved on Wednesday and then it will be complete. The amount of “stuff” is what I’m trying to deal with. Even with purging before the move, there is still much more to be done. Downsizing is hard because you just never know how much to keep or not keep. Anticipating moving day is VERY hard. The main complication for me is a DH who wants everything organized IMMEDIATELY. You WILL get through this. Once it’s done, you’ll be able to breathe again. I can’t wait to see the choices you make to dress up Mamie.
A fellow moving sister! What anxiety. I hope to never move again. I’m glad there’s no husband, frankly!
I have a brother-in-law who worked for a moving company years ago. Based upon stories he told, I’d think long and hard before hiring someone to pack who you do not know. Stealing is off the charts in these circumstances, and sometimes not discovered until quite some time later. Please be careful! Wish I lived closer because I’d be happy to help you pack.
Oh, I’ve been working on the kitchen too. I think I’ll have it done in time.
Dianne and Teri are right. Teri will be there to help you soon, and since you have the lease and are paying rent on the apartment until the end of December (or was it January? – my memory sure ain’t what it used to be!) you can leave items you haven’t yet packed until your lease runs out, giving you a lot of time to take it easier to move things out. You can pack and haul boxes of your belongings with Teri, you could call the moving company you’ve hired and see if they can help with some packing and how much it would cost – I know some moving companies offer that service and it doesn’t hurt to ask. With aid from Teri, your daughters when they’re available, and maybe see if you can hire a helper like a college kid or your cleaning lady (if you still have her) to help pack and haul what’s left by the movers. My panic/full stressed out dreams are about gigantic dark black tornadoes with lightning shooting out of it everywhere and my family won’t believe me that it’s coming! Fortunately, I haven’t had one of those nightmares for several years, thank goodness. And perversely, one of my favorite all-time movies is “Twister.” Go figure!
Your move will get done. You’ll have plenty of time to settle into Mamie and get her set up just as you want it. As the old saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the perfect homescape. Deep breaths, Brenda. Pamper your aching body, listen to your favorite piano music, and don’t cheat yourself out of good meals during this transition period. Think of Ivy. Animals are very sensitive to our emotions, including stress. It WILL get done, it’s not the end of the world if the last box isn’t hauled out of the apartment on Friday.
I stopped using the cleaning lady, Maria, last spring to save money. Funny, I live in Oklahoma and never even think about tornadoes! I know I don’t have to take everything until January 24, but I’m so ready to get out of here I will do my dead level best to do it all.
You are going to make it. Breathe deep and tackle one thing at a time. Most of us look at everything all at once and get overwhelmed!! Somehow it always works out.
By the way, picture if the flowers is really lovely.
I’m resting now. It’s the getting up and down to get something else that might fit in the box that is draining. I don’t feel overwhelmed, oddly enough. Now that I’m just a few days away, I’ve actually calmed down. That dream I think was just a culmination of the worrying. I have the utilities switched over. I’ll have internet a week from today. And the movers are scheduled. Now just have to have things ready for them.
Moving is stressful. My husband was Air Force for 21 years so I know this. I can pack a box like a pro!! our last move however took me to ER. I had torn my abdominal muscles from up high to way down low. It took almost a year to heal. If we ever move again I will determine what I just can’t live without and sell the rest!
Also we will have to hire a moving company.
You sound like you’re doing great at it. Don’t worry and don’t hurt yourself . I know about your pain. I have RA and OA. Pain everyday. O. the 4th of November I’ll be have a knee replacement.
You are going to live Mamie when you get there and start making her your own. I will be looking for all your posts that I know will be great. Till then, pace yourself as best as you can and rest with that ankle elevated with ice.
Good Luck!
Sometimes I think of this ankle injury, which was just tripping over a landscaping border, and sometimes it’s hard to believe that that fall somewhat defined my fifties and sixties. But as I told Kasi the other day, you do what you can how you can when you can.
Every move has been like that for me. You should stop trying to take giant steps and start taking baby. Do what you can in a little bit of time. Then a giant step or two with a bigger bit of time. I start big, taper down to baby steps (not many of either size), take a break and do a few more baby steps. Stop trying to do it in one fell swoop. Just an idea or two that might help.
Throw things in boxes if need because they’re not going very far anyway.
I have to take baby steps. Once the pain starts to settle in I get back in my chair. I know full well what pushing it means. It means it will take me longer to recoup and get back to work. And I just have a few days, so I’ve got to do it that way.
Brenda, part of moving is enjoying leaving the old situation . Letting go of the situation you have had gives you space for the new one. You have a month or more until you have to be out. Take your time and enjoy moving to your new home. I always looked forward to seeing the boxes rolling to my new life. You could always give task to someone and relax. It could be worth every penny it costs.
Yes, yes, yes to all you wrote!
Moving would be a 10 for me – extremely stressful on mind and body! Hang in there the best that you can. You are lucky to have family close by to help out.
Yes, that I am.
Oh Brenda, I’m so sorry you’re feeling so much stress. Let me repeat your own words to you. “It will all work out”. The movers are coming this week but as long as they do all the heavy moving and whatever you’ve been able to get packed you’ll still have access to the apartment for as long as you need. I’ll be there to help you if it’s not all ready to go. Erase that deadline from your mind and know that it will all get done. Please don’t worry so much. Moving is a big deal, but you do have time. If you can’t do what you want, just do what you can, but give yourself a break and get some much needed rest. Above all, stop worrying. That does no good and won’t change the outcome. Maybe it’s faith that helps, but I never worry about anything except the health of loved ones and even that does no good.
After that dream I’m actually calm. The worry seems to have lessened. Worry doesn’t help anything as we all know.
Yes, moving is stressful for sure. They say that’s the best time to go through your things and get rid of stuff before you move. I never did that. I’d move first and think about that stuff later. As a result, I’m still dealing with stuff I don’t need. That’s what stresses me about moving. Setting things up is the fun part. I wouldn’t say it’s the most stressful thing though. I’d say dealing with the death of a loved one would be way worse. That dream you had sounds more like a terrifying nightmare! I’m so sorry! I hate when I have a nightmare! Fortunately, it’s not too often. It’ll all be over soon… hang in there! We’re all here rooting for you!
I rarely even remember my dreams. I would have taken some things to charity. But it’s easier to pack it than to drive there and take it in. Also, every time I’ve moved I’ve regretting things I gave away. I’m not doing it like that this time.
I’d say a 2 but as I’ve said before we averaged 4 moves a year while I was a child. My last move was about 30 years ago and was only across town with minimal furniture involved as we’d purchased new furniture for our new home and had it delivered there. However, I’m kinda sure that was my last move lol.
I hate to see Ivy wondering what’s going on. I tell her it will okay and she’ll love it. This morning I looked online at cat trees. Maybe I’ll get her one to put in front of one of the windows.
We had a move that was a 10+. Had a one year old, moving from the absolute boonies into the city, which my husband hated and made sure we knew it for a full year. The 3rd day he said don’t unpack and we were gone in 1 year. He broke his elbow on top of it. Horrible. I liked it, he hated it. I had one move as a married couple that was great. Our first home. It was cute, it was exciting and we were happy. The packing and moving part is “unfun.” I suppose it’s good that you’re not signing home purchase papers on top of it all and trying to get out of one and into another within a few days. But it makes it difficult when our bodies give out. It’ll all be over soon and the fun part will begin. A day at a time.
I’m REALLY looking forward to that fun part!