Vlogmas Day 16: Finding Calm in Chaos – Housework, Greenery Gathering & Mental Health

Welcome to Vlogmas Day 16! 🎄 Today is all about balance. I tackled a mountain of housework, took a peaceful trip into the woods to gather some fresh greenery for festive decor, and opened up about my journey with anxiety and panic disorder. Life can feel overwhelming at times, but I’m finding ways to create moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Join me for a mix of productivity, nature, and heartfelt reflection as we move closer to Christmas. Thank you for being here and for all your support – it means the world! 💖

In This Video:
Housework marathon 🧺
A woodland walk for festive decor inspiration 🌲
Honest thoughts on mental health and managing anxiety 🫶

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cozy Vlogmas content!

#Vlogmas2024 #MentalHealthJourney #HolidayDecor #FestiveVibes #NatureTherapy

Find Me Online:

Things mentioned:

Christmas Book: Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan

[cynthiawilliams]

I am someone who needed to hear your Vlogmas today. I’m a surgical nurse who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. I’m not used to being a patient and finding out so near the holidays has been a challenge.
Depression is misunderstood so often. People tend to disregard an illness if they can’t see an outward sign, like a surgical wound.
Thank you for your frankness and willingness to share. The Lord was leading you today, for certain.
Thank you also for the time and energy your channel requires.

[karenb]

It helps me hearing about your struggles with panic attacks and not wanting Togo out. I had a nervous breakdown in 2019 that was brought on from helping my brother in law with my older sister that had dementia. She is gone now thank the Lord. It was horrible and im also on medication for panic attacks that I can’t seem to get off of completely. I live alone with my dog in a small apartment. I would not go out if I didn’t have to. I avoid running into people and go the other way to avoid tensing up as they get closer. Anyway, I started watching your vlog and wishing I could be like that with a home, husband and have my life be so perfect like I thought yours was. Anyway, I never knew about adding evergreen bows like you put them under the window. It looks so pretty. I’m almost 70 and have slowed down a lot. I enjoy my knitting, crocheting, reading psychological thrillers and watching YouTube. 😁 Rest when you need to lady. ❤

[mochacarmellatte]

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing about your struggles. We all have something we have to struggle with that’s for sure. As believers we know one day we will be completely healed of ALL THE THINGS!! What great hope we have.

[penwald]

Amber, This time of year can bring on stress and anxiety for so many. Being able to recognize it in ourselves, and respond appropriately without guilt is SO important!! Being an introvert, settling back into my home, doing whatever I feel like doing (cleaning, knitting, dancing, sitting…) is such a comfort and blessing to help me find balance.

Your verbal expression of your process regarding anxiety and depression seemed to be cathartic and a blessing for you. And I’m sure it helped others❤

Thank you, and prayers for peace and contentment over the next week or so.

[deannaknopp]

Amber I totally understand! Take the time to take care of yourself.
I too have suffered from panic attacks in the past and get over stimulated when I am doing too much and suffer from anxiety and just want to be home.
I will be praying for you and your mental health.
One thing I find helpful is to read the Psalms. ❤

[zm]

Thanks for sharing your mental health journey with us. The last few years, post covid, and as my kids enter the puberty stage we have been dealing with similar debilitating anxiety challenges with two of them. It's been so hard as a mom wanting to help and not always knowing what to do. Your story gives me hope for my children's long term mental health future. Working through and management of recovery.

[frunzid]

Thank you for being so open about your mental health struggles. That's hard to do!!! Yes a lot of people needed to hear what you had to say today. The more people know they're not alone in this struggle, the more open they can be. Thank you!!! Merry Christmas!!!

[sherismith]

Thank you for sharing! I struggled with the same thing over the years. I pushed so hard, driven etc I crashed - diagnosed with FND. Slowly healing..my crafting has helped tremendously! Learning to make boundaries and listen to my body when it says no. God is so good and present. I will add you to my prayers. Just what I needed to hear!

[donnaluzier]

Love the intro music. I'm dancin' in my kitchen!

[melanievandenbrink]

Thank you for your open honesty. You are right, someone may have needed to hear it. I experienced panic attacks and severe depression during the holidays in 2007 to the point of suicidal thoughts. I was a Christian, but the Lord used that time to teach me my sole reliance on Him. One year later, I was blessed with my third daughter. I remember singing "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" after her birth.
We have faced a year of losing my mom, my home flooding in a catastrophic flood, and my dad having a heart episode and being revived. I felt numb, but the Lord upheld me from falling in that deep out again.
Thank you for sharing the time with your dad. Those times are precious.

[mfnannygram]

Thanks for sharing. You never know how many people you impact. I follow many knitting podcasts, but it's the Vlogmas episodes that I find truly compelling. ♥

[Elaestitches]

This is, quite literally, the first youtube comment I've ever made, but I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story so much! I ended up housebound in my early twenties from anxiety and agoraphobia, and hearing stories of/from others who 'made it through' so to speak is what made me realize that it didn't have to be that way forever. The medicine that ended up helping me was getting my migraines under control, when they, like the anxiety attacks that I had started having in my teens, had been minimized as something that I was just supposed to 'push through'. After a pain filled weekend, the reminder that I'm not alone was necessary. ❤

[cmsirish]

I think you are right sharing how you feel will definitely help someone out there. Especially at this time of the year when most people have added stress. You take care of you!! 😊

[dianachristie]

it looks like dad knew what you needed for yourself! I have family that needs meds for depression, anxiety and panic attacks. my moms was always worse in winter so I made sure to go on outings with her. it did perk her up and as much as i wanted her on meds, she would resist. So I am sure your family appreciates the extra effort you take for your mental health. I appreciate your vunerability.

[cynthiaroy]

At the current age of 76, i have just begun seeing a therapist! I don’t have panic attacks nor agoraphobia, but I’m a hermit and have a fear of coming life changes….as in having to sell my home where i live by myself and moving in with my daughter, which i am seriously dreading! So thank you for your honesty about your mental health. And a walk with your dad is a big blessing…treasure him well!!❤

[rosemary]

Well, I just gotta say thank you, Amber, so much for sharing your struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, depression ! Keeping it real! We women go through so much, and it's so comforting and encouraging to know we are not in this alone!❤ I so relate, especially during the holidays. I'm trying my best to just do what my body wants, give it the rest and attention it needs instead of trying to live under societal's pressures or expectations of this season. So good you take the time to listen and respond to your OWN needs. And how wonderful to go out with your Dad, into nature! Your blessed! ❤ Hang in there, I'll be hanging here too! Thanks for vloging!😉

[SweaterWeatherPodcast]

Amber thank you for sharing. I struggle with anxiety and depression and this time of year is particularly challenging. While I love watching Vlogmas episodes I also appreciate the true “behind the scenes “ .

[mariabill]

I needed to hear this, thank you!! This time of year can be so challenging for many, myself included. Your words are a reminder that self care is necessary. Sending love your way ❤

[Liz.Green]

I'm happy you're taking care to be more gentle with yourself. People are so good at doing too much. Knowing when to slow down is vital. I'm enjoying your vlog this year. And like you, people tend to overwhelm me, too. I wish you peace

[sharbear]

New sub here. I’ve enjoyed your vlogmas. As someone who used to be very active and social, I’m finding it harder and harder to leave our home. Your sharing was so comforting. Last year my husband had a major medical event which led to a cancer diagnosis and has changed our lives, as you can imagine. We travel 8 hours round trip to another state at least every 3-6 weeks for his medical care because he feels God placed him there at the onset of this ordeal. That is the most graceful blessing, is our newfound relationship with our Lord and Savior. This is why your vlog appealed to me from the first time I watched. Our tree is up. Other than lights, no other decorations. I’ve requested no gifts and with the exception of small handmade gifts for a few friends and family, this is the extent of our Christmas. We will return home from his infusion Christmas Eve and watch our church’s service online. Peace to you and your family and fellow subscribers. Sometimes calm and quiet is necessary for the soul.