Absolute Horror Flash Fiction Contest

I consider myself lucky. This last weekend I felt the weight of everything that's been happening - I moved 1,200 miles from my home and started a new job, then had to evacuate my apt less than two months later at 2:37 in the morning because my neighbor set the balcony on fire, and last weekend was the first time I really let myself absorb what had happened. But it was actually healthy. I felt better by Tuesday, and I felt like I needed to let myself admit that while I was very lucky, a bad thing had happened that anyone would get upset over.

I'm glad you can deal with the mud bath. I think one trick is realizing when you're feeling depressed for legitimate reasons and realizing when there's no real reason. I've gotten much better at recognizing the unreasonable lows and both accepting them and dismissing them instead of allowing myself to drown in them.

I wish you the best and while I love your contests - they always challenge me to think outside of myself - you are more important than any contest. I'm glad you took time off to let yourself deal, and if you have to do it again, do it. If you don't take care of yourself, who will?