I have tried to cover up my unhappiness with frenetic activity and acquiring too many possessions. It did not work well. I am learning to focus instead on taking life slowly, and as it comes. When I do so–when I give my attention full to fewer things–their beauty shines through and I am better able to appreciate life.
Archive for March, 2008
Avoidance
Posted in depression, recovery with tags appreciation, avoidance, depression, recovery, unhappiness on March 15, 2008 by Norman ReidWholeness
Posted in depression, recovery with tags anxiety, centering, depression, principles, recovery, soul, wholeness on March 14, 2008 by Norman ReidThroughout my life, I often had no sense of wholeness, no guiding purpose that allowed me to choose in a principled way. Instead, I allowed myself to be pulled by the crises of the moment. But as I have come into greater touch with my soul, I have found my center, that calm place inside that tells me who I am. When I feel anxiety from the crisis of the moment, I can go within to find that calm center.
Recovery
Posted in depression, recovery with tags depression, growth, pain, past, recovery on March 4, 2008 by Norman ReidAs we recover from depression, we must let go of the past–memories, places, even people–and move on to new experiences. The past must be put to rest so we can make room for today and tomorrow. Recovery offers us a new way of being. With each new experience, each new day gives us a chance for growth. I can learn to accept the pain of the present in order to appreciate the pleasures of the future.
Self-harm
Posted in depression, recovery with tags burning, cutting, depression, recovery, self-harm, suicide on March 2, 2008 by Norman ReidSo many of us who are depressed think about harming ourselves–by cutting, burning or even killing ourselves. But often, a small voice inside saves us from doing it. When my crash came, I said to myself, “I want to live before I die.” But living came hard for me. To live, I needed to stay conscious of what was happening to me, keep events in ‘big picture’ context, stay in my zone of discomfort so I would grow, and focus on spiritual connections. Though I no longer have images of self-harm, I still work on these things to keep myself from returning to that place.
Out of Darkness 