Change is a constant in our lives. We are always growing, always learning. Each experience adds to our self-understanding and adds richness to our lives. Each learning adds to our wisdom and aids our recovery. But we must accept the lessons and build trust in them if they are to take hold. I will look for the lessons in each change that happens in my life. I will welcome changes, knowing that they are helping me become the person I want to be.
Archive for recovery
Change
Posted in depression, recovery with tags change, depression, learning, lessons, recovery on March 23, 2008 by Norman ReidSelf-understanding
Posted in depression, recovery with tags depression, journey, knowledge, recovery, self-understanding, understanding on March 22, 2008 by Norman ReidUnderstanding ourselves is the hardest knowledge of all to gain. But we who are on a journey to recover from depression must seek this knowledge of ourselves. We learn by listening to what others say to us, reading between the lines and probing our own minds and behaviors honestly and carefully. It is no easy task we’ve set for ourselves. And it is often hard to love and accept the person we discover. But avoidance and denial must be put behind us. I pledge to listen to myself and to learn from my past behaviors. I promise to do so without judging myself harshly, accepting all of me with love.
Challenges
Posted in depression, recovery with tags challenges, creativity, depression, problems, recovery on March 21, 2008 by Norman ReidEvery day brings fresh challenges. Often they seem like insurmountable problems we’d rather not face. But each challenge, each problem, is an opportunity for growth, for creativity. I will listen to my soul and face each new challenge as it comes, knowing that it is a chance to exercise my mind and to move closer to my destiny.
Today
Posted in depression, recovery with tags depression, expectations, insight, inspiration, possibilities, recovery on March 20, 2008 by Norman ReidAlways and forever, we will find ourselves in new circumstances, with new people. Even in familiar places, each situation is fresh. And each moment can bring inspriration, if only we recognize how unique it is. We have only to be alive to each new circumstance to reach new heights. Our narrow expectations do not need to limit us. I will endeavor to live in the moment and allow its specialness to bring me new insights and possibilities.
Vision
Posted in depression, recovery with tags challenges, depression, growth, perspective, recovery, vision on March 19, 2008 by Norman ReidAs depressed persons, we are well aware of the many challenges that confront us daily. They can easily overwhelm us and get us down on our lives and ourselves. We will never be free from difficulties. But we have the power to lessen their control over us. When we use our vision to see them in broader perspective, we can regard them as opportunities for growth. I am larger than the problems in my life and I have the vision and the strength to rise above them. I will keep small things small by using my capacity for vision.
Ego
Posted in depression, recovery with tags companionship, depression, ego, insecurity, love, recovery on March 17, 2008 by Norman ReidWe need the benefit of others in our lives, for new ideas, companionship and love. But too often our egos get in the way of true communication. Our egos act out of insecurity, of judgments that others are either inferior or superior to us. When we do, the gifts we have for each other are lost. I pledge to know my ego’s insecurities and live so that they do not separate me from others.
Avoidance
Posted in depression, recovery with tags appreciation, avoidance, depression, recovery, unhappiness on March 15, 2008 by Norman ReidI 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.
Wholeness
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 