The other day I wrote how I’ve been feeling kind of down lately. It definitely helped to get it out onto paper (or in this case, the screen.) I also decided to write down a list of things that I was thankful for, as I figured that would make me realize how good things really are. You know, look at the glass as hall full, not half empty. So here is what I came up with, and it’s not in a particular order of importance.
- my animals and their good health
- a roof over my head
- a job that pays my bills (barely, but I do live frugally)
- warm clothes
- warm bed to sleep on
- my car runs reliably
- neighbors who look out for me
- my family is in good health (relatively, anyway)
- my best friend, Sarita
- my writing ability
- the full tank of gas that was in my car at the time
- I have friends that care about me
- I can choose where I want to be next year
- I can walk and breathe fresh air.
In addition to all of this, I had a really good conversation earlier this week with someone who has offered to mentor me with my writing. Out of the goodness of her heart. I’ve had people come out of the blue, just from reading my blog, offering to help me, in various ways. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.
Thank you so much to everyone who read my last post and responded and offered support and encouragement. It helped a ton. Even though I’ve talked about depression and other things on this blog, I was still very afraid to write that post. There is still always this stigma about it. But it always helps me to write about it and get it out. Cathartic, in a way. And also, I got more back into my gym routine this week and it helped. One of the regular ladies there in the mornings reads my blog and we had a good talk.
It’s important to always be thankful, isn’t it?
Thank you for reading, as always.
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Chasing Simple Dreams 
Atta Girl! ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Thanks, Judie, and right back atcha, hugs!!
So great to read your latest post, and see your photos, Terri. As one teacher likes to say, “When you appreciate the good, the good appreciates.”
I like that thought, David, thank you. Like good energy begets good energy, sort of. 🙂
Staying connected to other people, through the blog, or in person (or both) is important to your mental and physical health. Glad you have this outlet to vent or share, whichever seems appropriate.
Dawn, it is a huge help to be able to connect with people this way. It’s hard to explain, but I know you know how it is.
🙂 xoxo
Thank you, Jill. 🙂
If everyone realized how many actually suffer from depression, that stigma would disappear. It really does seem to be a very common thing. I know I have a bit of SAD and I know a lot of people who do, though they may not call it that. Focusing on the good things really is helpful, though sometimes it fades and you have to remember to keep focusing. Besides, isn’t it true that you have to suffer from something to be a good writer? 🙂
I know, when I first started taking antidepressants right after my divorce, people would say to me, “oh really, which one? I (used to) take them too!” and then I realized how commonplace they really were. Made me feel a lot better. Ah Chinle, you make me smile with your comment about having to suffer. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Terri. We all have a tendency to get closed up in our “little boxes” and start seeing all the negative things. I know I surely do. Then I’ll read or see something that will snap me back to reality — there are way more things to be thankful for than not. The world is filled with good people, trying each day to make a better life for themselves and others. When I start to “sweat the small stuff” a friend of mine will jokingly refer to my supposed problems as “first world problems” thus reminding me that there are people in the world that would trade places with me in a heart beat. Your post snapped me out of the funk that I have been feeling for several weeks. Thanks. Keep writing for you and all of us.
“first world problems” is definitely something I am familiar with, David, so thanks for the reminder. I’m going to be getting a SAD blue light so I hope that that helps with the dark and cold days and nights we have here now. Well, dark nights anyway. I’m sorry you have been in a funk also.