I always thought I was a grateful person. Life lessons learned early on showed me the importance of many things and I never fell into any type of materialistic trap or had grandiose expectations. I did however have in mind that I deserved somehow a middle class life, a nice husband, a smart, healthy kid or two and a secure job with good pay. Not much to ask for- right? This should be kind of a "given." I was what Bugs Bunny would call an "Ultra Maroon." (Not sure exactly the meaning of that but, you get the idea.)
As I matured on my spiritual journey I realized so much more. I am not deserving of ANYTHING... NOTHING! Good relationships take time, nurturing, caring, respect, etc., they don't just happen. It is so difficult for so many people to have children, let alone healthy, smart ones. A good job needs to be earned and even then, there are no guarantees. Especially today, in this economy so many people are at risk of losing their jobs, pensions, retirement funds, etc.- it is all fleeting. This seems all so depressing- huh? But no; it is all so wonderful and freeing.
You see if we set the "peg" back the furthest it can go, that we come into this world with nothing, deserve nothing... then it's easy to see that everything that we do have in this life is a gift! Every friendship, loved one, sunrise, sunset and what lies in-between- it's ALL icing on the cake of life!
Of course there are many things that are within our control that we can do to change our lives, to make it better, our relationships stronger, etc. If you don't like what's going on between morning and night; do your best to improve that- whatever it may be. What you can't control, learn to accept (AKA- The Serenity Prayer).
Daily doses of gratitute are prescribed to combat depression and anxiety. During meditation, prayer or journaling, take time to be thankful for all that you have. It is a proven technique to help stamp out negative, self-defeating thoughts and to help change your perspective.
Thanks for Reading!
Gigi
The pool is covered, kids in school, leaves changing, and the days are getting shorter. This lack of sunlight causes many to have chemical changes that trigger depression symptoms. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include feeling down, tired, crying excessively, changes in appetite, weight, and sleep, excessive guilt, feelings of worthlessness, lack of enjoyment in things that once gave you pleasure, and thoughts of death. The time to start doing things to combat these symptoms is now, to enjoy yourself this winter:
1) GET 20 MINUTES OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT PER DAY- This has been shown to stave off SAD. Work this into your daily routine. Eat lunch outside, wait for the school bus with the kids, walk the dog, talk on the phone. You can puchase a full spectrum light box or bulbs and do it inside but Mother Nature is best.
2) EXERCISE- I could write volumes on the benefits of exercise on the mind, body and soul, but unless you live in a cave, you have a good idea also. (Then again those living in a cave are probably hunter and gatherer types and have a pretty good diet and exercise routine themselves.) If you already exercise, try to do more of it. You don't need to join a gym or take a class unless you want to be around others, but the latest research shows the benefits are mostly due to exercise's effect on the transmission of brain chemicals (the feel good brain chemicals) and not due to any social influences. Better yet: EXERCISE OUTSIDE -2 birds 1 stone.
3)COUNSELING- If the sunlight and exercise are not working, find a good counselor. It's not for everyone but it is very effective for many people especially in helping with depression.
4)MEDICATION-If you've tried the first three and you are still suffering, there are many different medications on the market. Talk it over with your doctor or a psychiatrist the pros/cons.
If you are SUICIDAL please get help right now. Call 911, go to the emergency room and talk to the on call psychiatrist, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.8255, online www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Be Well - Gigi
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