After such a daunting season of winter, emotionally and physically we may feel a bit broken. Our spring inside that helps us bound over and through things may have sustained damage or even reached its breaking point. Times of intense effort physically, we all know can break us, literally. They can slow us to a crawl or even to a complete grinding halt. For me, the coldness of the past few months here in Florida did not bode well with my body. I've ached and hurt more than I have in years simply due to the drastic temperature swings we endured. But we go on, we adjust and we take the measures needed to survive, physically. The other side of an unusual season is our emotional side. Depression can more easily find its way through the cracks and crevices. It can worm its way in through our armor that we think is pretty invincible and eat away at us like a corpse. This is a sad and devastating state to be in. There is no quick cure, no "swallow this" and it will all go away. One of the best ways to stave off a depressed mindset is to DO something. Find something to occupy your mind. I'm not saying go immerse yourself in a crowd of people that will make you retreat deeper into your depression, but do immerse yourself in something positive.
Okay, in this season of the year there are things like March Madness happening that bring a dramatic close to a great NCAA basketball season. There is also the beginning of spring training in both football and baseball which signifies the start of perhaps something great. There is new growth on the trees, grass popping up everywhere and the birds and bees are busy with their families raising their new offspring. There is reason to renew or even find that "SPRING" in your step once again. If you make the choice to go for a walk, feel the light airy breezes, smell the roses as it were, watch a ballgame or just sit in a park and people watch, a healing from deep within can occur. And it is good. Yes, it has been tough. Yes, things like the weather, the economy, relationships could have been better. Now, you can get that fresh start. Now, you can shake off the unwanted things that are dragging you down. Now, you can set your feet on a path to not just better days, but perhaps even the best days you have yet to see.
We all have to experience that dark to better appreciate the light. What I want for each of you reading this blog, is for you to experience new growth, happiness and an outlook that tickles you within. You might need to make some changes, changes in friends, things you do, or maybe even big changes like location or who you choose to be with. If people and situations are not feeding you, and feeding you healthy stuff, then they need to go. We can be fed all the time by things that surround us. Is it good to live on a "pizza" diet 24/7 in actuality or in our emotional menu? Not at all. Just like too much red meat, too much candy, too much of anything can do more harm than good, everything we ingest in life needs to equate to a good balance.
If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. ~Nadine Stair
The seasons are what a symphony ought to be: four perfect movements in harmony with each other. ~Arthur Rubenstein
The year's at the spring
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven -
All's right with the world!
~Robert Browning
All is right with the world. Wouldn't that be amazing! That day may never come, but in the mean time while we still hope for that day, let's find a way to heal our self, plant seed that comes forth in plenty, and take care of who we are, who we are meant to be.
Should you be in the quagmire of depression, even just a little, here are a few things that you can do to get back on track:
Recognize your own destructive critical self attacks
To begin this process, think of these thoughts as being like the parasites that keep you in bed when you're sick with the flu. Don't listen to these attacks when they tell you not to pursue your goals, to isolate yourself, or to forego and activity you enjoy. This gives the voice even more power over you. Instead, when you notice these thoughts and attitudes starting to intensify, and take precedence over your more realistic, positive ways of thinking, it is essential to identify them as and alien point of view.
Don't isolate yourself
When depressed, you may hear thoughts telling you to be alone, keep quiet and not to bother people with your problems. When you feel bad, even if you feel embarrassed, confiding in a friend or voicing your struggles can lighten your burden and begin a process of ending your unhappiness. Go to a place where there are people who may have similar interests as you, or even to a public spot like a museum, park or mall, where you could enjoy being amongst people. Never allow yourself to indulge in the thought that you are different from or less than anyone else. Everyone struggles at times, and your depression does not define who you are or single you out from others.
Don't punish yourself for feeling bad
Feeling embarrassed or self-hating over your depression will only increase your symptoms and discourage you from seeking help. Your critical thoughts toward yourself will try to keep you down any way they can, including attacking you for feeling down. It's important to take your side and have compassion for yourself at these difficult times. You can be curious, open, accepting, and loving toward yourself, a much more appropriate attitude.
( To view this article in its entirety please cut and paste this link into your browser: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/compassion-matters/201110/eight-ways-actively-fight-depression)
We are created with a spring in our step. Even if our spring is broken, it can be fixed. It can be new again. As the weather outside continues to evolve in warmer, sunnier days, I do hope that the forecast within is also as magical. Welcome, Spring! We are SO glad you are back.
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