Pete, sometimes it's real; sometimes it's not. Glad you cannot discern the difference. That is my underlying personality wish it didn't take so much effort "when it's not real". I love it when it's back and I have my fleeting moments these days when there is no effort.
I wish I could tell you how to be outward looking. I try to find the good in everything. Take things one day at a time and sometimes in smaller increments, I try very hard to allow myself to be who I am. And I try very hard to know I'm okay, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I am unique, in fact we all are, and there's nothing wrong with who we are - mental illness or not - we are people and we deserve dignity and respect. I know I have my "dirty little secrets" but I reckon (think) there isn't anyone who doesn't and I bet mine are worse than yours (joking). It doesn't matter if they are worse or not - we all have them. I try to be grateful for the things I have, my son is my inspiration most of the time to keep on trying. lol, he doesn't know that! When he was a little feller he had a health issue that I (and doctors) thought would require him to live with me indefinitely - I think you know he's an attorney now, left home for the dorm rooms of college at 18. I don't work miracles, lol. He was determined as I was for him to overcome and learn to cope with what life had dealt him. I learned many lessons from him. He taught me well. Funny how sometimes life gives us things to deal with that we can use in our own lives later or to help others.
Okay, I'm rambling. Look straight ahead when you walk Pete!
"The first I won't go into because it's kind of private and rather secret."
Me too, but I'm not going into any details! ; )
Pete,
That walk sounds really nice! Where I live, there are some dangerous animals that come out at dusk and down, so I have to keep my walks during daylight hours. I love the idea of being able to walk at night, but I don't want to be eaten.
I guess realizing the house won't fall down if it doesn't all get done. That the most important thing is taking care of me...otherwise the house wouldn't be here.
The second thing is work, seeing other people, talking to them, listening to their stories and helping them to overcome some hurdles they are facing for various reasons. It takes my mind off me and gives me a sense of accomplishment. I also see, life could have been much worse in some cases so I am grateful, and much better in others.
The first I won't go into because it's kind of private and rather secret.
The second is very simple - going for a walk on my own every night at 9 pm. Without fail. Rain or shine. Me, my mp3 player and three cigarettes. It's like a cocktail for me - solitude, exercise, music, nicotine, and more solitude. Perfect.
Definitely leaving early has been a huge stress reliever for me. I used to be habitually 10 minutes late for everything. Ever since the depression and extreme anxiety, I now leave early to help calm myself. I never thought I could be able to do that, but I found it to be such a huge stress reliever, that I make the time to be early.
Our focus in recent weeks has been on stress management. Today will be our last post on stress. We hope this series has helped you find some relief. Here is the rest of our stress relievers list:
- Self-hypnosis
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Exercise
- Balanced diet
- Aromatherapy
- Going out with friends
- Equal work-life balance
- Spirituality or Religion
- Keeping a daily planner
- De-cluttering your space
- Leaving 15 minutes earlier for appointments or work
- Relaxing your standards – the world will not fall to pieces if the laundry is left for tomorrow.
- Earplugs for noisy environments or 15 minutes of quiet
- Focus on understanding as opposed to being understood, really listen to the other person.
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and rather secret."
and rather secret.
