We Don't Have To Live In A Dark Cocoon
Posted: Saturday, November 14, 2009
by Susan Thom
There are so many frustrations and problems to iron out in our lives that sometimes, we feel like our boat is going to capsize. Somehow, we struggle to get through the fog of despair, but it isn't easy. We find ourselves going through the motions of reality, while our minds bring us to places we never wanted to go.
Life doesn't make sense during certain periods of our lives. At least it doesn't make sense to us. We need to remember that there is a higher Power, whom I call God, who knows what we are going through. He knows what we are and are not capable of doing, or feeling, but He has His reasons for allowing our lives to unravel the way they do.
There is so much to life, especially when you are young. Yes, things still confuse, frustrate, anger, and hurt, but time is on our side. Some take years to figure out who they are and what they're meant to do. We can help ourselves in many different ways. We can go for a walk, talk to someone on the phone, or e mail a friend.
We can go sit at the park or the beach, and clear our minds of what is bothering us. We can make a list of all our good points, and we all have some! We can live life in the right manner, with honesty and loyalty and spirituality. If we believe in God, and angels, we always have someone to talk to.
When my mom passed away, I felt numb. I knew it was going to happen, I even knew the day it was going to happen. However, it's like the difference between being pregnant, and having the baby. I was blindsided by the pain. My heart was broken and my soul felt empty. Crying was a pastime for months.
I didn't know who I was if I wasn't my mother's daughter. Time does really heal all wounds. It's been 22 years, and I've learned how to talk to her as if she were here with me, and that brings comfort. We need to find our own reasons for being happy. It's important to find out who we are. We can do that by asking ourselves some questions.
Are we honest? Can people trust us? Can we trust ourselves? Do we keep our word? Are we caring and compassionate towards ourselves and others? Do we take care of our minds and bodies? Are we compulsive when we could be calm? Can we accept defeat? Can we accept winning? Does our Faith keep us on the right track?
There is help out there for those who need it to get to the core of their soul. Things don't always work out the way we want, can we handle that? Experience is the best teacher, and sometimes, we have to wait for those experiences to come. If we keep reacting the same way, we'll never get anywhere-our lives will be like a carousel-always going around in circles.
We can help ourselves, and I know because I've been on both sides. Only I could work on those parts of my personality that I wanted changed. The parts that weren't doing me any good. I've also been to places in my mind that were raw, and needed changing. I was willing to use my fortitude to change those ways of thinking.
I am still a work in progress, and will be until it's my time to leave this Earth. Most of us are works in progress. So many actions can brighten one's personality. One can read a good book, play a good game, meet new people, and enjoy the nature God provided for us. Oceans, and beaches, and mountains, and waterfalls- all things that make us feel good.
We have to help ourselves be who we want to be, it doesn't just come naturally. If we want to be honest, we don't lie. If we want to be responsible, we take care of the things we need to do. And if we are totally depressed, we should always see a doctor and get on medication that will make us feel better. And we can't give up. It takes time to find the right medication for us, or it could be the first one we try.
We don't have to live in a dark cocoon, waiting for the next bad thing to happen. We can stop dealing with the dark hole, and make it brighter. But we have to do the work. There is no magic wand that when stricken, makes us feel great. We need to occupy our time in ways that bring us joy and happiness. I am not a doctor, but I have been through everything I write about, and it's worked for me.
I still have bad days, sometimes a few in a row, but I won't give up. I'm tired of being unhappy and depressed. Fifty years is enough! Now, I feel confident and strong minded, and hopeful towards the future. My mind allowed my thinking process to move in the positive direction I never knew before. When it feels like your boat is capsizing, simply do a little rearranging of your thoughts, and do something positive, and your boat will stay balanced.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Excellent Sue!I would wrrit more, but it takes me forevever with one hand.Love, hugs and blessings alwaya,MichellePlease log in to respond to this comment.hi michelle,it's so god to hear from you.i'm sorry for your predicament and inconvenience.this too shall pass.and you can e mail me and let me know if i'm right!thank you for maneuvering with one hand to leave a comment,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue! It's been tooooooo long. Great job as usual, very encouraging. It helps to share our own experiences, it lends value to what we say and it shows others that if she can do it, I can do it too. Love and Hugs, tPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi t,that just about sums up the way i think. if we have a talent we can use to help and encourage others, it would be shameful not to bother.and yes, it's been too long. i knew you were moving though, so i wanted to give you your time.i hope you are settled. e mail me when you get a chance and fill me in.thanks for coming over and reading and commenting,my best to you,sueyeah for jasonPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Today is the 5th anniversary of mom's funeral so I hear you on that one but if they knew the Lord they are in a much, much better place! MarijoPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi marijo,it's unfortunate, but death is a part of life, and grief is a painful thing to have to go through. i know where she is, though, as your mom.thanks for reading and commenting,my best regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Great article, Sue. Very deep and meaningful.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi mr. ken,i hope all is well with you,and i hope your bp is down.this article was written for someone i know.depression just keeps getting passed down-my grandfather, father, and his kids. we could all use a course in school on the affects of real clinical depression. instead, so many kids are walking the halls with their heads down, and their minds in darkness.thank you for reading and commenting,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Sue,As I sit here this morning a bit 'down in the dumps,' I read your article and my morning brightened immediately! You are so correct. We are (or should be) a work in progress and will be to the end because we are always learning.Your article is well-said and so timely for many. Thank you for sharing good words and advice.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi nancy,i went through a lot to think in the manner i do.i'd rather do that than let it sit, and stew.maybe others can see something helpful inmy articles that they can use in their lives.i'm glad you read it.my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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