What I've found is that determining why I feel a certain way or how I got to that place, is the first step to moving forward. So, that's a decision! It's an imperative decision. I think that decision is just as important as defining your diagnosis. Let me just say, I have no medical degree and no training to tell anyone how to deal with their depression. This is simply MY journey with depression. My journey and blog will center around a decision to not be depressed. A decision to not sit in a dark space. A decision to be extremely intentional in how I think and how I feel and how I approach something. Posting quotes about emptiness will not happen here, because I believe that you manifest negative energy...but the awesome thing is that just as you can manifest negative energy, you can also manifest positive energy.
My depression stems from a lack of self-love and confidence. Therefore, when my relationships have failed or I have accepted sub par treatment from someone, it's basically triggered my depression. So, what I've done to help combat my depression and deal with those issues of confidence and self-love, is define all of these really awesome things about myself and laid them out as a reminder of who I am! I enrolled in this great course called The Courageous Confidence Club by Chalene Johnson, and she calls this particular concept your "Evidence File." It allows you to focus on things completely contradictory to the negative thoughts you have about yourself. Because let's face it, even people that aren't depressed run into self doubt.
Evidence File steps:
1. Write down 3 incidents or experiences where you did something that scared you.
2. Write down the negative thoughts you had before you did it.
3. Then document the final outcome...how you rocked it! And even if you didn't rock it, you didn't die, life continued. You probably learned something really awesome from it, that will allow you to take a different path next time so you are successful.
4. Add something new daily!
Finally, revisit your Evidence File often!!!
Note: I'm definitely not going to be this person that pushes products on you or coaches, but while I invest in myself, if I find something that I think would impact others and serve you in a positive way, I will share it with you!
So, as you progress through depression, you have to ask yourself "what's your decision?" That doesn't mean Pharrell's song "Happy" will pop into your head immediately and skittles will begin to fall all around you. Yet, the more you intentionally decide to change your thought process, the more you will improve. For instance last Thursday I had the toughest day!!!! It was just a dark day, I couldn't get out of it. I was sad, I was upset, I just wanted to lay in my bed. These things happen!!!!! You're on a journey. Finally around 2 pm, I got up, I pulled myself together, begin to think intentionally and things slowly turned around. A part of me was disappointed that I had a bad day, but later when I spoke to my life coach, he made a great point. He said "Did you notice how that depression "moment" lasted less than 12 hours? And honestly I didn't. I hadn't noticed and that was huge! Because just a month ago, I could've been out for 2-3 days. But now as I've been doing the work, thinking intentionally, I bounced back in 12 hours!
You have the power to decide. So, what's your decision today? Visit my IG page and comment under this post your decision today, i.e. "I will be mindful of my thoughts today! I will be grateful today! I will smile today!" I can't wait to read them!
Please visit the Lovelee Motivation Facebook Page to receive daily motivations and inspiration.
P.S. If you are not in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, but need someone to talk with about your suicidal feelings, please do not hesitate to call one of the following national suicide prevention lines: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
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