Russell, thank you so much for your insights. Being “up” all the time is not realistic as you noted. Yet, we also have to manage the external things that attempt to sap our internal joy and peace. You offer us a window into how important that is as one who struggles with depression. We can learn much from you and the mechanisms you use to remain balanced. Thank you.

Andrew, great points! I agree it is important to work through your negative experiences. As you said, working through is the key and not being stuck. We all have bad times and bad feelings. We are human. Thank you so much for sharing and I am really glad that you made it through the challenge of unemployment!

I can relate to the story about the screaming kid. They are usually the ones sitting on the table next to me as I try to read my newspaper and eat my dinner in peace. Typically, what they refuse to hear is their mother telling them to be quiet and sit still.

I am reminded of a quote by motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, who said that “anyone who is on all of the time is ‘on’ something.” Mr. Ziglar talks about being ‘up’ eighty per cent of the time and ‘on’ when you need to be ‘on.’

Personally, I went through several periods of unemployment a few years back. During those times, I resolved to be upbeat and positive eighty per cent of the time, whilst allowing myself to be down and miserable twenty per cent of the time.

I actually think it’s important to allow oneself to feel downbeat, upset or angry when going through difficult times. To do so I think helped me to be in touch with how I really felt, work through my feelings and get it out of my system.

To experience negative emotions in challenging times is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of being human. The key is not to stay in a negative frame of mind for too long and take any positive action you can to improve the situation.

Cheers

Andrew

Andrews last blog post..What makes a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work?

Being able to understand that all events that happen in our lives are exactly what is meant to happen for our development, helps with the mind set of as you said “I could fall prey to the up and down cycles of life”.

Could have things been different ?
this is where the understanding, that events could not have been different and you are getting the wisdom you need helps with the

” A constant replaying of the problem does nothing but torment you. ”

I notice in other comments left that exercise was used as a natural high,
I am a great believer in the benefits of sport and exercise as an aid to having an outlet ,to be able to sing La, La,La,La, to some of the lessons and events in your life that are uncomfortable.

To be happy all the time is not a realistic outcome but to understand all things are as they are meant to be and be okay with that and as you say

“Focus on solutions not the problem”

is a good approach to prevent your self from sliding down a path of,it is all to hard why bother, and into a depressive state

Russells last blog post..Aussies duel at Lake Stevens Ironman triathlon

Robert, spoken like a man with true wisdom! You are so right, this too shall pass. Hmm….didn’t a wise man write a post about that recently?

Friar, LOL! I am the annoying adult that mimics the kid only louder which probably would drive parents crazy. Hehehehehe, but I get to send them home. LOL!

Brett, perspective eh? LOL! You are right though, we can let it get to us or not…I choose not! Thanks my kilted wonder friend!

Brad, the prayer and humor thing made me laugh! LOL! Um sometimes I can swear I hear God laughing the big hearty kind with tears rolling down your face. LOL! I love your attitude and I’m so glad that I can count on you all to keep me laughing. You know our grandparents lived through the Great Depression and made it to the other side so there’s hope for us.

Karen Swims last blog post..Don’t Mess with the Happy!

Brad Shorrs last blog post..News about Word Sell, Brad Shorr