Don’t give up

Obstacles that we face can become our teachers.  In this way, life can teach us and wake us up.

And the key is to approach it this way.  Rather than seeing life as more and more of a burden.  Leading to us becoming more and more depressed and losing hope.  Leading to us becoming discouraged.

The simple answer is learning to stay.

To stay with what is.

With a good sense of humour.  

With loving kindness (towards yourself and others).

And by bringing in as much warmth and gentleness as possible.

The world can be a hard and unforgiving place.  We all go through struggles and challenges.  We don’t need to add extra harshness – we need to treat ourselves and each other which as much kindness and love and gentleness as possible.

And ultimately, we need to hang in there, and wait for the tide to change.

Everyday Wisdom #27

Don’t be afraid to speak out

Today’s post is dedicated to my dear friend, who revealed to me today the extent of the problem she is facing with depression since the birth of her second child.

I am very open about my struggles with depression and anxiety.  And she knew that she could talk to me and I would understand.

I don’t think that can really be overestimated – the importance of being open about our struggles and challenges.

And I don’t mean telling everyone who will stand still long enough.  

But more being willing to discuss it, and open, if the topic arises.

Sometimes you may find that people are not interested.  Or not comfortable talking about it – or listening to your story.

But sometimes you just might find you can make a difference to someone else.

Someone who is going through the same thing and just needs to talk to someone who understands.

And by talking openly – about matters such as depression and anxiety – it normalizes the experience.

Others know that it is nothing to be ashamed of.  That they have not failed in some way.  And that they too can get through it.

Talking openly promotes understanding, tolerance and hope ♥

 

Depression is not sobbing and crying and giving vent, it is plain and simple reduction of feeling.
People who keep stiff upper lips find that it’s damn hard to smile.
~ Judith Guest 

Laughter and love amongst the loss

Once a year I spend a day in the breast clinic of my local hospital.

Last year I witnessed something so beautiful and heart-warming that it changed me….

The waiting room was full, as it always is.

All of us sitting, in our paper gowns, waiting for our name to be called.  

To have our scans, our biopsies, our checkups.

Some of us leave afterwards, and put it out of our minds for another year.

Some of the women are not so lucky.  They receive the news that everyone dreads.  They get to sit in the “special chair”.  The one with the box of tissues and the curtain that draws around.

Last year though I saw hope and laughter amongst the confusion and worry.

I saw a lady warmly greet and embrace another.  The meeting of 2 long lost friends.

Then another was welcomed into their embrace.  And then another.   And then another (and so on).

And these beautiful ladies sat there, in their paper gowns.  And they made each other tea and coffee. And laughed and smiled and talked.  They caught up on each others lives.

A meeting of beautiful friends who obviously decided to make a positive experience out of their yearly visit.

Their positivity was inspiring and so beautiful to witness.

It was a wonderful experience and I feel incredibly blessed to have seen it.

 

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest.

~ Dalai Lama