Some years ago, when I was feeling particularly down, I started a gratitude journal. The first day was the hardest; isn't it always hard to start something new, even if it's “good for you”? Finding 3 things for which I was grateful was daunting. I was in the middle of a rough exacerbation, and nothing seemed especially good. I sat and stared at the blank page in my fresh notebook. I counted the lines. I resisted the urge to doodle. Mostly I resisted the urge to give up before I started.
Three things...three things that somehow made life better, happier, or more joyful. I sort of cheated that first day; I named my husband and two kids, separately.
The next day, I remembered one great thing that happened, and stumbled along with the other two.
After a few days, it was difficult to choose only 3 things. I found myself writing paragraphs as opposed to just a name or a word. Little tiny stories about specific instances. Sort of like what I'm doing with this blog.
I think it's important to note that I don't have clinical depression, at least not yet. I wasn't despondent, I just wasn't channeling Pollyanna. Writing down three things for which I was grateful had morphed into little snapshots of joy, anecdotes of laughter, hugs, and smiles.
Perhaps that's the real reason I started this blog...to keep myself in check so to speak, that really, I'm very fortunate and have a life that many don't. We have family, amazing friends, and LOTS of love and laughter. We have all the necessities, and some frivolous things. I'm still walking. All things considered, I am very fortunate.
The Pollyanna is strong with this one :)
I think that should be your official blog logo. ;-)
ReplyDelete