puhpine's Journal, 22 June 2014

I've often read that keeping an 'appreciation journal' is a life changer. I believe this, as if you appreciate, it puts your mind in a positive disposition, (chemical reactions also) which in turn makes you more cheerful and happy. Thus creating a chain reaction with the ways you interact with your surroundings. Which should, in the long run, change your life. (to change others - or at least the interaction you have with others - you have to change yourself) Maybe an appreciation journal would be a beginning for you to slowly change the chemical reactions in your brain. I know it sounds simplistic, and maybe it is, but why not try. It certainly won't hurt. Have a great day!  

Wow, Maun. That's a great idea. So often a journal becomes a dumping ground of what's going wrong. I may have to try that myself. 

I have to admit, it's not my idea. I've read some books on 'spirituality' and I must admit, that is a common thread among them. It all seems to start with 'Appreciation'. And if you notice, when you have dark thoughts, they attract more dark thought, it's a spiralling down. What you want to do is 'spiral up'.  

the problem is that when i am down (and even my downs have ups and downs) but when i am down: i just don't care...  

Glad to have you back! Its ok to take some time away for yourself. For me it helps to think of depression as a time of deep self-examination, like your spirit is telling you to take a moment to re-evaluate and prioritize. It is painful but it can be one of the greatest gifts. I hate that growth and change always has to be associated with pain and discomfort!! Just remember you're never alone in the journey. BTW I am so grateful that you are here! 

Maud. Maybe it helps to know that other people care for you. Hope you're having a great day. 4 hours sleep. Good to go. :((((( 

Missed you my dear friend, but glad you're back and happy. That's what matters. Love the new avatar.  

maun.... so true. Ever read Louise Hay? On that line. Approving of oneself in order to appreciate and approve of others.  

Maud, I take fish oil every day. It has so many health benefits for heart and other things, including increase in energy and reducing depression. Honest. 

@CR / not really, but I've heard of her. I was really into the Law of Attraction for awhile, and there core belief was appreciation. And also, just hearing bits and pieces of New Age wisdom made me come to the conclusion that appreciation is a biggy for happiness. Frankly, we have so much to appreciate, just the fact that we're on FS because of excess weight means we're not starving and living in a land of plentiful. I know it's a funny spin on things, nevertheless true.  

Her book, You Can Heal Your Life, is a sweet easy read. And I do agree that being on this site means we have a lot in life many don't. You just look at it from a different perspective and that's great. I try to approach things from a different point of view, however, I get hung up on the negative. sigh. But working to improve which hopefully will help with my depression. 

@puhpine, IMO the trick when you're down is looking for and finding something to be grateful for. Some days I have to work on it every bit as hard as I work on eating better. Finding the gratitudes every day isn't always easy but it's worth the work.