Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash In case you are new to my blog, my name is Joel and I live in Charlottesville Virginia. I am a middle-class male, and I have worked since I was 10 years old. My career spans over 50 years in retail management and along with my wife, I have raised 3 remarkable children. Recently, I finally said out loud that I have lived with … [Read more...] about Straight Talk About My Journey with Depression
It’s Just a Hike, Why Am I Using All or Nothing Thinking?
Why would I turn a 4 ½ hour trek in Shenandoah National Park into an all-or-nothing scenario? After all, this was just a warmup to trekking the Inca Trail this October in Peru. A chance to test out gear and remember what worked and what did not when we climbed Kilimanjaro in January. And maybe it was hotter than any recent hike I have undertaken. But why should that trigger … [Read more...] about It’s Just a Hike, Why Am I Using All or Nothing Thinking?
How Using the Change Triangle Helps Me Cope with Depression
Is the Change Triangle my tool for moving forward with my depression? I first wrote "moving forward FROM my depression." What was I thinking? My depression and I are together until the end. Two peas in a pod, Ying and yang. And to think that I am moving away from depression is not a realistic outlook. Now there are times when I feel it is possible. And over the years, I have … [Read more...] about How Using the Change Triangle Helps Me Cope with Depression
Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
I’m Joel and I have Major Depressive Disorder. This short video gives a snapshot of what I am up against. I have learned one amazing thing about myself. Most of what I worry about never happens. I will time-travel into the future and imagine all kinds of trouble. But as the event plays out, the trouble never appears. My depression throws out some form of unhelpful thinking … [Read more...] about Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
Why Am I So Busy Doing Everything Except …?
I tell myself I am better than most because I do not spend hours each day watching viral cat videos. Yes, I’m the guy who is always busy. There is always a project to plan, start, or finish. I am busy at work and busy at home. I always have a list. Mostly my list is written. Many times, the list is on the back of an envelope or an old receipt that I found on my dresser. At … [Read more...] about Why Am I So Busy Doing Everything Except …?