How will I think about the new year? Answering this will set the tone for 2022. Accepting things that happen to me is what my depression would love. Its new year’s resolution begins, “I will make sure Joel is circling the drain by the end of 2022. I will make sure Joel remembers that I am the best thing that has happened to him. I resolve to make sure Joel sees that I am his … [Read more...] about The New Year Brings New Possibilities
mental health awareness
Merry Christmas: I’m Awake, But My Feelings Didn’t Make It
It’s 7:35 AM on Christmas morning; I’m up and have been for over an hour. We drove 1 ½ hour to visit my father-in-law on Christmas Eve. Both of my wife’s sisters were there, along with one’s fiancé. The pre-dinner treats were delicious and the bone-in rib roast with vegetables was very tasty. My wife brought gluten-free dinner rolls that melted in your mouth. My … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas: I’m Awake, But My Feelings Didn’t Make It
I’m Happy Depression Wasn’t At My Birthday Party
In recent years, depression has been a big part of my birthday. To call it a birthday celebration would be wrong. From my perspective, there was no celebration involved. It was just a day to get through. And I did it by pulling together my high-functioning depression skills. I have honed this skill over many decades and can turn it on now, at will. But using my … [Read more...] about I’m Happy Depression Wasn’t At My Birthday Party
Why Am I Exceeding the Speed Limit?
Over the past few weeks, I have not been able to slow down. As the days get shorter, I am almost frantic to get things accomplished. And the thought of self-care, of "me" time, makes me cringe. There is no way I can be available for me, there is too much to do. So now I am recognizing this as a clear sign I need to slow down. But knowing is different from doing. In … [Read more...] about Why Am I Exceeding the Speed Limit?
My Family Vacation Was About Having Fun Without Depression
The last four days have been marvelous. I couldn’t have written a better script for our time together. There was plenty of group times, especially at meals. Several of us took turns cooking. And those that didn’t cook, cleaned up. There were three generations in the house. Brother, sister, brother-in-law, wife, daughter, sons, daughters-in-law’s, niece, her son, and my … [Read more...] about My Family Vacation Was About Having Fun Without Depression