Linna/Sorus, been stuck in a rut and it does end and you can get out of it! For me I realized today that I like my rut. I have a wonderful family, a job I love, roof over my head, car to drive, etc., but I no longer know what to dream about.
I would love to be physically as strong as I was two years ago after doing a year of yoga and exercise before joint pain set in.
I would love to own a home but not convinced I "need" or "deserve" that.
I would love to travel to beautiful places because I want to go there, not because I have to work or to bury someone.
All right, maybe I haven't forgotten how to dream.
Sorus, I made a list a few years ago called "Things I Can Do Every Day to Fight Depression." I posted the list below and would like to encourage you to make your own list of things that work for you.
Things I Can Do Every Day To Fight Pain and Depression
1. Yoga. When I first wake up I can do a few minutes of yoga. Yoga stretches the muscles, relieving pain and stiffness. It releases endorphins. It also gives me something to focus my thoughts.
2. Read the Bible and meditate on it. The truth sets me free. It fill my head with light instead of darkness. It gives me hope that there is something much greater going on than what is in my head. It reminds me that the outcome of everything is going to be good. It tells me that all is well, and all shall be well, and all shall be very well.
3. Exercise. Walking and running release endorphins and burn calories. I get outdoors and inevitably see some lovely or interesting thing along the way. It also helps with pain and stiffness, and increases my metabolic rate. It increases oxygen in my system. All these things help me to think clearly.
4. Refuse negative thoughts. “Anxiety is saying that God might not get it right; bitterness is saying He got it wrong.” Negative thoughts toward others are from the wrong perspective. Even if they say or do things that hurt or make me angry, there is a good chance I will realize later they were right. Hating myself is saying that God is wrong about me.
5. Eat right. Too much sugar gets my system out of whack; going too long without eating lets my blood sugar get too far down and I tend to feel depressed then. Eating moderate meals with protein; and small, healthy snacks when needed; keep me feeling my best.
6. Drink water. It keeps my system going the way it should; and keeps it from slowing down, which tends to make me feel down.
7. Go outside. The fresh air, natural light, and forms of nature always do me good.
8. Play music and sing praises. This always makes me feel better because it turns my thoughts back to God and to the truth; the physical engagement of playing guitar and singing is a huge bonus.
9. Review my devotions later in the day to remind me that God spoke to me today, and that it is well with my soul.
10. Give and get a hug. Hugs release endorphins while we remind each other that we are valuable to each other.
11. Communicate with a friend or loved one. Even a text can uplift both me and someone else.
12. Write. Journaling is amazing for sorting out my thoughts; other writing can get my mind out of its rut.
... hadn't noticed.
and whine a little. But not now.