Oh today was one of those “I want to melt into my mattress and never come out” kind of days. The days that you make every, and I mean EVERY excuse not to put your big girl pants on and just deal with it kind of days. Well surprise, if you weren’t informed, even depressed people don’t get a day slip. We still keep going, and some days it’s harder than others. Now, let me make this clear: I’ve been experiencing my chronic depression for about two years now, both on, and off anti depressant. So if there’s anyone who feels both of those it’s me. Unfortunately society likes to play up depression like an excuse to sit around in your fuzzy robe and not do things like: take the trash out, or pay your bills, or go outside. And that’s just not..not the way it goes. And if you think that a pill will fix everything but haven’t tried everything before hand, you’re going to feel very, very let down. I remember when I was diagnosed I was upset because I had tried E V E R Y T H I N G. I tried diets, exercise, more sleep, sunshine, PRAYER, therapy I mean I tried it all, and still, I was just, depressed, and here I am, still depressed, AND THATS OK!!!!! But in that time I learned that a huge part of continuing on in your walk with depression you MUST find things that help you through the funk, that help you keep going in a way that will improve your mental and physical health. Here are some things that really do help me, NO THEY DON’T JUST WASH IT ALL AWAY, but they help me wrap my head around what I’m feeling.

1- GO OUTSIDE. I’m telling you, sunshine can save the day. I live about 100 feet from the water and there is something about the smell of the ocean and the sun kissing your skin that gives me a boost. I’ve made a promise to myself that I’d never live within 10 miles of the ocean. For me, getting outside, even if it’s just for a few minuets, really REALLY helps me.

2- Make a “To Do” list and start with the biggest thing, conquer it and don’t stop until all of it is done. Today I made a list, all of which I didn’t want to do, but still, I conquered the list and even had some time to fit in a blog post and paint my nails!

3- Do something you KNOW will make you happy. So today, I decided to go to the coffee shop Trev and I met at. I ordered a small, inexpensive drink that knew wouldn’t break my budget and I sat inside. I replayed the butterflies in my stomach when I saw him for the first time. I smiled as I watch a sweet old couple sip coffee quietly in the same seats we sat in and I allowed myself to just be in the moment that made my heart rest. I took out my bible, read some encouragement and almost cried, I had made it. I conquered my to do list and I went for a hard run. I blasted rap and collected sea shells because that’s what I wanted to do.

4- Acknowledge yourself, you are worthy. Look in the mirror, put your hands palms up, and with everything you have, although it might seem scary, tell yourself that you are worthy, say it 3 times. Then tell yourself what you’re worthy of.

5- Exercise. Ok, I get it, you don’t want to go to the gym and see people you don’t care about, or you’re not a runner or you hate sweating, well then go for a long walk, do a workout in your room, YOGA, MEDITATE!!!!! There are options for everyone, “I don’t know how” isn’t a good excuse.

6- Be present. You made it. YOU MADE IT. Be present, thank God (or the universe, or whoever or whatever you believe in) for allowing your blood to flow and lungs to breath.

Be thankful. Today is another day. In this moment you are awake, you’re breathing, you have clothes on your body. Take a breath, find something you can touch, smell, see and hear. Listen to a sweet song. Drink something you love. Eat something you love. Thank your body, your bones, your muscles, your cellulite and the part of your body you hate the most (mine is my lower tummy) . Thank your hands and feet and heart and eyes. Be thankful in the space you’re in, allow others into your space if you are comfortable. Most importantly, be gentle with your heart, remember that you are only as great as you allow yourself to be, so find the greatness that’s just waiting to be seen.

Hey, you made it, and you’re doing great, babe.