Practice makes better
If you had asked me what my motto for life was around 11 years ago I would have said, “Life sucks and then you die.”
I really thought that and said it often. Looking back, I now know it was mainly due to OCD which in turn caused severe depression and anxiety. I was the epitomy of pessimism and self loathing, hiding behind too long bangs and oversized jeans and polo shirts. Then a friend came along and gave me hope. Hope that maybe life didn’t suck, that maybe I didn’t suck. Slowly, oh so very slowly, I began making my way toward being more optimistic. I’m still not a true optimist but I do attempt to see the good in every situation. These three things have helped me to do so:
1. Medication - This is not for everyone. But once I realized the darkness in my mind wasn’t something I could fix on my own, I saw a doctor. The medication has done wonders in helping me see more clearly through the jumble of scary thoughts that use to plague and nearly paralyze me with fear every waking moment.
2. Imagination - Thinking up wild ideas about how the current situation could be so much worse often brings a laugh at my own creativity and really does help me be thankful that such and such a thing didn’t happen
3. Prayer - I’m religious, and prayer plays a gigantic part in my life. When I remember, I like to pray for Heavenly Father to help me see the beauty or lesson in my every day activites and situations. And I pray for clarity of thought, to be able to see through the emotions of events that are depressing or heartbreaking, to know that those feelings will pass and that there is still much good in the world.
I have to practice every day to keep an upbeat attitude about life, but, practice makes better. ;)
This post was written as part of Mommy Zabs’ first group writing project.
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What a great, honest post. Thank you so much for posting it. I struggle with the same exact things. It has been such a battle. I have recently been very specifically diagnosed and it has been really hard for me to accept. I’m on meds to, a new on in addition to what i have been on for 6 months now. I’m still having bad days here and there, but there are more good than bad these days.
And you know I rely on Jesus too. That had for awhile made it hard to accept I needed meds, but now I realize it’s his provision for me! We are in a fallen world!
Hi Summer! Prayers do make miracles. I believe that our daily communion (through praying) with God will make anyone a better person.
Am laughing at imagination thing , because I must admit there are times I do that too.
Great post! I love the imagination suggestion because I am the same way. Although, one time I got so wrapped up in my imagination that I made myself cry! Oh yeah… my imagination is AWESOME ;)
Prayer works thats for sure!
We have just the weest little bit in common. =) That was beautifully written.
I think it takes a strong and courageous person to overcome the obstacles that you did. You should be very proud of yourself!
This is a really great post - you approached the topic with such honesty and that made it really touching. I do the same thing with imagining the worst - my imagined worst can be so outlandish that reality’s attempt at tragedy often seems comic : ) And Prayer - well that is the cornerstone of everything!
Most excellent post! I love your honesty and humility.
I pray every day for wisdom and strength to get through the day!
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