Peace of Me

About eight years ago, I found myself battling depression—an unusual state for me, being a glass-half-full kind of girl. Despite my natural optimism, I couldn't shake it.

Everything "out there" made me feel more hopeless and helpless, so I turned upward and inward for answers.

Here are the twelve things I did to pull myself out of depression and how I stay (mostly) positive today:

(Hint: If you have limited reading time, skip to the last one — it's my favorite!)

 1.      Meditate: I meditate daily for at least twenty minutes, but even five minutes is better than no minutes. This practice has rewired my brain, and I can move through the world more easily.

2.      Ignore Social Media Tirades: I stopped reading the rants of social media "thumb thugs." Doing so prevents me from being dragged into someone else's "fever dream," and I'm more at peace.

3.      Avoid Violent Media: I stopped consuming movies, podcasts, or books filled with graphic murders and gratuitous violence. Keeping my brain off a steady diet of the "ick" is calming.

4.      Limit Time with Negative People: Whether they are family, acquaintances, or influential people, I drastically limit my time with those who continuously find problems in every situation. This change shrunk my circle but increased my JOY.

5.      Guard My Time: Using my time wisely is an ongoing battle because I tend to waste this precious resource more than I care to admit, but I'm better than I used to be.

6.      Turn OFF the News: Fearmongering, negativity, and constant bickering are seldom allowed in my life. I'll take it in small doses to stay informed, but I know I've had enough when I feel my jaw clench.

7.      Say No to Excess Stuff: I buy less and experience more. Even a simple outing is more energizing than any dust-collecting thing.

8.      Release Grudges: Oh boy, I've held some. Carrying grudges felt like knives twisting in my lumbar. I've let go of them by praying for the "offenders." It wasn't easy at first, but over time, it freed me, and the feeling of freedom is like floating in a lazy river, cold drink in my hand, eyes closed, sun on my face, and no worries of a riptide.

9.    Be Kind to Myself: I stopped telling myself the hateful things I wouldn't say to any other human on earth. Instead of striving for perfection, I do my best every day and accept that some days, I'm better than others, and that's enough.

10. Appreciate Nature: I spend as much time as possible in nature. At a minimum, day or night, I make it a point to look up when I step outside. Even a momentary glance upward gives me time to take a deep breath and thank God for this earth and His blessings.

11. Ignore Opinions: It was liberating to really, REALLY internalize that what others think of me is not my business. I've got things to do, and I'm more nimble when I'm not dragging the heavy opinions of others on my journey.

12. Pray. The big ONE. I pray before, during, and after virtually everything. Sure, I occasionally say prayers I've memorized, but I mostly have a tête-à-tête with Jesus throughout the day! Every. Single. Day. He is never too busy to spend time with me.

 What brings you peace?