There is no question that faith can help pull us out of darkness and provide the hope and inspiration that is needed to persevere through despair. Several studies over the last decade have cited the positive role of spirituality and religion in recovery from depression. For starters, they assign meaning to suffering. Stories of redemption prompt […]
When a marriage dissolves, there is legal process that involves steps of grieving the end of the relationship. Signing papers, although painful, acknowledges the end of years together and also signifies freedom to move on to a new life. Broken friendships, however, have no process in place. Oftentimes the ending is muddled, with confusion over […]
I am reposting part of my commencement speech to Saint Mary’s College in 2011 because, as I mentioned in my last post, looking back on moments of joy and accomplishment propels me through darker moments. Although I wrote this for graduating seniors, I hope the message of light, sincerity, and love speak to you, as well. […]
About once a week I hear the same question from a reader, “What keeps you going?” The short answer is lots of things. I use a variety of tools to persevere through my struggle with depression because what works on one day doesn’t the next. I have to break some hours into 15-minute intervals and […]
I like to post inspirational quotes on my Facebook page a few times a week. I thought I’d chose my favorite among them and include them here.
I’m breaking the rules and celebrating 30 years of sobriety on Sunday. No, it’s not consecutive time, and some people might accuse me of cheating, but if I add up all my sober moments, it’s 30 years, and that’s what counts. Minus those two times There was a stupid night my junior year in college […]
If I had only one wish in life it wouldn’t be unlimited funds or a bottomless pot of coffee, not a condo in Maui or free college degrees for my kids. I wouldn’t even want to add years to my life. My wish would be this: to become more emotionally resilient — to be able […]
Seven weeks from last night, I board a plane to Paris and will arrive at St. Jean Pied de Port the next day to start my six-week hike along the Way of St. James, or the sacred pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago. Along with my 15-pound backpack of essentials, I bring along some of the […]
Up until last week, I hadn’t done rage. Polite ladies don’t go there. Anger turned inward Some say the definition of depression is anger turned inward. I suppose, then, my rage has been tucked away inside my tears. The other day I spoke with a group of women about handling negative thoughts. “When I am […]
Just as mantras are helpful for me to process emotions, so are quotes. I often turn to them for wisdom and inspiration. The following sound bytes have been especially helpful in trying to learn how to forgive myself. Like most people I know, I judge my own indiscretions with a different standard than those of […]
