Tag: perspective

Hills and Valleys

In this thing called life, there will be hills.

Times when things are going well –

Times when you feel like you’re on top of the world.

In this thing called life, there will also be valleys.

Times when you just can’t handle any more bad news.

Times when you feel like you’re digging your way

Out of a deep, dark, and muddy pit.

The introduction of these hills and valleys

Into our lives cannot be altered –

But what can be changed is our perspective.

How will we respond to the hills and valleys of life?

I pray that we will respond with grace…

Both the giving of grace and the receiving of it.

I pray that we will respond with gratitude,

Focusing on the many blessings in our lives.

I pray that we will respond with peace…

A peace that can only be found in the Prince of Peace.

So as we continue on our journeys,

Let us respond with grace, gratitude, and peace

To the hills and the valleys of life.

*Note: I got the idea for this poem from the song “Hills and Valleys,” by Tauren Wells. You can listen to the song here. 🙂

Photo Credit: Shontz Photography

Thankful Thursday (episode 5)

Well, another week is coming to a close…and I have a lot to be thankful for. 🙂 After the past several weeks of not doing so well with recording my blessings, I found that I was able to keep track of them better this week. I think God is answering my prayers by helping me to focus on the positives and on the blessings that He bestows on me.

So here is my list of things that I am grateful for!

  • Getting me through the work week
  • A nice visit with the Hubby on his break at Target
  • An engrossing new book to read, called “Hush, Hush” by Becca Fitzpatrick
  • The opportunity to sleep in
  • Yummy breakfast sandwiches from Dunkin’ Donuts
  • A nice time with family at our nephew’s birthday party
  • Strength to clean up the house when I didn’t feel like it
  • An iced mocha latte from Dunkin’
  • Visiting a new park with the Hubby
  • My eyesight! I take it for granted so often.
  • A delicious taco dinner with all the fix-in’s
  • That I was able to take Daisy on a walk to my in-law’s house and then sit and talk with them for a bit
  • Being told that I am my boss’ most reliable worker 😀
  • For a tasty stromboli dinner, especially since someone else made it and all we had to do was heat it up!
  • The Hubby and I got to watch several good episodes of NCIS together
  • My boss told me that my job will continue until the end of May or the beginning of June, when I thought it was going to end sooner
  • A productive day at work
  • A beautiful sunset

Thanks for reading! I hope that my list has been encouraging, and that maybe it sparks in you the desire to keep track of your blessings – if you’re not already. 😉 Doing so has really helped to change my perspective on life…for the better! ❤

P.S. Here are links to my previous Thankful Thursdays! Thankful Thursday (episode 1), Thankful Thursday (episode 2), Thankful Thursday (episode 3), and Thankful Thursday (episode 4).

What Does Depression Feel Like?

It’s not wanting to get out of bed in the morning – and sometimes I don’t.

It’s a cloudiness in my mind that just sucks the life out of my thoughts and emotions.

It’s wanting to isolate myself from other people.

It’s desiring to stay inside the house because it’s kind of my “safe place.”

It’s putting on a smile when I’m around others so they don’t know I’m not feeling well. How would I explain my struggle to them?

It’s feeling lonely – oh, so lonely – even though I’m the one who chose to be by myself. I sometimes feel like there are very few people who understand.

It’s fear, doubt, and a lack of confidence.

It’s feeling like I’m in a deep, dark pit – and like I have no way to climb out of it. Thank goodness the Lord is there to help!

It’s a complete lack of energy. I often want to crawl back in bed, even if I just finally got myself out of it.

It’s a total lack of motivation. Simple daily tasks are huge undertakings for me.

It’s not enjoying the things that you used to enjoy. I used to like so many different activities…but now I just can’t get myself to do them. I have been able to get back into reading and writing, and for this I am grateful.

It’s feeling different. Not normal. Like I don’t fit in.

It’s fighting – fighting every moment of every day to focus on the beautiful and the good, instead of focusing on my struggle.

 

Those are some of the ways that depression plays out in my life. Do YOU struggle with depression? If so, what does depression feel like for you?