A thought about depression

First of all if you are thinking suicidally, please seek medical help. Though my way of dealing with mild depressive episodes may also help you, please contact a person who can help you to deal deeper.

I suffer from mild episodes of depression, though they don't seem mild when they happen. I don't know what triggers them, could just be that I am older and my hormones like to dance on my day occasionally.

I have found if I do something for someone else, it really helps. I have several projects that I work on at all times. When I have one of these days, I work on ones that are gifts or special items I am designing for someone else. By taking my mind off of me and my, down in the dump, thoughts I find that I improve and actually accomplish a lot.

Today, my nieces took my mind off of whatever it was. Didn't know the cause, but it was getting really dark. As a result two young ladies will receive some customized dresser scarves designed specifically for them, for their birthdays; and I received a special gift from them. Because of our love for each other, I am smiling instead of crying.

I dedicate this days posting to two sweet and special girls, K & M. Love you guys ;O)

But I can't make a difference

So many times we think we cannot make a difference. It could be because we just don't have the funds, can't get where the tragedies are, etc. So many reasons; but you can make a difference. You can have an effect on someone's life. It could be visiting in a nursing home or hospital, it could be taking a neighbor to the store or just stopping over and seeing if there is a need that you could help with.

Some of the biggest differences in lives, are the ones that simply show someone that you care. Whether an elderly neighbor, or someone who is home or nursing home bound, a single mother who needs something fixed, a ride that is needed, or with your own child. You could make a grande difference in the life of a child, go for a walk, toss a ball or frisbee, or tell a story.

How could you 'make a difference' today? ;o)

Be Thankful for the Good

When we wake up in the morning, it is so easy for our first thoughts to be on those things which we do not like about ourselves or our lives.

Tomorrow when you wake up, make it a point to see 10 things you do like about yourself and your life. Think on those instead. Be thankful for them and when something doesn't go as you would like it, during your day, bring back to mind the good in you and your life.

If needed write them down so you have a reference; but think only on the good.
In a few days you will begin to realize what a gift each new day is, and the good will be that which pops first into your thoughts.

Enjoy your day ;O)

Listen

To just sit silent and listen,
whether to sounds around you (an awesome experience whtn outside with your eyes closed) see how many you can identify.

or to a friend who needs someone to talk to.

or just to the silence.

It is an awesome experience that can make a difference in so many many ways.

Unsurmountable Task

Making a difference doesn't always have to be for someone else. It can be something you are trying to accomplish for you too!!! Let's take a few minutes and take time for ourselves and begin taking steps to 'Mount the unsurmountable task' in our lives ;O)

Do you have an area that you are trying to organize or just plain clean???
A room, a garden, a garage.basement.whatever??

Then try these ideas...
1.) First know it did not get that way in one afternoon or day, it won't go away that fast either
2.) Then set yourself a couple containers and be honest with yourself, KEEP..GIVE AWAY..TRASH..THINK ABOUT (don't let this one get too big)
3.) Now a time frame, take it in small steps to start, 15 minutes then break (you can do more than one time frame in a day, but space them)
4.) Keep the area reasonable. Maybe one area of a room at a time, and focus. Don't move stuff from one area to another, use your containers.
5.) Allow yourself to breathe, but be realistic. Don't keep a bunch of stuff you know in your heart you won't use. Don't give away stuff that is dirty, stained, or broken. Think of those who could use what you have just sitting around. If you haven't worn or used something in, say 6 mos. to start, you probably never will. With practice you can narrow that down to less time.
6.) It is okay to be nervous, some people are very attached to stuff. I know I have that issue; but with practice it is getting easier.

Be an Angel

Is there an obligation someone is having difficulty meeting?
Is there a way you could help out?
Doesn't have to be just for family, could be a special friend, someone as close as family or a neighbor in need. And, sometimes we are able to just step in and do something to help them out. It can be as small as go to the store for them, or send a card to someone they have not been able to contact. Maybe pay off a small bill (large if you are able), or purchase something they are in desparate need of.

I remember one time, I purchased some gift certificates and had them sent to them anonymously. The best part of being an angel, is to do it without expectation of thanks, or recognition. That is when it really comes from the heart ;o), and make the most difference because they begin to see the good in all around them.

Who can you be an angel to today?

Domino Effect

Have you ever set up dominos in fun directions and then pushed down the first one, watching as they fall into each other in a wonderful and fun pattern?

Well, making a difference can be the same thing. You can choose to make a difference in either a negative or a positive way.

When you get angry at someone or something and take it out on the first person to cross your path, the odds are that person will then get angry and take it out on someone, and so on and so forth.

By the same token....take time to say something nice, even a simple thank you or excuse me if you cross a pass. Smile at the person as you walk by, or say a happy hello; and that person will probably (maybe not always but most of the time) pass it on and your dominoes will be happy ones.

Remember that if you add one thing to someone's life it has not been a waste of time. So take time each day to add a little happiness to someone's day. You never know how it may make the day of someone further down the line. :O)

A kind word

A darlin nephew, shared what his grampa told him. Goes something like this, 'Always find something good to say to someone, even if only to tell them they have pretty shoes'.

That little bit of wisdom, can keep the peace, or simply bring joy to a down spirit.

Another thought from grampa is that 'beauty is not found in the physical appearance, but in the heart'.

If more people would take time to look at the heart and not judge a person by how they appear in their eyes, our world would be a far more beautiful place. The body is a mere shell, it is the heart of the person that is the true telling. Some of the most beautiful people in the world have hearts of stone, they are not beautiful at all. And ever so many that society call ugly, would do anything for anyone and expect nothing in return. They have the true beauty, and if you look with genuine eyes, it will shine through so that even you can see it. ;O)

I don't know if I quoted Grampa Sean accurately, but you get the meaning. So next time you see someone, look past that shell and into the heart, you may be surprised.

A fair face may fade, but a beautiful soul lasts forever.

Do something you don't have to do

There are times whether at home or work, or out with friends that you notice a little something extra that needs to be done. Well it seems the current generation has plenty of reasons not to go that extra step.

'It isn't in my job description'
'No one ever does it for me'
'I don't want to get involved'
'That is her/his chore, let him/her do it'

I am sure you can think of a dozen more common sayings; and yes they probably are correct. But that doesn't make it right!!! There are even those who will take advantage of you if you do something extra, well that is their loss.

Going above and beyond, whether it is making coffee for the clerk who has been busy or picking up some garbage you see laying on the ground. Maybe taking out the trash or drying dishes for a sibling, maybe serving your spouse a special treat right where they are. Look around you, is there something, some little thing you could do to make someone else's day more pleasant? Even if only one out of 10 says thank you or appreciates that you did it, then you have made a difference in that life and it was worth it. It is my wish that we each do at least one thing for someone else today, how about you???

Take care of YOU!!

So many of us are always looking for ways to help others. It is our very nature; but if we do not take care of the caretaker, we will not be able to do a grande job.

So the number 1 rule of being able to make an effective difference is to

First and foremost remember to take time to take care of YOU!!!!!

Then and only then, will you be able to make a positive difference for a very long time and not burn out from exhaustion or health. :O)

Common Courtesy

When we talk to those who work for companies we deal with, we should show common courtesy. Often times there really is nothing that they can do to change things; but the way we talk to them can have an effect on how much extra effort they put forth on our part.

I have seen where someone was rude to a person on the phone, when she hung up her whole demeanor was down and she just didn't try to remedy it. A 'why bother' attitude. On the other hand, when the person calling is polite, in spite of the issue, the person receiving the call did all they could to help out. Even going beyond what their job requirements were.

It is NEVER right for anyone to use bad language or anger against the person giving a service. There are proper channels that can be taken, and should be; but to curse or yell at someone is always wrong.

It is so true, you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. Just because something is not going well for you, doesn't give you the right to ruin someone elses day!

Time

Take time for someone else.
If you take time to think on or do something for another it can take your mind off of your own problems.
Focus on the needs of another, it can be as simple as a phone call to say 'hi' or 'how ya doin?' A card dropped in the mail to let them know you are thinking of them. Even a small heartmade gift, sent or hand delivered.
It could be something larger, a gift card for a massage or a favorite place to shop. You could go to lunch together, or even just go visit and sit for a spell.
When you put others first, ultimately you are the one who benefits just as much.

Who haven't you talked to for a long time, if you wait for the perfect time to call it will never come. Why not take 5 minutes now and make that call. :O)