Hello dear friends and fellow bloggers. Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit! I hope you are all doing well!
Some of you who have known me for a long time via my old blog that I had from 2012 to near the end of 2017, Linda's Peaceful Place, already know this. And even so, we can and do forget from time to time, this is perfectly natural.
I struggle with depression. This may come as a surprise or perhaps even a shock to some of you, as I post such positive, uplifting and sometimes funny things on my blog. I want you all to know how much you, your visits and your kind comments mean to me!
I am on medication for depression and have been for years. However, those of you who also struggle with depression know that the medication, although it can and does help some, we still have to work at taking care of ourselves in any way that is helpful to us.
The obvious is taking walks, eating well and getting adequate sleep. Some of you are very talented in art, others music, and others in writing. Even if you don't struggle with depression, perhaps you may have anxiety or other things in your life that you struggle with. We all do.
I for one am not talented at all in art or even writing, but how I deal with depression is of course eating well, drinking plenty of water, getting adequate exercise and sleep. Long walks in nature is therapy for me. Being around good friends, animals and doing my blog is therapy for me!
I love to do these posts because when I see the kind responses from you all, it gives me much joy to know that I am helping you all in some small way! Perhaps it is giving you something to think about, seeing the positive side of life, making you smile or laugh...it touches my heart to know that my posts are doing this. So by doing this blog, looking for things to share with you and seeing your responses is therapy for me!
A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. I appreciate and read every single comment, and really treasure the moments I take to do this blog and your kind responses. Love and hugs to you all!
Here are the things I have for you all today!
Don't lose hope...some of the most beautiful things have to move through darkness before they blossom.
Good things come to those who wait, better things come to those who don't give up, and the best things come to those who just believe.
Being happy is not about what you have, it's about the thoughts you have.
Blogging really is such good therapy and you are right, this blogging community is very supportive, no matter what. We will all be here for you, that you can count on.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that blogging is your happy place! And your positive posts make me happy and I hope help you too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me of your back story dealing with depression. I like how you bring moments of joy to the world of blogging. I do that sometimes too. When I begin to get anxious I immediately, right that second, say God is in control. I also say Trust Jesus. These things work for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing today! I think there are so many wonderful people in the blogging community, including you. All the positive things you post are a blessing and I bet they are to you too.
ReplyDeleteI think the flower is a hibiscus - so pretty!
And - I love Manamana... :)
So good to know you have found the ways and means to keep you happy and positive! Good on you and best wishes always. It is with great pleasure that I visit your posts since your posts bring so much of joy and motivation. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt is important we speak of depression, to open a dialogue about it. Thank you for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! Greetings from hot and sunny Malaysia! I am so sorry that you struggle with depression. I had anxiety and depression too, since childhood but did not take any medication. That was the reason I started my blog, as a therapy to help me cope.
ReplyDeleteBack in 2022, I changed my diet out of curiosity and one of the miracles (after 45 days) was that my anxiety and depression was gone. I was dumbfounded. In fact I wrote about it (the depression and remission from change of diet).
If it interests you, you could look up Dr Georgia Ede (her book is Change Your Diet Change Your Mind) and Dr Chris Palmer (his book is Brain Energy) on Youtube. They talk about the effect of diet on our brain and how it can help with depression, anxiety and mental issues.
I love all those quotes that you share as they are very uplifting and inspirational, not to mention the funnies as well! Have a great week ahead. Weekend is just around the corner woohoo!
Linda, I do love fountains and brooks and streams and rivers and lakes. They are so peaceful. I haven't seen a Calla Lily in such a long time. What a pretty color they are. So Springy. The giraffe picture and quote is delightful. The "wonder" quote with the kitty is so cute. Blogging is a wonderful way to connect with talented and creative friends from all over.
ReplyDeleteI hope the June days are kind to you Linda.
~Sheri
I completely identify with you regarding dealing with depression. I was on meds for years and finally managed to wean myself off for a number of years. Now I have trouble sleeping and although I don't feel it overly much the doctor believes I have some degree of anxiety coupled with depression so I'm back on meds once again.
ReplyDeleteI love your quotes - thank you for searching them out to share. Of course if you follow my blog for very long you will see what I, too, appreciate good quotes.
I have enjoyed all of your cuteness on this post. Anxiety is a major issue and I too have it from time to time. The thing that helps me the most is writing in my journal...I am not a great writer, but it's my journal which gives me the freedom to say whatever is on my mind and to share how I am feeling. Also...just being outside in the fresh air is a huge thing. My prayers for you as you deal with this. I haven't know you very long but one thing that I do enjoy about your blog is your openness and all of the positivity that you write about... Blessing to you Linda..
ReplyDeleteI love it when you show your own photos! Photography is a neat hobby. I know nothing about camera settings, so just use an automatic with various settings. The flower that you don't know the name of is Hibiscus. I thought those were real guitars on the wall!! I think there are more people who take meds for depression than those who don't. We both do.
ReplyDeleteCan't change a situation? Change your perspective! I need to practice this more! Thank you for another great post, Linda.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that you suffer from depression. You blog is always so positive, thank you for that. I am glad you have found that blogging helps you:)
ReplyDeleteLots of positive and uplifting quotes and some lovely photos that you've taken. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember you have depression Linda from long ago, and it's so good to be able to comment on your bog again after all these years and to see you blogging.
ReplyDeleteLove those positive sayings, makes one feel good.
The video, the first one makes me wonder what that man was telling the dog, pointing his finger, waying his arm about - it was funny to watch and I'm still smiling.
Your photos are lovely, and I do like canna lilies.
You saw such pretty things like the mural and the nice Calla lilies, the pink Mallow and of course the beautiful fountain. Hope you can draw new energy out of all the given beauty.
ReplyDeleteRide a bike, run, swim, etc.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart so openly: your honesty, warmth, and resilience shine through every word, and it's clear that your blog is not just a source of light for others, but a beautiful act of healing and connection for yourself too
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing the right things to manage your situation, being proactive gives you some control. I was on anti depressants for a year, eased off them very gradually under doctors instructions and have never had to take them again, that was 20 years ago. Now when I start to feel down I cope better and pick myself up as best I can. I’m hope telling you this helps, take care.
ReplyDeleteMylifeinflipflops.blogspot.com
Linda, thank you for being so open and sharing about your experiences in dealing with depression and anxiety. You may have helped more people than you know by your openness.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you struggle with depression! I sense an upbeat feeling coming across through your blog posts. I find joy in writing blog posts, now I look at it as a form of therapy. Your posts make me smile!
ReplyDeleteOh so nice quotes and lovely photos! The dog driving the truck is helarious! Ands who doesn't know the muppet song with animal: manananana :D
ReplyDeleteI have my own experiences with depression and anxiety, so your post is welcome. It's good that we're slowly making inroads on the stigma of mental health issues. 💕
ReplyDeleteThanks for the uplifting messages/memes! It's better to put out Love and Light into the Universe than darkness (intolerance, hate, bigotry, mysogny, etc.)
There is a nice personal touch to this post and your skill with a camera is on display. I have not had any connection to depression during my life, but I have no doubt that it can be devastating. Sylvia Plath always comes to mind. Yesterday, you lost a great Québecker when Marc Garneau died. I always thought he was too genuine and decent for politics. May his memory be a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI loved the video with the dog driving and getting directions from that man. Too funny.
ReplyDeleteI remember that clip from the muppets. My kids used to watch them.
My blog has been good therapy for me. It's kept my mind thinking and saved me from sitting and staring off into space
I agree on Karen Salmansohn's quote. Lovely picture of the two birds.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of this week, Linda.
Hello Linda
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a nice way to keep in touch with friends.
I love a walk in nature, it is soothing.
Love the inspiring words and images.
Take care, have a great day!
Depression is my battle too. I don't need medication, but have a therapist. It comes and goes.
ReplyDeleteI have found, or used to find, when I could sill do it, that walking is very therapeutic.
ReplyDeleteMy little guy loved the Mahna Mahna video and would ask for it when he was less than a year old. Highlight of Nana Day.
ReplyDeleteI'm still smiling at the driving dog video and I LOVE the vintage sinks in those vintage kitchens. Cute song. Thanks for a very fun blog!! xo
ReplyDeleteI too suffer from bouts of depression, thankfully it is not a constant for me but when it does come on it comes in full force and is hard to do anything. I have found my cardmaking and junk journaling gets me through as does God, praying to him when I am so love brings me peace. Glad you have found those things that help you too. I agree with the water thing, whenever we can go to a lake or out in nature is a wonderful thing. So wonderful seeing all the blooming flowers now, I don't know the names of them all either, Just now what brings a smile to my face :) Hugs!
ReplyDeleteManamana....manamana! Yup, I was singing along.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another nice collection. :)
ReplyDeleteI suffer from personality disorder, my type is avoidant dependent personality. Also, partialy resulting from it, I have anxiety and adjustment disorders. So I think I understand what you're going through.
Oh my goodness, I loved that video of "Washing Dishes with my Sweetie". That was so sweet, and I loved all the old fashioned kitchens. I also appreciated you sharing your heartfelt message with us, as well as all the positive things you share that uplift and encourage us. yes, when we are hurting sometimes we find that encouraging others actually helps us feel better. It's too easy to allow ourselves to slip into melancholy and withdraw, but reaching out to others often lifts our own spirits and helps us to stay in a better place. I needed this lesson today. Thank you for sharing it with us. It helps me to think about things that are going on in a more positive way. (((hugs))) and prayers for you, and may God bless you, my friend.
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ReplyDeleteAll the stories are valuable, funny or educational. Each one has that "something" in it.
Have a good week :)
Nice quotes and lovely photos!
ReplyDeletewonderful post and photos ~ favorite are the cardinals photo ~ awesome ~ thanks for being you ~ hugs,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores ~ clm
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Great photos and cute videos. Have a blessed day. Madeline
ReplyDeleteHello Linda, it's good to see you blogging again. I love the lawn mower image, and enjoyed the videos, particularly the vintage kitchens 😊
ReplyDeleteHave a good day!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a wonderful place to visit and even though I've only recently found you, I look forward to your posts. Thank you for taking the time to share the uplifting and inspiring thoughts. You have many friends and supporters in blogland.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration and the smiles, Linda, as always. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs coming your way My husband suffered so much from depression when we first met I think a lot of came from the war he served in too. When we got married I looked for good doctors for him in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI know it's a struggle for those with depression-I am so glad you found me here in blogland-hugs
Sorry to hear you suffer with depression.
ReplyDeleteGlad you find happiness in blogging. I sure enjoy reading your uplifting words of wisdom. :).
I know for me, the only way to beat (admittedly minor) depression is GET ACTIVE! I appreciate your motivation!
ReplyDeleteconnecting with nature either through work or leisure really helps keep my darkness at bay...... sometimes the motivation to commune with nature is difficult to come by, but pushing through that really helps
ReplyDeleteWitaj przykro mi, że zmagasz się z depresją. Coś o tym wiem. Też miewam ciężkie dni. Wiem że leki wszystkiego nie załatwiają. Czasem trzeba więcej czasu na ułożenie wszystkiego w głowie. Blogowanie, spacery, kontakt z naturą to także dobra terapia. Mnie także pomaga nauka japońskiego i malowanie. Pozdrawiam i wszystkiego najlepszego.
ReplyDeleteA very close friend of mine struggles with depression and like you, she is very open with it. Over the past few years I have been dealt with anxiety and am doing pretty much what you said - long walks in nature (they always help), healthy food (including chocolate!) and enough sleep. I want to add good friends. My garden is a wonderful source and my personal refuge - I spend a lot of time here. And that brings me to the pink flowers - I think they are Lavatera (Rose Mallow), a very beautiful plant.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about your experiences, this may well help others who struggle with depression too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your selection of photographs today.
Sending good wishes across the miles.
All the best Jan
Hi Linda, I also have depression and yeah I take medication for it but you are right medication on its own can only do so much for many people.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda You are very brave to share your depression I had it in the past as well and it is not easy. My anti depressant is walking as well. I can't do without it It makes me feel good. I love the quotes and especially your beautiful photos Take care xx
ReplyDeleteHello Linda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty, and I know what depression is and many other things I have. Your attitude is very good, and I think your blogging is so great, and you're good for everyone else like me too! Your photos and the other stuff are absolutely fantastic!
Have a beautiful Time!
Love, hugs, Elke
I love Mahna Mahna! and my kids did too, The Muppet Show was always a big hit in our house, every week.
ReplyDeleteI was very resistant to meds until my doctor questioned why that was and stated that depression, like any other illness, is treatable. The med I am on takes the edge off the sad, but also affects the happy. I agreed to get through this year's holidays on it, then I would like to phase off. This is such a process! Walking does help, as well as good nutrition. Imagine how it was for women 100 years ago!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog. I too am on medication for depression so most of the time I'm fine but every now and again it becomes more of a battle. Your photos are lovely.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, beautiful photos. Have a nice pentecost weekend ! Greets
ReplyDeleteI love the optimistic lawnmower man 😄
ReplyDeleteThe pink flowers look very similar to my French Hollyhock flowers. Mine are deeper, nearly fuchsia pink, with almost purple tones, but the actual shape and size is similar enough, that they could be from the same family of plants.
Very interesting, Linda. I like what you write, as well as the images, and I'm so glad you feel good about it.
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you one thing: every day, as soon as you wake up, go to the mirror, look into your eyes for five seconds, and say out loud: I am amazing, and today is a great day to live it to the fullest!!! After a firm slap and a jump.
I wish you a wonderful weekend. Lots of kisses :)
This is such a beautiful, honest and open post, Linda, and I value your candor. You are far from alone in dealing with depression -- I've been in that camp before and on the edge in recent times. I've been on meds in the past (they helped) and not currently but I appreciate it is an option to which I'm not opposed if I hit that point. I've done the counseling, the whole bit, as I'm sure you have. The thing is, we keep at it. I'm glad you have returned to blogging (I didn't know your earlier blog) and very glad I discovered it. I so appreciate your visits to mine. I'd say don't sell yourself short on writing. What you share here tells me you can write eloquently and with heart. That's what it is all about. (Check out "The Book of Delights" on my current book post. It might inspire you!)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post. Thanks for sharing and being so open. You're right, we all deal with "stuff". I love the guitars and Dylan murals!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures
ReplyDeleteHello! I am so happy to see you here!! And I suffer from Anxiety and OCD. I am thankful we can openly discuss it and offer each other support and friendship. Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteI've stood in many fields. Great quotes! Have a great day today.
ReplyDeleteI also struggle with not only depression, but social isolation as well. If it wasn't for my love of nature, my kitty kids and son, I don't know how I would get through sometimes. I actually wrote a post on my blog recently about how I struggle.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and purrs 😻😻
Loved this post. So full of positivity.
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoyed all the videos--they made me smile big. And your flower photos are beautiful.
Thanks for being so open and posting about your experience with depression. I had no idea, since I only just recently "met you." I also didn't realize you live in Montreal. I went to school there.
Just popping in to say thanks for the comment about my jacket on my blog... it was a no reply address so I couldn't answer... lot of lovely pictures here and great quotes..... day by day...
ReplyDeleteHugz
I really like the mural of guitars. And the fountain ( I also love fountains and have a couple, one on the front stoop and another in my garden.)
ReplyDeleteHi Linda lovely to be able to visit and see such an array of wonderful items on show, I also suffer with depression and agree with your statements have a lovely day see you soon
ReplyDeletehugs
lorraine x
Bom sábado e bom final de semana, minha querida amiga Linda.
ReplyDeleteHugs and holding you in my heart. Find peace and focus as it right for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog! Yours is lovely and I’ll no doubt be visiting again! Big hugs 😁
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh you have a ton of comments. I like the giraffe one about changing perspective - which is what I think you are doing for your depression. I enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your condition. I don't know what real depression can be but I suffered from burn-out. So long ago the word didn't even exist and I had minimum help. I know how hard it is to explain to people something is wrong when you are in perfect health with a good job, a nice place to live in and all.
ReplyDeleteStill sometimes I find it hard to start my day on a positive note. I find it helps to kick myself and just start doing something instead of finishing the coffee first. My 'trash' hobby helps a lot. There is always a find from the day before or at least recent that I have to do something about.
Surely you have a talent for sending positive notes into the world. I thank you for that and wish you well!
Thank you for sharing your story Linda. I have no doubt it will be the positive message that will help others in a similar situation. You are an amazing lady and I am so happy to reconnect with you. Walking out in nature gives me an incredible sense of peace. I wish that for you and everyone. Thank you for the videos and cute memes too. You are always bringing cheer into our lives. Your photos were delightful on top of it all. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI like all your pictures and quotations along with them.
ReplyDeletealways focusing on the good...the things we can do!! doing what brings us joy and happiness, it's so important. i enjoy blogging, i hope this was therapeutic for you to share your experiences. i find exploring different hobbies to be helpful for everyone. we are all climbing a mountain, they just look different!!
ReplyDeleteKiitos postauksestasi Linda. Kauniita kuvia ja ajatuksia. Vaaleanpunakukkainen kasvi tunnetaan Suomessa nimellä malva. Malvoja on sekä yksivuotisena että perennana. Minulla on kotipihassani perennoja, mutta joka kesän alussa kylvän myös yksivuotisen kesäkukan siemeniä. Kauniit kukat ilahduttavat minua suuresti.
ReplyDeleteCalla lilies are magical. I have never grown them but like seeing them at nurseries. My wife likes to paint calla lilies and has sold her paintings of them. Water features are great.
ReplyDeleteYes, we who suffered depression become experts in feeling better and helping others to do the same! Carry on friend aloha, I am now Your fowler Aloha!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing positive quotes and lovely photos. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteinteresting to know about dealing with depressing..... thank you for sharing your own experiences....
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend
Hi, my dear Linda,
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning, I would like to thank you so much for visit my blog and leave a comment under the post. When I hear that anybody struggles with depression, I know that this is very hard. Practically, I know how it is to have depression because I also struggled with depression, but I treated, but actually I am in therapy, so I am with you. I don't know how you feel, but I respect your feelings and difficulties. Just, I can encourage going to a psychologist and on psychotherapy. I will not give advice because I know that a lot of people just want to talk, not hear advice. You remember that you are a very important person and I believe that you can do it, and you'll do fine. If you need conversation and emotional support, I am at their disposal. You can send e-mail to me :)
Best regards to you and take good care of yourself (❁´◡`❁) <3
Being fairly new to your blog, I want you to know how much I love it. You have a very special gift in sharing all the items you do both in the thoughts and pictures. You make me smile. Favourites today are 'lawnmower man' and the fountain. I'm sure I can hear the trickling waters from here. 😊
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