[thank you]
There is one overwhelming thing I have to be grateful for, and it’s so huge that I’m not going to talk about anything else. You probably have an idea what I’m about to say….
Friday Gratitude: Support, Positive Feedback, Validation, Release and LOVE!
That’s a bit of mouthful, isn’t it? It all applies, trust me. Tuesday’s Depression Part Two post was unbelievably difficult for Andy and I to put together. It was tough hearing Andy’s answers to my questions, it was tough being my own editor and turning our conversation into something all of you would be interested in reading, and it was tough hitting that Publish button, because oh my lord, can you say scary?
I didn’t just put myself and my depression out there for all to see, I put Andy and our relationship out there, too. It was the most emotional, the most triggering post I’ve ever written and published. Immediately the next day, when I began to see how much of a response our interview-conversation-whathaveyou was generating (is STILL generating), my self-doubt kicked in. Fear? Yep, that too. Throw in some insecurity, anxiety, thoughts of Me? I generated this response? How could all these people be writing to me, thanking me, for our super personal conversation about wintertime struggles? And so on.
Let me say this: I didn’t ask Andy all those questions and cry through it because I wanted to be popular. I could never have predicted the outpouring of messages, comments, shares, tweets, likes, and views that came out of Tuesday’s post.
[yes]
I’m humbled by the adjectives that have been thrown my way. Brave. Courageous. Strong.
You know what? My husband is brave, courageous, and strong, too. So are all of you, for fighting through every hard time in your life and coming out wiser because of it.
![Friday Gratitude: What a Wonderful Response! - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i0.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1005778_10151778495995196_857896438_n-Medium-500x333.jpg?resize=550%2C413 "Friday Gratitude: What a Wonderful Response! - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]")
Heart in flower form in our garden
- Chris Gethard responds to a fan’s question about encouraging loved ones to seek help for depression.
- Sometimes You Have to Fight for Your Happy– a blog post I loved this week
- Intriguing article from The Independent: Scientists discover the molecule responsible for causing feelings of depression.
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Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, “You owe Me.” Look what happens with a love like that, It lights the whole sky. –Hafiz
It’s really hard to put ourselves out there! I tend to keep all of that bottled up inside and that’s not necessarily a good thing. I’m glad you got such a wonderful response – I think it really does help to know we’re not alone!
Michelle recently posted…The Weekend Blog Party {Link Party}
Hi Michelle and thanks for your comment! Knowing we’re not alone is one of the best feelings, isn’t it?
It is so hard to put yourself out there on a medium like this where it’s for anyone and everyone to see. I congratulate you on your bravery!
Thank you, Kate!
Beautiful post in every way. I applaud you for opening up and sharing with your readers this honesty. As you said, it clearly helped people. Stopping by from the SITS Saturday Sharefest and so glad I did. :)-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted…Pinterest Nightmare #406: Don’t Forget To Put The Seat Down
Appreciate you stopping by- thank you so much!
I’m glad you wrote about it and felt supported. What a wonderful thing that is. Writing about depression is tough for me because when I’m in it, I can’t really think or function enough to write. And when I’m not, it’s tough to remember just how dark it feels. I have written about it and had a similar experience. Many people thanking me for putting words to how they felt. Support. Understanding.
I’m off to read your post(s) now. Thanks for sharing. Happy Sharefest.
misssrobin recently posted…Turning to God
Hi Robin- I hear you. I wanted to write this post and other similar ones now, when I’m feeling good, because it’s so difficult to form any coherent thoughts in the winter, like what you said. I’m hoping I’ll still keep up the blog this winter, especially since last winter I gave up for five months (!).
Thank you so much for your sweet comments!
I just had a chance to read your tues post now and I just want to say thank you as it touched me deeply. I was humbled to be privileged enough to have you share that with me and yes it spoke to me deeply. both you and andy have tremendous courage, wisdom and generosity. my partner was not able to help me but then he had a great number of health and mental issues himself to deal w/ so it is to some degree understandable. I just so wish I could have found/find someone else – anyone – who could be there for me the way andy is for you. I can only hope that I can fill that role for others in some small way. thanks again to both of you.
Oh, Jacquie, how much I appreciate your words…! I think you all are helping me/us just as much as that post has helped you. I don’t know you, but I know that you deserve a partner who can be there for you in your low moments. Sending you hugs and many thanks.
Wow!! Just went back and read the post. As someone who suffers myself, I truly appreciate your putting the other side out there.
Another member of the club! I’m glad to discover others who know what depression feels like- and thank you so much for your feedback, Kate.
Hey girl! I think it’s wonderful that you poured your heart and soul out to your readers. I think blogs can create this false image of happiness all the time and can make readers feel like down about themselves thinking that they don’t have this perfect life like the one they’re reading. Nobody has a perfect life and no one has a perfect day everyday. I’m a pretty positive person, but I totally have my struggles with depression and those pessimistic days. Right now my hubby is in-between jobs and I’m trying to be positive and trust that the universe will provide and that there is a better opportunity out there for us, but there are days where I get frustrated and just want to him to have that job now and have the security that comes with it. We may have to move, and that scares me because I have such a great community here, but I also know that we can make it work anywhere. I then get quiet and grateful for all that I do have, my wonderful family, community,beautiful house and health and that’s when I know and trust that all is going to be good! Sometimes our struggles lead us to growth and trust and help us appreciate when things are amazing and secure. Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing and feeling how you’re feeling and know that we’re all in this together. Our role here on earth is to love and sharing your true feeling and not hiding behind false pretenses is helping to create a sense of community and is helping people feel ok about expressing themselves and each time we talk and help one another, it’s lifting our vibrations and the earth’s vibrations higher and higher! Wishing you peace, love, joy and health girl! xoxo, Jackie
Hi Jackie- I so appreciate everything you said here. It’s nice when people will share their own woes in response to mine. Some blogs are all about being positive, and that’s fine, but I’m striving to be as authentic as possible and reach out to people who can identify with all these unpleasant feelings, and like you said, hopefully foster a sense of community. I hope your family’s situation turns around soon- and I admire your optimism. Thank you so much for your support and love! I need more followers like you 🙂
Christy,
You are doing a wonderful thing sharing your stories. It helps us that struggle feel less alone. It might help someone find the courage to get the help they need.
Thank you for sharing my post. I want to hug you through the internet. I feel like we have a lot in common.
Stevie recently posted…Five Words You Need to Know
This means so much to me, Stevie. Writing these depression posts has been difficult, and I wasn’t sure at all what the response would be (worst case: no response?). That I’m actually helping other people is both surreal and wonderful!
And you’re so welcome- I’m glad we found each other. xoxo