Dogpaddling Through Life
mental health
Depression No More!
I met with my therapist this week and she made a shocking announcement to me: “You are no longer depressed.” Wow! Really? I knew I’d been thinking that, but to have an objective observer who knows me well to say so is affirming. So what does a person who has suffered with depression for much … Continue reading
When You’re Smiling, the Whole World Smiles With You
There is nothing more beautiful to me than a sincere smile. I’ll never forget a story my friend Lynn once told me of the most beautiful woman she’d ever met in her life. Lynn said that when she first met the woman, all she saw was a scarred and weathered old face, but then the … Continue reading
Walking Toward the Light
When wading hip-deep through the Swamp of Depression, I thought I was just hurting on the inside. Now that I’m exiting the swamp, I can see a panoramic view of my depression. This morning I saw a photo of me during a recent volunteer activity for a political candidate, and I saw my physical size … Continue reading
My Constant Companion
Last Saturday I took my car through the car wash. Afterward I vacuumed and wiped down the interior. So what? So that’s the first time I’d done that in several months, even though I’d wanted to. I’ve wanted to write blog posts. Clean my apartment. Do laundry. I’ve wanted to feel better. Depression is insidious … Continue reading
In Denial…
There are some folks in Alabama and around the country who believe the stories about Roy Moore molesting teenage girls are “fake news.” We’ve heard a lot about “fake news” lately. Before we called it fake news, we called it denial. Remember when the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal first blew up? No? Well let … Continue reading
When You’re Told Your Dog is Dying…
Don’t worry, I’m not offended that you won’t read this bog post. This one is for those who who will go through this as some point, and need to know there is someone out there who understands. First you sit on the sofa and cry. Be prepared to go through an entire box of tissues. You make a … Continue reading
Spending a Few Moments with Myself
This morning I practiced mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined as, “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.” (Google) Mindfulness, for me, is a state of being content with and accepting of myself. First, I rolled out the yoga mat and … Continue reading
Healing Energy Coming Right Up!
A couple of days ago, two young women walked by me. They were chatting amiably and laughing, as good friends do. Suddenly I felt a rush of energy pass right through me. I smiled. It felt so good. In these days where there is such anger and animosity, it’s refreshing to see people who are happy. … Continue reading
Women Shaming Other Women? Shame on You!
This morning on Facebook a local news outlet had posted a heartwarming story of police officers giving out ice cream to community kids on a hot day. But many of the comments in the thread were about one young woman in one of the photos who wasn’t wearing a bra. “You should have bought her a bra.” “No … Continue reading
An Ordinary Walk With my Dog
Now that the days are longer- and warmer- Rumpy and I take later evening walks. I notice as we are out, so are the homeless cats, moving either to or from the neighborhood feeding station. Last night Old Sam was walking down the sidewalk in front of our house. He stopped and sat as … Continue reading
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