Turning towards the sun

rmh144
Originally uploaded by rockymountainhigh.

If everyone just did what he or she FELT like doing, the world would be a pretty disorganized, unsafe, unkempt place. People wouldn't go to work, wouldn't wash the dishes or mow the lawn.
It's important to remember, even when we are down that: "Doing something good comes before feeling good" (I'm pretty sure that's original).
Even though you don't feel like it, get up, take that shower, and go for a walk. You'll be glad you did!
And turn your face towards the sun - whatever it is for you. You know, the things that make your eyes sparkle and your heart warm.

Passing Storm

Passing Storm
Originally uploaded by nailbender.

If you are depressed, just remember: it will not last forever. Think of the happier times in your life. Hold on to the fact that after other depressions, there was again the light of JOY. Yes, it feels bleak now. But an ordinary day when we're not depressed feels like a GREAT day instead.

Procovery Strategies - #s seven & eight

Using feelings as fuel. The anger, guilt, frustration, and other feelings experienced along the path to procovery are too often seen as symptoms, rather than consequences of illness and/or the procovery process. Taking a procovery-oriented approach of moving forward through ordinary, individual actions, much can be done not only to cope with feelings but also to use feelings as fuel for procovery.

Gathering support. Procovery may or may not involve a health "system", but it is generally not done alone. Finding ways to effectively invite and accept support, as well as match the support to the supporter, can make an enormous difference. William Anthony, Ph.D., writes, “A common denominator of recovery is the presence of people who believe in and stand by the person in need of recovery.”

Copyright 2000 by Kathleen Crowley. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Are you as glad as this glad(iola)?

Glad Abstract Too
Originally uploaded by auntiebs.

Here's some sunshine to start your day. Remember that no matter how down you feel, the world is still a wonderful, magical place. Explore, dream, and discover the beauty and magic. I, too, know what it's like to be unable to feel JOY for months at a time. Be certain in your heart and mind that JOY will return, for it runs deeply in all of us.

Harvest on the Journey

From discussion at the Maplewood procovery meeting last evening I learned an insight. A woman from the group shared her discovery of the word 'perception'! What Kathleen Crowley means in her book is that procovery is about perception. If you perceive that your disorder experience is negative - then just try to perceive that your experience is positive. Take the larger perspective and count your blessings!

Dave :)

Procovery Strategies - #s five & six

Creating change. Sometimes in the face of illness our dreams blow up in our face. It is important to dream a new dream, and once you’ve done this to pick some aspect of it and begin working toward it in any increment.

Dissolving stigma. There is a great deal of talk about stigma, meaning negative judgments and discrimination by others. But the most powerful and destructive stigma of all is inner stigma. People diagnosed with severe or chronic illness often come to see themselves as damaged merchandise, not as strong, or deserving, or likely to succeed as others. Individuals can significantly move toward procovery by addressing inner stigma first. It is often easier to have an impact on yourself than on others, and helping yourself strengthens you to impact others.

Copyright 2000 by Kathleen Crowley. All rights reserved. Used with permission.