Just a Rose

Just a Rose
Originally uploaded by azem.

I couldn't help but post another flower. Partly because the flower (or at least the title) is so humble.

How often we neglect to enjoy and "see" and delight in what's around us because we have become JADED to beauty? How sad is that??

I know it's hard to see beauty on your own when you are depressed. . .that's why I write this blog.

Procovery means finding beauty in the ordinary. it meas doing small things for yourself and others that make amazingly large differences.

Thanks, Azem!

Sennen Sunset

Sennen Sunset
Originally uploaded by Roger B..

At the end of the day, have you created an experience that you will remember fondly?
Have you brought JOY to just one person by your listening, your sharing, or your kindness?
Have you taken time to just BE? To just experience some aspect of you that you like?
Have you enjoyed being on the earth, and found something in nature that inspires you?

Horses

Horses
Originally uploaded by DigiPub.

Does it ever seem like you are just going around and around instead of making progress?

It takes effort to break out of your standard routine.

As Kathleen Crowley puts it (p.193):

"Life -- be in it ! Get out there, find things you like to do, and you'll also find people you like to be with. "

Mrs. Wasp's Guide to Pilates: Step-by-Step / Avispilate!

Mrs. Wasp's Guide to Pilates: Step-by-Step / Avispilate!
Originally uploaded by CaritoJames.

Exercise is important. . If wasps can do it, so can YOU!!

Thanks Katy!

Still Laughing

Still Laughing
Originally uploaded by CATeyes.

After all these years. . .
Laugher is not only contagious, it's good for you. It releases "endorphins" - chemicals that make you feel better.

Thanks to Mitch for the charming, laughing iris!

Opening up

IMG_1221
Originally uploaded by Vaughan.

Spring is a time when many of us start to feel better because of the increased sunlight. The re-awakening of trees and flowers is also a delight, making it difficult to stay depressed.

"You are only one thought away from a good feeling" - Sheila Krystal

As Kathleen Crowley says (p.153):
"Negative emotions tend to buildon one another. So do positive ones, hence the ripple effect."

Thanks to Vaughan Nelson for the spectacular photo!

Rose Drops

Rose Drops
Originally uploaded by chrissie2003.

Don't you hate it when people just say "Cheer up", or "Get over it", like you could just get over depression just like that?

On the other hand, each of us can take steps to ensure that today and tomorrow will be better. Write as list of things you like to do - put them on the refrigerator. Make the list longer each time you think of something you like doing. It can be as small as having a cup of hot tea with your favorite cookie.

Then do one of those things - even though you don't feel like it!

(Thanks to my friend Chrissie from flickr for the lovely image.)

Eager to Shine

Eager to Shine
Originally uploaded by BennyPost.

As Woody Allen once said "Half of life is just SHOWING UP".
Lots of times we don't feel like going someplace because we're down or feel dejected, anxious or worn out.
Dreaming comes first, but it means nothing without doing. By DOING, we take actual steps toward a goal, even if that goal is just feeling better.
Don't be a slave to your feeling. Use your WILL to get out and explore, and you will find thatyour feelings will improve. Make a decision to BLOSSOM.

Thanks to Benny Post for the unusual, effective photo.

network

network
Originally uploaded by dsevilla.

This photo is an ideal image representing how a support network looks. There is beauty in joining with others for a common cause, or for friendship.
What can you do today to get the support you need and want?

As Kathleen Crowley writes in her book "The Power of Procovery",

"Rather than feeling victimized by moods, responding to feelings as they come, it is sometimes possible to create them."

Thanks to Diego Sevilla from Spain for this lovely image!

Tongue

Tongue
Originally uploaded by Dive Monkey.

There is so much in life that goes unnoticed. It's wonderful that others can show us the beauty, excitement, or delight that we are missing. I've never gotten this close to a bee (and don't intend to). But this photographer has given us a gift by letting us see something special.
Have a great week!