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Inside my kitchen cabinet door, I have posted a list with
signs of my depression and action to take. I know them well, but they are there
as a reminder that I have conquered depression and can avoid it; if I recognize
it early, and determine to conquer or at least control it.
Add fatigue to the equation. That complicates and limits the
action that can be taken; e.g., going for a walk, inviting friends over, or do
a good deed in secret are too energy consuming.
During a recent bout of being Pitiful Pearl, I decided to find a new way. Thus Pity Party Smashers was born.
When you are feeling sorry for yourself, you are totally
self-absorbed as noted in a previous post. Rather than attempting to take the
attention off yourself, which can be nearly impossible when you are so very
tired, I focused on turning negative thoughts into positive ones.
Contentment is realizing what you do have rather than on
your losses.
Therefore, I used a variety of writing prompts- grammar,
spelling, punctuation and full sentences not needed here. The challenge is to
write for 3-5 minutes (longer. if able) using any one or more of the prompts.
Let me use one as an example.
I am wearing…
This one is intended to get you to notice if you got dressed?
Put on make-up? Combed your hair? Each one helps you feel better mentally. How
about wearing that shirt which makes your eyes so brilliant blue. Or getting
out that super soft shawl or afghan to comfort you. A spritz of cologne can up
your mood.
Some days I did not have enough energy to get dressed, but I
could have dusted my breasts with my Ciara powder that leaves a sparkle behind.
I always feel special wearing it. So what if I’m in my lounging robe! So what
if I have leads attached to a heart monitor.
PITY PARTY SMASHERS
a.k.a., Snap Out of It
Out my window...
I am wearing…
I hear…
My favorite color…
A memory that makes me smile…
If money was no obstacle, I would…
I am inspired by…
I am learning…
My favorite Scripture is…
A book I recommend…
Over a cup of tea, let’s chat about…
I am so glad God…
A spiritual highlight…
I am praying…
I feel…
My favorite…
Music…
I am thankful…
A source of joy…
An important truth to remember…
My favorite quotation…
Upon completion, reread them then post your responses where
they will seen easily as a reminder throughout your day. You can add to them
throughout the day, as well. When no longer needed either toss them away OR
write the outcome and save it to encourage you another day.
Suggestion: Keep the prompts on a 3”x5” index card in your
purse or wallet. Pity Parties do not always happen at home.
I have used the above prompts several times during these
weeks of confinement and found them effective in raising my spirits. In fact, I
was writing a letter to a friend yet feeling down. So I wrote I was going to
use my Pity Party Smashers right there in my letter. Before completing the
letter my attitude was more positive and I even solved a problem I was stewing
over unrelated to my feelings or my correspondence.
When my friend replied to my letter, she wrote, “I could see
the change! You were glowing by the time you stopped writing.”
We can feel like a “lonely petunia in an onion patch” and cry
all day or we can move that petunia into a more positive atmosphere. I prefer to
“snap out of it.”
Selah…
Connie
Next post: How Can You Give Your Best When Fatigued and Struggling?
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