Ahh cheers, Cato!
I want to nominate Ishina, mainly for this:
I can only tell you how I do it. It was presumptuous of me to tell you how you should do it and I apologise for that if it comes across that way. I didn't realise you were on treatment. And don't ever say anyone else's depression is somehow more valid because of experiences, because it wasn't about my experiences. Depression doesn't work like that. I believe it is something within us, ready and waiting to be triggered, and so easy to get comfortable in.It was my own disposition that made me depressed. People tackle shit differently. It is the way we engage life that sets us apart from one another. The problem is me. I accept that. Nobody is to blame but me.
For a start, I forbid myself from using the language you use. I am not depressed. I am not pathetic. I am not wretched. I am not afraid. I am not weak. I don't hate myself. I am strong. I am empowered. I am liberated. I love who I am. I love this and love that. I accept who I am. I deal with it. Either way, I talk myself into being who I want to be. It's not as conscious as it might sound either. It's largely an unconscious effort. Habitual. Natural. But very much practiced. That's the key: practice. The same as anything.
Next, I have my martial arts. Body and mind conditioning. I only go once or twice a week these days, but I'm still progressing and I still maintain my fitness at home. I do squash with my other half. I do tai chi too most mornings. I exercise every day. You only really have to do 30mins to an hour a day. But I like to do more. And I sometimes do less. I don't beat myself up if I didn't get the opportunity to train that day, but I don't ever let myself slack either. No days off, unless life gets in the way. The trick with exercise is not to turn it into a chore or reluctant habit. Don't just go through the motions. Set yourself goals. Achieve them. This is rewarding on so many levels. This is why martial arts are perfect for me. I can feel my progress. Literally see it. I'm actually getting somewhere. I have a similar attitude to exercising in general. You've gotta set yourself a target. Something to aim for. And you've got to have milestone achievements along the way, little rewards in themselves. Maybe a number of reps or longer continuous intervals. Maybe toning up a particular muscle group. Maybe a few more kilometers. But the physical exertion is only one third of training. You need to eat fairly decently and rest properly. This you already probably know.
Also, I have torn through books on eastern philosophy. Zen, Buddhism, several martial arts such as Aikido, or rather, been inspired by the warriors who have founded those arts and their wisdom and life story. I don't consider myself a Buddhist, at all, but I have certainly enriched my own spiritual or psychological alchemy with this kind of knowledge. I don't subscribe to any supernatural elements. I meditate, casually. I have also gone deep into psilocybin experiences. I dunno if those have helped or not. I wouldn't recommend them. They profoundly exaggerate your current state of mind and reveal much of the unconcious, which isn't always a friendly place.
I have my art. That was always a safe place growing up. I could express myself through art. I could throw out my innermost desires, fears, anxieties, and nobody would ever know. That was just for me.
And I have my music. Music is a wonderful thing. It can change your mood as good as any drug. I dance when I'm out. Raves, clubs, live shows as often as I can. Euphoria is powerful when surrounded by like minded people. Let yourself go. Only when you truly let your inhibitions go do you really manifest your inner and outer beauty. I laugh easily. I cry easily. I put on a happy or sad song and indulge raw emotion. I try not to attach songs to specific experiences so listening to them isn't reminding me of anything bad. Only good things.
Last but most importantly, I have my support system. My fiance, my mother, my friends. I do a little volunteer work. I can't be who I am without others. I have to let people in. And I have to be there for them as much as they are there for me. Because being there for them is where the good stuff is. That's the shit you need. Give and take. Put back in what you take out. Don't just take from others whilst keeping them in your own sphere where you are the focus. That way, you'll be draining both you and those you love. You are not refilled and recharged by wallowing or being comforted. You get that from being a positive influence to people you love or simply having a good time.
These are all things I enjoy. I am not perfect and sometimes I don't practice what I preach. But I try.
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Topic: Poster of the month!