It has been nearly two months since I last posted a message. I am truly sorry for my long absence. Like so many of us, I occasionally fall into a funk. This one seemed pretty deep. Actually, it was pretty deep. I knew it would eventually go away. It was the result of a medication problem; however, when a funk sets in it can feel like it will never leave. This one felt very much like that and I certainly had no words of wisdom to share.<\/p>\n
As a matter of fact though, I do believe it is wise to own our feelings, thus share them, all of them. Even when we don’t like them. Perhaps then most of all. I did share my struggle with friends at support meetings. I didn’t isolate myself, but I just didn’t have the energy to write a blog post about my condition.\u00a0I have been on this recovery path for more than 40 years so I’m inclined to think, “I shouldn’t be here<\/strong><\/em> once again.” But for those of us who are long timers, I think it’s especially valuable to share our struggles. Life isn’t always what we want it to be. But it is what it needs to be, always<\/strong>, for our greater good.<\/p>\n What I mean by that is our lessons are woven into our experiences and lessons are often unappreciated at the time they are happening. There is a reason for them, however, and in time we will understand why they “came calling.” As the result of my sharing my depression at meetings, both AA and Al-Anon, many came up to me and thanked me for sharing so openly. I know we all need to hear how others are really doing. Daring to be courageous in this way is a gift, to those who are present and to the person sharing the truth.<\/p>\n I am happy to share that the depression has left. The medication problem got sorted out. And I feel like myself once again. Thus here I am, writing a note to all of you. I truly appreciated the notes from you expressing concern about my “whereabouts.” Having others in our lives who take notice when we aren’t around is such a gift. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.<\/p>\n The best thing I can say about this recent “set-back,” is that I was able, once again, to receive confirmation that all really was happening in divine order. And now I can share, even more honestly with others, that depression makes its mark for a reason. And no one has to lose hope. No one. Knowing that you have my back and I have yours is such sweet comfort, isn’t it?<\/p>\n If someone close to you seems depressed, share my story with them. It just may help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It has been nearly two months since I last posted a message. I am truly sorry for my long absence. Like so many of us, I occasionally fall into a funk. This one seemed pretty deep. Actually, it was pretty deep. I knew it would eventually go away. It was the result of a medication […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reflections-in-the-mirror-you-and-yourself"],"yoast_head":"\n