I was diagnosed with severe depression several months ago. For those of you who have never suffered from it, depression is a debilitating and vicious cycle, that left untreated, continues to worsen. I was unable to function at work, was rendered unable to interact with my family and friends and I was unable to enjoy my life. Fortunately I was able to get help, both from medication and therapy, and I am feeling much better!
During my last therapy session my counselor asked me about what positive things were happening in my life. I had little to share as I have been focused on what's not good in my life. That night as I was in bed, unable to sleep, I was surrounded by my three "boys": Erik, my partner of 19 years; Obe, my 10 year old buff colored tabby and Cornelius, my 3 year old orange tabby. I listened to Erik's gentle breathing, Obe's soft grunts and intermittent purrs and to Cornelius' purring. We adopted Cornelius as a kitten and he has never warmed up to human contact, but he will sleep in bed with us, all 19 pounds of him on my legs. I was able to reach down and give him some love, starting about a 45 minute session of heavy purring.
As I enjoyed the sounds that all three were making, I realized that this moment, this very moment, was a positive and blissful time and I wondered, what makes me purr? What, in my life, is uncomplicated and good? I thought back to many times in my life where, if I could would purr.
Then I thought about what makes others "purr"? What stories, what events in someone's life could be shared that others could see the joy and bliss in life and realize that depression can be a short-lived problem? I thought about an October day that Erik, our friend Sheila and I went to a pottery show. The sky was clear blue, there was a pumpkin patch filled with children, and the sea of orange pumpkins with the blue sky is a color combination I'll never forget. The temperature was one of the last warm days of fall and the scent of leaves on the ground, the sun on my skin and the camaraderie of friendship and love, well that thought of all of this is making me purr right now!
I'd like this blog to be interactive. I want to hear the good things in your life, stories that will inspire, stories that bring hope to those of us suffering from depression or sad times. Make them as detailed and descriptive as possible, add color, scents and feelings, share with us your hopes and dreams that inspire, give courage and let us know that all is good in the world. You don't need to be a cat lover to contribute!
So on this first day of the New Year, 2011.......... what makes YOU purr?
Having suffered from depression as well (Effexor is my fav) I understnad the overwhelming feeling of sadness. Though I am no longer getting "treatment", I still have days that take a toll. More recently, I always feel overwhelmed - too many hours at work, two kids, a hubby, a dog... what happened to my time, my life? But as I look at what overwhelms me, I realize each thing is actually a blessing. Most of my "too much" is only a dream for others less fortunate than me. I try to focus on each thing when I can, and when I do, I try to give it my whole focus - it makes it easier to purr :-) So today, what is making me purr? My kids, my dog, my hubby, my job, my house, my other house ;-) and always - SUSHI!
ReplyDeleteHere's to purring in the new year - 2011 purrrrrrrrr purrrrrrr!
Love from Colorado -Ellis
I, too, am an Effexor gal! It's saved me from being a bigger bitch and grump than I already am.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes me purr? Of course, my kids, dogs, and cats and knowing Mike will come in the door every evening.
And also, summer sun-warmed, fresh tomatoes from the garden...often right in the garden eaten like an apple.
I've never "blogged" before, so bear with me. We love you Glenn and talk and laugh about you absolutely everyday. Can't wait to see you again and laugh:)
What makes me purr...my amazing Rottweiler, Zoey, all 90 pounds of love, when she curls up next to me on the couch and looks into my eyes with her sweet brown eyes. When I tell her that I love her, she always blinks back at me.
ReplyDeleteI love that I once again have a great relationship with my daughter. She is 16 now and we had some very difficult years.
I love quiet times with my husband. We often get in the car and just go somewhere-no destination or agenda in mind. When we see a road that we haven't been down we go that way. Thank God for GPS or we would be lost for getting home.
I also PURR when thinking of my wonderful friends like you and Erik.
Thank you Glenn for this blog. It is good to be reminded of the positives in our lives!
Ellis, thank you for sharing and letting me know what makes you purr! Keep sharing daily purrs, memories that make you purr, people that make you purr!
ReplyDeleteJane, I can't wait to get my hands in my garden, there's nothing like watching something grow and being able to enjoy it! PURR!
Catherine, nothing like an animal to ground you, make you realize that life is good and their pure love for you!