May the force be with you

Originally uploaded by MontyPython.

Well, knock wood, I think I'm finally pulling out of my slump.

I finally realized, after almost a year of having my nose pressed to the computer screen, that I need to attend to other things that need doing, including some that I also enjoy.

A few days ago, I went to the grocery store instead of just letting BG do it, and bought myself a whole slew of healthy foods. After a long interlude of being a virtual shut-in, I got out in the sunshine a little and enjoyed the springlike weather. I've made a concerted effort to cut down on my smoking as well. After three days, I feel immensely better physically and emotionally, and I feel eager to continue down this road; full of newfound energy.

I got through some chores that I had to do, and that made me feel like I'd accomplished some important matters even though it took some effort and I needed to force myself to do them. This, I've sometimes found, can help nip my depression in the bud. The sense of control is very empowering. It's heartening to realize that every bad patch or gloomy mood doesn't have to signal the start of a downward spiral.

Fortunately, in this instance I knew what had to be done and I had control over the means and the outcome. In the past, I've had periods in my work life where I did not have that kind of control over pressures and stress, and the results were disastrous.

It really can be true that there is always darkness before the dawn. By reaching a crisis point, I was forced to face up to my personal demons and take steps toward accomplishing very necessary goals. In the past, I've also found that self-help books have been an inspiration, but this time my motivation came from within.

Thank you for the comments on the previous post--I will respond to all. Your kind and supportive words helped me immensely as well.