Take A Deep Breath and Breathe!

To keep our sanity and survive today, we have to think about what it is that's most important in our lives. Is it merely surviving today and making it through tomorrow, or is it doing our best today and looking forward to tomorrow? How you think and what you believe controls your attitude for today and tomorrow.

In other words, to put it simply, your attitude is determined by your altitude. So, today what is your altitude? Are you flying in low clouds, or are you Soaring high above the clouds and basking in the sun? It's all up to you, so let's see where your altitude is today.

It has been a rough few months for all of us during this Pandemic. It has not been easy for anyone not to be able to travel, visit family, and work as we usually do. How well are we handling this situation of staying home and being inside? How are we doing with Social Distancing?

I am alone most of the time unless I was traveling for work; and I was pretty much inside the house all the time or working in the yard. It wasn't that I have to be; it was just that I have gotten into a habit of being comfortable staying at home. It was much easier to stay at home than to go out with friends although we did sometimes get together to have dinner or go to a movie. It's much easier to give in and do nothing than it is to fight depression and just stay at home.

Okay, Since I am dictating to Siri, that word depression came out before I even thought about it. Now, that makes me think! If anyone asks me I would say no, I'm not depressed, it's just lonely at home. So it brings to mind, What is the definition of depression? I found this online:

1.   Persistent depression or feelings of sadness.

2.   Self Loathing - doubting that you can do anything right, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.

3.   Loss of interest in all activities.

4.   Irritability and isolation - challenging to be around and avoiding other people.

5.   Anxiety - feeling that you are going to fail personally and professionally.

6.   Loss of energy, poor concentration.

7.   Disturbed sleep patterns - lethargic with a lack of hope.

8.   Change in appetite and body weight.

9.   Reckless behavior.

10. Suicidal Tendencies

Wow, what a list! Did you have any of these? I hope I'm not the only one, or I would Really be depressed. I was going to write something happy to lift us up during this time. It was definitely not on my plan to write about depression. So maybe the reason is someone out there needs this, or perhaps I need to read it and see that yes, I may have a couple of these. I am sad, and I don't sleep well, but not all the time. I would also say that I'm not depressed, so again our attitude is determined by our altitude. It is time to soar back in those clouds and look at the sun. We have so much to be thankful for, and I genuinely am grateful for all the blessings I do have.

I am, however, familiar with depression and what it can do, so I don't speak about this lightly. I lost a sister to depression when she committed suicide. I know depression is real, and someone can have it and not realize that there is help available for you. If you think you have any of these symptoms or need to talk to someone, make that call. Depression can be lurking around the corner. Call a friend, social distance, and go to lunch or dinner and know that life is worth living.

Smile, Have Fun, and remember a change of altitude requires a difference in your attitude. Soar with the eagles and enjoy the sunshine!