I know we are all struggling with levels of depression but I'm trying this rather than just reading affirmations, finding good things even little, especially little to appreciate and help me. I'm hoping others can join in. I started this on another board and now I go back and read it to perk me up.

My son's laughter

A pretty sunset

Snow on the trees after a light snow

A hug from anyone -friend, child , coworker

Little kindnesses, someone not dropping the door

The other thing I do more is the people who aren't judging me : like if I see a really busy person fast food restaurant and they looked stressed and they finally hand me my meal and apologize I try to say things like "i hope your day gets better" or something to make them feel better, I usually get a really response back and it make me feel like I'm nice and you can often see relief on their face. I'm corny but trying to find ways to perk myself up when people around me are being harsh.

You are so right that we have to appreciate anything positive that comes our way. I've also been trying to recognize and remember the good things in my life, and stop concentrating on the negative so much.

Giving of yourself to others like you are doing is really great! I often forget to even notice what other people are going through, how difficult things may be for them, because I'm so wrapped up in myself.

The kinder we are to others, the more open we are to receiving kindness from them. And the kinder we feel toward ourselves. I firmly believe that.

Positive things... hmm....

sunny, warm days like today (75 degrees here in Florida)

skiing, surfing and rock climbing

Man vs. Wild, the show on the Discovery Channel

1. being where stolie is! :) that is, where the weather is a nice, sunny, 75 degrees, and lying down on a chaise longue, with something (non-alcoholic to sip in one hand, and a great view in front of me).

dazed,

i've noticed that about mysef too...no matter how crappy i may feel in the morning, when i get to work, and get in the elevator with other people (to go to my floor), as the people get off and they say, "have a good day," or "take care," i find myself saying it too, of course, and it DOES make me feel better, even if only a little, and even if it lasts only two seconds.

also, when at the supermarket for ex.,--let's say i'm in line, and the cashier is really hurried and you can tell she / he is dealing with someone irrtable in front, even though i may be irritable as hell myself, i always thank them "very much" and give them a little smile at the end, for helping me out with the groceries. i guess, it's because i feel for them, i don't know. and it DOES make me feel better. you're righ!!!!

or sometimes, when i don't have enough quarters to park at the meters, most of the deli store clerks would NOT for the life of them change a dollar for you, sometimes even if you buy something. when i found this one particular deli guy who does it for me even if i only buy a pack of gum, i thank him profusely from the bottom of my heart (maybe some of you may know how strapped we can get sometimes with the lack of quarters and the meters around here), for the one-two dollars he changes for me. and it does make me happy! it's like a dream after i get those frigging quarters in my hands. i'm like halliluiah!!!!

Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the negatives and forget about the positives. Some positives in my life:

Both my husband & I are in good health, and our families are in good health. My 18 month old nephew was very ill with a respiratory problem last week and had to be hospitalized but he is OK and doing much better now!

My husband--he's kind and thoughtful and holds me and kisses me even when I don't need it. He puts up with my moodiness when it hits.

The weather--It is beautiful here and has been around 70 degrees and sunny for the last week.

The wildlife in my backyard--We have lots of birds and squirrels playing outside to watch. Our male and female cardinals are mating again and are so cute to watch--the male will feed the female.

a good book, a good movie, a good TV show

Being kind and considerate to other people is the greatest positive.

I'm not saying this fixes everything but I do find its helping me focus on the positives as I of course have a tendency to stew on the negatives and i'm so glad to see others join in with great input. See just reading that, cheered me up.

My son's good health

My husband's good health

The fact that we have medicines in this day and age to help

the amazing people in this forum helping each other, even asking for help, someone might read themselves in your post!!!! The willingness of people to talk about this stuff!

the amazing people in this forum helping each other, even asking for help, someone might read themselves in your post!!!! The willingness of people to talk about this stuff!


Yeah, what that^ poster said. I think I'm all alone dealing with stuff and then I read the posts and all the advice.

The positive for me is all of you.

and I feel the same!

the ability to actually and truly vent in here, without expecting someone to shut you down/stop you, say you're weird, or even completely nuts. :dizzy:

I have a 11 year old nephew that is my bud. I don't get to see him much during the fall and winter but we spend alot of the summer together.
I like to look back on the bike rides we took together, going fishing or just watching a movie. Those summer memories keep me going.

Hey CTRich, I'm from CT. Hang on to those summer memories.

SPRING

the fact that SPRING is around the corner. it's my favorite season, although too short--it figures! the weather's balmy, the buds on the trees are just begining to show, the grass and the little leaves on the trees start to turn that pretty, light green color, and then the white blossoms on some trees, and beautiful early spring flowers--a feast for the eyes, the senses. I love spring!!! :angel:

I know we are all struggling with levels of depression but I'm trying this rather than just reading affirmations, finding good things even little, especially little to appreciate and help me. I'm hoping others can join in. I started this on another board and now I go back and read it to perk me up.

My son's laughter

A pretty sunset

Snow on the trees after a light snow

A hug from anyone -friend, child , coworker

Little kindnesses, someone not dropping the door

The other thing I do more is the people who aren't judging me : like if I see a really busy person fast food restaurant and they looked stressed and they finally hand me my meal and apologize I try to say things like "i hope your day gets better" or something to make them feel better, I usually get a really response back and it make me feel like I'm nice and you can often see relief on their face. I'm corny but trying to find ways to perk myself up when people around me are being harsh.

Hey guys,
This is really nice! I was feeling really blue and feeling sorry for myself and i stumble across this thread and it cheer me up! It made me think about things im thankful for instead of something negative how refreshing!!!!!!!
Thankyou for that! Carry on! Tee(: Peanut butter cookies with a big chocolate kiss in the middle Yummmmm!!!!!

wow what great ideas, it helps me
chocolate chip cookies
yes spring and birds-bluebirds
memories of alaska

flowers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring showers.....thunderstorms at night.

sunshine on my face

lying down in bed, and hearing the sound of crickets through the open window

seeing fireflies around me in the summer

that first cup of coffee in the morning!

a good massage!!!

cuddling

pets (my cat--the best "boy" in the whole, wide, world)!!!:D

I'm smiling right now thinking of the Sound of Music and Julie Andrews singing "My Favorite Things" Singing that makes me happy. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens... The unfortunate aspect is that my singing usually does not make many other people happy (off key all of the time) Oh well, I love to sing.
Thanks for making me smile

our new little guinea pig cuddling and squeaking!

a smile :) (from a really cute guy you're passing by on the street)!

Positive stuff around us?

1. Yes - Sunshine (it's summer here..I love summer! I used to dread summer days because I always ended up wearing long sleeves back then to cover my skinny arms. I finally learned to accept who I am, and starting to wear t-shirts in public. I'm happy for myself to make progress each day.

2. My 2 Japanese maples that I bought 5 years ago...they were about my hip height when I bought them - and now they grown past my head. Always looking forward to autumn to arrive.

3. The beach and the park. My favorite places to relax and indulge in reveries.

4. My sight. About to see all the wonderful things in life.