Just Get Over It ~ Update

A Journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step = Lao-Tzu

Here are the links to the article(s) again. 
Part 1: http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2793226
Part 2: http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2794895
I learned the other day that a condensed version of the article was on the front page of the Recorder and Times Extra - The free once a week paper they publish.
The Free Recorder and Times Extra: http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1716970

I am still overwhelmed by the response that I am still receiving regarding my speech!  I came home from work on Sunday night to the phone ringing.  When I answered I was shocked that it was someone who had read the article in the paper and was so touched by it that he had to call.  He was an older gentleman and his wife has battled with schizophrenia for more than 40 years.  He was happy to see a 'happy story'.  Then again today while I was at the gym I was thanked by a woman for speaking out and that the story was very well written.  I am still stopped at work a few times a day but someone congratulating me on speaking out.

I must admit it is quite exciting :)  I also am shocked at how many people not only read the article but also have been affected by it.  Especially those who don't know me and take the time to write, call or find me on facebook, as well as those who have stopped me in person while shopping etc.  It is touching and is also saddening and comforting all at the same time.  I am touched that people are receiving it so well, I am saddened that so many people 'get it' and am also comforted that I am not alone, and am getting so much positive feedback from this experience.  I was fearful of how people would react towards me afterward.  So far only the positive has reached me, and for that I am thankful.

In other news... lol, life at work is as dramatic as ever but home is wonderful.  My kids are doing well, growing like weeds!!!  With Halloween just around the corner they are getting excited about Trick or Treating :)  Myself I can't help but get excited about Christmas!!  I love Christmas and I think this year is going to be extra special.


I hope your life is going well.  If it isn't and you are getting to the end of your rope......just tie a knot and hang on!!!  Life is worth living :)

Another day of surprises

Mediocre people do exceptional things all the time... - OK Go

Today is another good day.  It started out with a sick little boy, whom I suspect has just missed being home with Mommy, and has become a pretty great day!  

Once my husband came home from doing his bus run he asked if we wanted to go out for Breakfast and then get the groceries.  My son who has a stomach that can never be filled, jumped at the opportunity to go to his favorite breakfast spot.  It is right beside the train station and it was always our favorite spot to take the kids when we first moved here as the idea of missing a train going by would keep them relatively well behaved lol.  Anyhow turned out that they were very happy to see us.  Our favorite waitress immediately came over and said she had seen us in the paper.  She also told me she was so thankful for me sharing my story.  She had no idea that I had been going through such a rough time over these past few years she has known me.  She also went on to tell me how her daughter is going through very much the same thing I have.  She asked me if I would be willing to talk with her daughter.  I told her I would be more than happy to, that if I could help her I would, but I am not a Doctor and definitely not magical just someone who "Gets It".

I was also asked yet again if I would be willing to start a support group.  I am so surprised every time I get asked this!  But at the same time I do understand as when I was on my journey there were all sorts of support groups for the families and for addiction sufferers, but nothing for those suffering of depression or anxiety.   I am considering talking to my Social worker  at our next visit and see if there is anyway of getting some support from the Hospital or the Addiction Resource Centre to get something started.  I would love to get involved and help something get off the ground etc, but at this time I still work 12hr shifts and full time plus I have my own recovery to be aware of so I don't want to risk spreading myself too thin, so would rather not tackle something this big completely alone.

Well, I think I will go and unload and reload my dishwasher.  Now that we have our 'Smart Meters' for hydro my husband doesn't want me running the dishwasher during the day.....I have to wait until bedtime to start it or get up extremely early to get it started....and same goes for laundry!  If they keep raising the cost we will be sleeping all day and living at night lol!!

Anyways, hope you are having a great day!!

Blogging or Journalling Helps

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. -Norman B. Rice [more light = fewer shadows!]

I became a hermit so to speak when I became ill and stopped working.  Being a hermit can be very lonely.  I reached out in the only way that I could both mentally and physically and that is through the internet.  The computer was a release for me.  I could play a game or work on graphic design without getting frustrated.  I found that I could focus solely on the computer without the frustration that other simple tasks now created.  I think the main reason for this was the ever changing focus of what was on the screen and there being no expectation from myself.  I started with playing an old game that I had already conquered and grew into digital scrapbooking.  I read blogs since I didn't have to remember or know what had happened to enjoy it, plus each post was like a new short story.   One of the first bloggers I came across and have followed for 3 years now, has begun her own journey with depression.  She fought hard to avoid help and to do it on her own, but has now accepted that she needs help and doesn't have to do it alone.  Her blog can be found HERE.  She is just beginning her journey so if you are there too, you may want to follow it. She has a great support from her family and friends and even 100s of her blog followers. 

Blogging or journalling is a great release/therapy for some and I encourage anyone to try it.  Even if you are not on your own journey but are supporting a friend or loved one on theirs you may find it helpful.  I blogged through most of my journey and found it extremely helpful.  Whether you choose to share your experience through a blog, or keep it private in a book or computer file is up to you and your comfort level.

Give it a try, you just might enjoy it.