This past week was a hard one. A very hard one. I don't know about you, but a combination of stress, time change, cold weather and . . . well the list could go on and on . . . added up to some serious depression. Finally on Tuesday I decided I needed to take control of the situation. I realized I could sit at home alone, hide in bed, or I could get out, move around in the sun and go do something productive. I decided to go and volunteer at the Bishops' Storehouse. I hopped on the bus and rode it over to the Storehouse. I think I cried all the way there. On the way, I made an emergency call to my counselor and talked to him. I talked with my nurse about maybe changing the dose of some of my meds . . . but when I finally arrived at the storehouse the Sisters working there just came out and gave me HUGE hugs I put on an apron and I tried to focus on someone other than myself. I have to admit I was only able to be there for an hour, and when I left I didn't tremendously better, but I did feel better. I know that if I would have stayed home all by my lonesome It would have gotten more and more depressing.
I have to admit, when I'm starting to really feel bad . . . it normally gets worse, but this time I asked myself what I could do (on top of talking to my Dr, getting better sleep and slapping on a smile . . .) that would help me and suddenly I remembered all those lessons I had growing up about serving others. Bingo. I did.
This week with the stress of all that is going on in your life, especially with those Holidays on the horizon, try to take time out and do something for someone else. Maybe it's like what I did and going out to volunteer somewhere. Maybe you can do for someone else what that beloved sister did for me, give someone who looks like they need a hug, a well needed hug. Maybe you can write a note of gratitude to someone who you may have been taking for granted. Maybe it's smiling at someone who just might need that extra boost in their day. Whatever it is, DO IT! It took me about three days to get back into the swing of things, but I did. I know part of the quick turn around was because I started looking for other ways to serve people, if only so I could focus on them and not on myself. I am grateful I was able to turn the tide of depression from getting deeper.
This past week my brother, Klint, started a secret group for me about family memories. It is an absolute riot to read things that I have absolutely no memory of. Some of the things that they have brought up I can't even imagine that I did, but I guess I did. There are funny stories about Fourth of July parades, and pranks I pulled on people. They mentioned when I went out for 6th grade president and all sorts of silly things. If any of you have any memories of our friendship, please let me know so I can work on rebuilding my holey memory. (ha ha, love that pun!)
My friend, Amy, came out this past week and I had the opportunity to hang out with her and see her family. I loved having her near and having the opportunity to laugh with her. I'm sad she had to come out for a funeral, but I'm grateful she was able to come!
This is Amy and me at the luncheon.
Heather, Libby, Amy and me.
(Heather and Libby are Amy's sisters. They are all great friends. Many a laugh escaped out of these lovely ladies!)
Me and Amy had fun at the Mission Beach as the sun was setting.
I have to admit I had a LOT of fun with her! It was nice to be with someone who knows me and accepts, me warts and all!
The other evening I had the opportunity to sit and watch a TV show about ducks and geese. I learned about why they fly in formation. The bird in the front of the V in the sky takes all the wind and breaks it down so that it is easier for those other ducks in his formation to take a break. When the front duck gets tired, he slips back and someone else takes his spot. Ducks are also interesting because if one of the ducks gets wounded or sick, another duck stays behind with him to help him later catch up with the flock, with less wind resistance.
This made me think of Two things.
First, Christ is our leader in the flock. He takes the resistance of affliction and suffering and allows us to follow him and fully benefit from our strength.
Second, in this life on earth, it is impossible to always be the strength of the flock. It is important to allow others to be the leaders at times and support them by flying behind.
I know that we all have a burden of some sort. They are heavy and they are hard. Remember, our Heavenly Father allows you to have them because he knows you, your personality and your strength. He has full confidence in you that you can overcome whatever trials come your way as you depend on our Saviour, the Holy ghost, our priesthood leaders and on that potential that is just bursting within. When we reach out to one another we can carry our burdens together.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm thankful for you and the strength I get from each one of you.
Love, MOPS
