Originally published October 1, 2014
Ever go through one of those slumps that convinces you you’re depressed, only to discover that it’s not depression at all? Since making a tough call about employment and breaking off a potentially amazing friendship before the label even got out the gate, I’ve been tossing around a few emotions. So the other day, I said aloud (because saying things aloud makes them real), “I think I’m depressed,” and I felt nothing. It didn’t become real. So I tried, “Geez, this is the worst slump I’ve experienced in years.” That struck a chord, and since then I’ve been working on getting out of that rut.
What helped? Recognizing that for every disappointment, letdown, and setback, there are plenty more reasons to be grateful for something. Tonight’s sermon on day-by-day renewal was just the confirmation I needed: I’m going to start acknowledging life’s blessings in general; I’m going to up the ante when discouragement tries to slip in. If you’re experiencing a downward spiral in your life, before writing off your feelings as depression, consider that you have a choice about how to feel. And as much as possible, choose to count your blessings and discount your fears. What life blessings are you counting tonight?