No Depression Even During the Recession

I recently lost my job due to a lingering work-related injury.  My annual leave ran out and so did my pay check.  At first I would just lie in the bed and have my own little pity party because I hurt, didn’t have a job and did not know when I would get better. 

This pity party has lasted about four months and has run right into the 2008 US Recession, so I have a depression during the Recession, and do not know when either will end.  My poor husband has done all he can, and I have begun to notice that my depression is spreading throughout my house.  Those commercials on TV are right, depression hurts everyone.

I live in southern Mississippi and missed the entire summer living in my cave of a bedroom.  My injury had caused chronic migraines, and I cannot stand to be around bright lights or loud noises.  Daily, my cats hang out on my bed while I just lay there staring at the ceiling, if I am not asleep.  

It’s now mid-October and the weather has changed from sultry to cool and dry.  Today is one of those cool days and it’s cloudy outside.  I’m sitting in our screened-in front porch and realizing that today is a pretty good day.  Even though I’ve lost half my retirement due to the stock market crash, and I do not have a job nor any hope of one in the near future, and I still don’t know when I’ll be able to get my neck repaired from the injury – today is a good day.  

I had a cup of coffee and a slice of toast for breakfast, and it tasted very good.  I’m looking out over a forest of tall pines and enjoying the 70 degree weather.  My cat is sitting in front of me on the porch enjoying the same view as I am.  He has no concept of retirement portfolios nor employment, but he’s quite content, and for some reason, so am I. 

I think I have finally realized that you have to concentrate on the things you have and be grateful for them; then the dark cloud that hovers over you will start to thin a little and let in some rays of sunshine.  None of my problems are gone, but my attitude has changed to gratitude, and I actually have a smile on my face. 

 So, in these times of economic recession and financial distress, if you concentrate on what you DO HAVE and on the GOOD THINGS which don’t cost anything (holding and petting your cat or dog, or even husband or wife; the smell of coffee in the morning, a warm bath, a hug or kiss) rather than stewing on all you don’t have – it is really true – it makes you feel better.  And in the end, isn’t that what we really want – to FEEL BETTER.  (No prescription required)