Over the next few weeks I will be posting a series about my journey from depression and anxiety to a healthier, happier me. A dear friend, Lainie from Mishmash Maggie, asked if I would write something for her to post on her blog about this topic, and as I began to write I felt the Lord leading me to expand on it and post it here as well.
I know that many men and women suffer from depression and anxiety. Some suffer far greater than I do. My hope and prayer is that whatever your situation is, you can benefit from what I have learned. I brushed my depression and anxiety off for years believing that it was not that bad. But that was a lie. Just because I do not need to be hospitalized, does not mean that I should live with these feelings for the rest of my life. I was doing myself and my family a grave disservice by not doing something to improve my quality of life.
I will begin by sharing my story, what depression and anxiety looked like in my life, how I believe I've been perceived by others, and what caused me to begin this journey toward health and happiness. Along the way, I will be discussing my food choices over the years in order to show later how making a few changes here and there greatly impacted my mental and physical well being. I'm not a nutritionist, but through research and trial and effort I am learning how my body reacts to certain foods.
For the record, I am still very much a work in progress. I have not reached the end of my journey yet, and most likely never will. However, God has placed people, information, and resources in my life at this moment so that I may begin this process of healing. There's no quick fix, but I will share how I very quickly felt the effects of my dietary changes and how that has encouraged me to continue.
I hope if you are someone who struggles with depression and anxiety on some level, that you will be encouraged.
Blessings,
Kim
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun, Please Shine Down On Me!
Yes, the sun has finally made it's appearance here in the Pacific Northwest. Can you all hear the collective, "AAAHHHHH"? It feels fantastic! It was actually in the 70's today!
Along with the glorious sunshine, however, comes some not so glorious critters.
Bee's, spiders, and...ah, ah-choo! Allergies. These are NOT a few of my favorite things!
I guess that's why I tend to prefer the cold weather over the hot. When it's cold there are no bee's to torment me, spiders to scare the girls, and definitely no ah-ah-choo, allergies.
Even so, the sun is a welcome change from our usual gray cloudy days. I've even gotten outside a bit with the girls to play and do some yard work. Everything smells so good.
We were up to visit friends in Seattle last weekend and got to enjoy the sun with them. As our girls get older we find that traveling is getting easier. These friends also have children around the same age as Tigger and Winnie so this visit was really fun because all of the kids played really well together.
Roo went with Christopher Robin, Toby and K to a comic book convention, or "Comicon" as it's called in the biz. They had a really good time and Roo even got a signed original sketch from one of the artists there. Way cool!
Meanwhile, I got to do a little shopping with Nicole. I rarely get to shop for myself, so this was a special treat for me. I bought a new handbag, necklace and earrings. Go me! I am terrible at accessorizing, so it took a little work for me to choose these items. I know, I'm living life dangerously. Baby steps to coolness, baby steps.
For me, this was the best trip I've had in a while. My new way of eating and taking vitamin D have drastically changed my overall outlook on life. I'm so much more positive, outgoing and energetic. I just plain feel good. I feel calmer, far less stressed out, and I don't get worked up over things as easily as I used to. It's great!
Here are a few pictures of the kids from our weekend:
Winnie and K hanging out on the couch. Aren't they cute!
The girls: Winnie, E, and Tigger. They should form their own girl band. They ROCK!
More picture's to come later. I'm having some technical difficulties uploading the rest of the photos.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy the sun if it's up where you are!
Blessings,
Kim
Along with the glorious sunshine, however, comes some not so glorious critters.
Bee's, spiders, and...ah, ah-choo! Allergies. These are NOT a few of my favorite things!
I guess that's why I tend to prefer the cold weather over the hot. When it's cold there are no bee's to torment me, spiders to scare the girls, and definitely no ah-ah-choo, allergies.
Even so, the sun is a welcome change from our usual gray cloudy days. I've even gotten outside a bit with the girls to play and do some yard work. Everything smells so good.
We were up to visit friends in Seattle last weekend and got to enjoy the sun with them. As our girls get older we find that traveling is getting easier. These friends also have children around the same age as Tigger and Winnie so this visit was really fun because all of the kids played really well together.
Roo went with Christopher Robin, Toby and K to a comic book convention, or "Comicon" as it's called in the biz. They had a really good time and Roo even got a signed original sketch from one of the artists there. Way cool!
Meanwhile, I got to do a little shopping with Nicole. I rarely get to shop for myself, so this was a special treat for me. I bought a new handbag, necklace and earrings. Go me! I am terrible at accessorizing, so it took a little work for me to choose these items. I know, I'm living life dangerously. Baby steps to coolness, baby steps.
For me, this was the best trip I've had in a while. My new way of eating and taking vitamin D have drastically changed my overall outlook on life. I'm so much more positive, outgoing and energetic. I just plain feel good. I feel calmer, far less stressed out, and I don't get worked up over things as easily as I used to. It's great!
Here are a few pictures of the kids from our weekend:
Winnie and K hanging out on the couch. Aren't they cute!
The girls: Winnie, E, and Tigger. They should form their own girl band. They ROCK!
More picture's to come later. I'm having some technical difficulties uploading the rest of the photos.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy the sun if it's up where you are!
Blessings,
Kim
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)