Today I am taking care of Dorothy again. She is such a nice lady. I like being around her, we get a long great because we are both kind of quiet so we let each other do our own thing. Getting up this morning was hard because I didn't sleep too well last night. For some reason I couldn't stay asleep. I think I was so excited to think of things to cook for Jake. We want to eat more healthy so I was thinking of things that I could do to help Jake. He is like pretty much 95% of the population who doesn't like veggies so I am trying to think of ways to make them yummy or get him the vitamins he needs. I sound like his mom haha. I am just doing it because his leg is been hurting him a lot and I worry that maybe it could be health related, or it may not be. Either way, it doesn't hurt to eat well. :)
Anyways, about my last post, I really apologize if it was too forward. I was just thinking the other day about how some people feel alone with their problems because they think that everyone else has perfect lives or no weaknesses. I just want to let people know that they are not alone. No one is alone. You share something with someone out there. I have been getting responses to my blog from people I never imagined had my same problem. There are some sad stories out there and it makes me really sad to think that people suffer. Its made me more dedicated to try and find ways to help others.
So, I decided to share some of my knowledge on my blog. Things that I have learned, things I have tried, things that may work for others who may be going through a hard time. One thing I have realized is that when you are having problems you should never revert to closing yourself off from people. That keeps you from being helped or helping others. Sometimes the best thing that you can do when you are having a hard time is to forget yourself in serving. I have found that to help me a lot. I can focus on someone else's problem and trying to help them. Its good to see someone happy. :)
Having this problem for a very long time has given me a lot of insights in my personal strengths and ways to find help. Here are some tips:
1. Write down your feelings; its good to be able to be honest about how you feel to something that wont talk back or get its feelings hurt. Just pour out your soul. It is very therapeutic.
2. Find someone you can talk to/listen to. Its good to have a friend or someone close to you that knows what your going through and that can be there for you. You also need to be helping them so you feel needed.
3. Try and find productive things to do with your time. Hobbies are really good to help you try and keep your mind off of things. You can read a book, draw, paint, go on a walk, run, play a game with someone, computer games, crafts, and lots of other ideas. There are some random things out there that you can find. Theres always something you can do. :)
4. Find faith in something. You need to have something to hold on to. A hope or a dream. Belief in God helps because you know that he will always love you no matter what. Having that knowledge of unconditional love is very helpful, even if you can't believe it or if you can't love yourself, you know that he will always love you. Church helps too, its good to have the support of people.
5. Meditation helps a lot. It keeps you calm. I like to think of my happy place, which is underwater. I envision myself underwater, at the bottom of a clear blue ocean. I can breathe underwater of course ;). I like to think about the gentle push and pull of the tides, my hair reaching up like seaweed, and my skin cool and wet. Try and find the most soothing place. And there are no boundaries of course.
6. Remember that your feelings and thoughts are not who you are. They are just things that you have. Just like your backpack or purse or pen is an object that you use or have, doesn't make it you or a part of you. Try and keep it separate from who you are and how you define yourself.
7. Find someone to talk to. Therapists are great. Try and find one that you feel comfortable with and one that knows your values and supports you in them. Thats what they are there for.
8. Throw away your pride. You can't have this problem and be proud. Thats dangerous. You can't be too proud to take medicine if you have to, or seek help. Not everyone will need to take medicine, but everyone needs the support of others.
9. Remember that your bad thoughts are always false. When you are in a dip, your thoughts are false. Such thoughts like " I am worthless" or "No one wants me" are all lies that you can't tell yourself. If you start to feel that way I will pray or you can think of 10 of your favorite things :) or 5-10 things you are grateful for.
10. LAUGH!! :) That is an amazing help. Find books that are funny, movies, songs, comedians, shows, people, anything. Just be silly. It helps to loosen you up and forget your troubles. Hakuna mata (from the lion king) :) And don't be afraid to be a kid sometimes. Child-like thoughts and ways of thinking helps to keep you feeling light and fluffy. hehe :)
11. Be around people. That can help too. It distracts you from your woes and when we are around people we tend to act happier than we may feel.
12. Get enough sleep.
13. Get enough Vitamins. Vitamin D is essential. You get that from the sunlight. So, even if it is overcast, you need to get off your butt and into the fresh air. It does wonders.
14. Remember that even though we may have weaknesses, doesnt mean we are weak. Everyone has something. Whether its obvious or not. You are never alone. Just keep in mind that the world is full of flawed people.
15. Keep an optimistic outlook on everything. Fight for your right to have joy and be happy.
16. Never give up. A lot of times we fail but we only lose if we stop trying.
17. Oh! I almost forgot! Eat healthy :)

Anyways, that may have been a little too much but I just want to get as much out there as I can. I really don't like to think that there are people out there who feel alone. You need to know that you are never alone and that although things may look really tough right now, you may feel like you are filled with a heaviness you can't shake or explain, you got to have at least a glimmer of hope that someday you will be okay. Because you will. I can promise you. Just don't ever give up. I love you! :) Keep up the good work.
-Sincerely,
Caitlin Ballentine