As I laid sprawled across the bed tears spilled from my eyes in steady streams. The stitching on our quilt felt soothing against my weary skin and I hugged my pillow closer. This is too familiar, I’ve done this too many times. Exhausted by the weaving and winding of this road, unable to see what monsters lurk around the next bend. In reality, the monsters hide in the folds of my own mind, creatures I create without knowledge or intention.
I don’t want to die like so many times before; I want to live and that seems to be the problem. I know the steps involved when my brain tells me death is the only answer, I reach out. But this time is different. This time the sadness is coming from somewhere else. I actually want to take an active part in my life, yet I can’t figure out how to do so. I’m stuck, which is familiar, but I am stuck in an unfamiliar place.
I don’t even know what I’m feeling but it’s culminating inside me like these afternoon summer storms. The air is heavy, it’s building pressure and rolling in with the thunder. I feel it in my bones, under my skin, through and through. I can’t be breaking again, it’s too soon for that. I’m just getting back on my feet. No, I can’t be breaking again. I don’t know what this is, maybe it’s uncertainty playing games with my mind, tricking me into thinking I’m losing control. I can’t lose control. I must take ownership of my vessel in these tumultuous waters. The boat is dipping in the waves and rocking like it will flip but we’ve been through a thousand storms and I haven’t sunk yet, not completely. I refuse to go down, I’m too strong for that now. Depression won’t win this one, this time I make the rules. The storm will rage, the winds may whip me about and rain may soak me but I will stand tall and take everything it throws my way.
No, I will not drown today, not in this storm or tomorrows. I will look depression in the eyes, I will look myself in the eyes and shout I AM ENOUGH! In fact, I am more than enough, I am thriving through every obstacle thrown at me. My tears don’t make me weak, they’re just a way of shedding the excess emotions, emotions I don’t need to hold inside. Depression forces me to over think and over-emote, I have to purge those emotions somehow. If we weren’t meant to cry our bodies wouldn’t create tears, so I won’t be ashamed of releasing them anymore. I won’t be ashamed of who I am because that only hurts ME. I am over feeling sorry for myself, what a waste! Of course I will have bad days, everyone has bad days, they aren’t just reserved for those of us struggling with depression. However, I will no longer let them defeat me like they have in the past, they will not destroy me. History has proven that nothing can destroy me.
History has proven – however may storms or crashes have come before, you, my friend, are still here. That’s the track record and it is good.
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Yes, I continue to live and fight another day!
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Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
Abbie weeps and will not sink.
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I’m always so glad to read these beautiful, determined posts ❤ ❤ ❤
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Must. Stay. Determined! ❤
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I think you are determined to, lol!
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You’re brave to share your story. Thank you!
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It’s my pleasure, thanks for reading it!
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I broke down a bit today myself, Abbie. I have been recovering since the summer, healing through my writing. Unfortunately, life is rearing its ugly head again and anxiety is hitting me from every angle. I am worried about things, it is the holiday season and I don’t function well at this time of year. I find myself thinking of my Mom and Dad and my Grandmother. All have passed and I miss them. I am blessed to have the support of a wonderful man. I just took a breath and let the tears out. Now it is time to get on with everything. Just like you said. Be proud of yourself.
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I’m sorry you’re having a rough time, Susan. Life is hard and losing the ones we love makes it even harder. The holidays can be a real struggle. My family lives far away and I won’t be seeing them this year. I know it’s different but it is a loss and it hurts. It seems that we don’t have much choice but to go on despite whatever we are feeling or going through, so go on we must. Sending love your way ❤
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Thank you so much, Abbie. I wish the same for you. I just go on and take one day at a time. It helps that I have a sense of humor. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.
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Yes! Kick Depression’s ASS! Show it that YOU’RE the boss, not it! *highfive*
As always, cheering for you! ❤
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Thank you, I find this powerful and uplifting.
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Your bravery is a great strength. Hear your truth that defeats the lies inside your mind. I agree with all those truths. You are enough. You are releasing your emotions in the tears. You will survive this ocean journey and you will find solid land on which to stand. XO
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If only I felt this determined every day!
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Reblogged this on The Keen Observer.
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