Medley of Thoughts

What you can control:
My children are each struggling with various issues and I am trying to tell them that they need to learn to recognize those things they have control over and those things they don't. If they don't have control over something, then they need to let it go and not worry. If they do have control over something, then they have choices and can make them. Sounds like good advice, advice I should take for myself.

Metaphor for depression:
It feels as if my depression is an ocean and I can either sink or swim--but my swimming these days is simply a daily struggle to do the things I need to; swimming is not the opposite of depression, that would be land (in this metaphor). Depression is the water and if I don't struggle with it daily it will surround and consume me. Unfortunately, I'm not a very strong swimmer these days, but even dog-paddling is something and keeps me afloat. What I really want is to be on solid ground.

From your pet:
I bought a "Real Simple" magazine journal the other day. The title article is "Be happier this year" and it has 9 strategies to get there. I haven't learned a lot from it, but thought I would share a few things I liked. One article was 5 things you can learn from your pet:
1. Celebrate everything
2. Just being present is enough
3. (Brain) size doesn't matter
4. Don't try so hard
5. You can get along with anybody

So, this is my medley of thoughts for today.