Depression

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01/24/2010

Energy Drains

Posted by Tiko under Depression, Relationships, Self-Empowerment, Spirit
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I still drive my very first car…it’s an ‘01 Honda Civic…I love her.  I’ve never had any serious problems from her, she’s always been very dependable.  Except there was a period of time when my battery would become completely drained without any known explanation.  After this happened a few times, I took it into the shop.  I explained that I didn’t have anything plugged in, never left the lights on, and didn’t understand what was causing this.  They said they’d run a test and let me know.

The mechanic called me later to say that the tests showed that there was something in my car that was constantly pulling energy from the battery, even when the car wasn’t on.  They looked through the car to find the culprit and later found that it was my car alarm draining the car.

You see, when I first got the car, my parents took it to the neighborhood mechanic to hook up an alarm system in my car that was cheaper than the manufacturer’s alarm.  Yeah…it was bootleg..don’t judge me…lol.  This alarm was installed incorrectly and was causing a major energy drain without me even knowing it.

And, I thought to myself…how often does this happen in our lives?  How often do we subconsciously hold onto people, old situations, old stories, old beliefs, old relationships that are literally sucking the life out of us, and we don’t even know it?  How often do we keep people in our lives that no longer feed us, and instead leave us feeling depleted?  How often do we stay at jobs that no longer challenge, inspire, or fulfill us?  How often do we avoid stepping outside the box, only to stay cramped and stunted doing the same ole, same ole day in and day out.

I’m learning to recognize the energy drains in my life.  I’m learning when it’s time to let go and move on.  Sometimes it has nothing to do with ‘the people’ or ‘that job’.  Sometimes, it’s simply the mind set, or belief attached to them that is causing the energy drain.

What’s causing the energy drain in your life?  Are you ready to let go and move on?  Are you ready to stand in your power and go for what you really want?

 

06/24/2009

Being Tested…

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Hopeless, Relationships, Religion, Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem, Spirit
[11] Comments 
All this year, I’ve been on a quest to really figure out what I want to do with my life.  I always had an idea, but I hadn’t really been able to pinpoint how to incorporate it into my career.  You see, I’m a person with many, many interests and talents…and it’s hard to just focus on each one, one at a time.  Perhaps I secretly believe I’m superwoman, because I somehow want to do it all.  Everything I’m setting out to do is extremely positive.  I love helping other people, I really, really do.  And, I love learning…I’m a true geek, seriously.  I know I haven’t totally shared with everyone what all these things are I’m getting ready to embark on…but, it’s awesome, trust me…;-)
 
But, I realized that as soon as I figured out what I wanted to do, and actually started making steps towards accomplishing my goal….haters have been coming out of the woodwork!!  And, it’s been really hard to deal with…to the point where I was really considering throwing in the towel and forgetting it all together.  I’ve had people forming and spreading ridiculous rumors about me, and I’ve had self-righteous, overly opinionated religious people relentlessly giving me their unsolicited opinions about me and my goals.  All of these attacks have been totally unfounded.  None of the people know me, nor do they know my personal relationship with God.
 
Long story short, I’m writing this post to encourage all of you out there that are trying to work toward your dreams.  DON’T GIVE UP!!  Sometimes, right when you’re about to come upon something great…you’re tested.  Your tested to see if you REALLY believe that your steps are ordered.  Do you really believe that God is guiding you?  Do you really believe that what’s been placed in your heart is real?  Or will you succumb to the naysayers…will you succumb to those that will judge you unfairly…will you succumb to those that don’t believe in you.  You’re being tested…will you believe in YOU, or will you believe in THEM?  
 
It’s hard…really, because I wanted to doubt everything.  But, I quickly turned to those who support me…my team of ME.  I love God, I love my friends and I love my family.  They helped to remind me of who I am, and helped me to recenter myself.  I’m back, and I’m stronger than ever.  So, don’t give up…lean on your support system, and you’ll make it through whatever test comes your way. 
 
And for all those that have experienced this…please leave some advice in the comment section!  How do you deal with the negatively while walking down the road less traveled???
 

05/12/2009

Be In Joy

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Gratitude, Hopeless, Self-Esteem, Spirit
[4] Comments 

Every morning I read my daily inspirations delivered to my inbox…and this one in particular really touched me.  I’m inspired to bring more joy into the intricate parts of my day.  I hope you’re inspired to do the same…enjoy…

Morning Messages
by Peggy Black

Joy is the elixir for all things. Bring more joy into your tasks. When you radiate a vibration of joy, however mild, there is a shift in response within your body that is reflected in the response of your reality.

It can be an easy as a smile on your face as you do one of your many tasks. This will create a different message to your body and you will shift the usual stress responses to your work and busyness into a more conscious relaxed state of mind/heart.
Become aware of the stages or subtle frequencies of the emotional vibration you label joy. There is ecstasy, rapture, bliss, jubilation, delight, happiness, cheer, gladness, and pleasure. Practice the different frequencies of joy.

Be delighted. Celebrate the small wonders all around you. Rejoice with your breath. Smile for no reason, just smile into the moment. Allow new face muscles to be discovered as you smile into your concerns and worries.

Find cause to laugh, giggle, or radiate cheerfulness, practice being light-hearted, carefree, and elated about the miracles in your life or the miracles of the moment. Be happy, be bright, rejoice and enjoy. Be in Joy.

The skill of maintaining an attitude and frequency of joy is a most important skill. Imagine that you have a joy muscle and you have not exercised it enough. You need to stretch it, expand it and fully express it. Allow joy in any form to proceed you.

Smile as you answer the phone, make a meal, and pay your bills. Smile into the mirror each time you look at your image, smile at your reflection. Smile as you are falling asleep at night. Practice smiling even while you are thinking.

Place your awareness in your heart when you smile. This is a powerful alchemical practice. The simple act of smiling from your heart will attract more joy, bliss, and happiness into your life.

The physical tasks will flow easier, your body will respond by being relaxed with less stress. The worries will evaporate; the tasks will be completed with ease and grace. Joy will clear the way for incredible miracles and expansion. This is a wonderful skill to practice and use that will enhance everything in your life.

The energy field that radiates from joy will transform any experience, activity, outcome or results. Your joy will be like a healing balm to yourself and others in your life. Practice your joy in all is wondrous forms.

www.morningmessages.com

 

04/10/2009

Stop verbal pollution!

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Environment, Health, Hopeless, Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem, Spirit | Tags: , , |
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image from frankfarm

image from frankfarm

Like every other day this week, my alarm has gone off at exactly 6am. My goal is to wake with the sun, lol…and do my yoga and meditation and my morning routine before work. And, like every other day this week…I’ve hit snooze and rolled over. Yes, I still do my yoga and morning routine, but it’s rushed…sigh. I get up and I say, everyday, “I’m just not a morning person.” Aha!! I’m reinforcing the negative belief that I just can’t possibly wake up early and feel good about it!

 

If we could see our words in the physical, our speech would be drastically different. Haphazard speaking, habitual sayings, and the like…would all cease. I look at the problems we have with the environment as a reflection of our problems with our thoughts, our speech, and our actions. The environmental problems are our words manifested. If our negative words were actual trash…we’d find that some of us are have a lot of “trash” all over our homes, in our cars, at work, in our purses, briefcases, etc. And, we wonder why things aren’t improving in our lives! Well, how can any positivity possibly get in when there’s all this negative “clutter” that needs to be cleared out???

We need to start “recycling” our speech. Transmuting it into positive energy…clean, crisp, fresh air we can breathe in deeply to nourish us. This positivity has the power to literally transform our lives! So, I will start with my morning banter that always gets me in the same place every time. I’ll update later with my progress. In the meantime…why don’t you give it a try?

What are you speaking that is holding you back???

 

04/03/2009

Don’t be afraid to shine…

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Hopeless, Relationships, Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem, Spirit
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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

—-from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.

 

03/24/2009

Every day is a new beginning…

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Gratitude, Hopeless, Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem, Spirit | Tags: , , |
1 Comment 

In the infinity of life where I am,
all is perfect, whole, and complete.My life is ever new.
Each moment of my life is new and fresh and vital.
I use my affirmative thinking to create exactly what I want.
This is a new day. I am a new me.
I think differently. I speak differently. I act differently.
Others treat me differently.
My new world is a reflection of my new thinking.
It is a joy and a delight to plant new seeds,
for I know these seeds will become my new experiences.
All is well in my world.

-Louise Hay

 

 

Thanks Evelyn for this quote!  :)

 

03/22/2009

3 ways to deal with negative thoughts

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Hopeless, Self-Control, Self-Empowerment, Spirit
1 Comment 

When we find ourselves holding negative thoughts and energy, many times our first reaction is to try and ignore it. We try to send those feelings to the back of our minds and focus on something else. I know for me personally, I do this because I start to worry that if I continue thinking those thoughts…not only will I drive myself crazy, but by the law of attraction I’ll create something I don’t want. The only problem with this is that if you continue to ignore your thoughts, you’re only burying them…they don’t just go away. Consequently, you may find that one day you’ll just blow up at someone for seemingly no reason at all. You can even make yourself sick, literally.

So, how do we give attention to these thoughts without driving ourselves crazy and in turn creating something we don’t want? How do we take note of the thoughts without overwhelming ourselves and becoming depressed and non-productive? I’ve found that three things help me:

1. Acknowledge the thought…accept yourself lovingly, then replace it with a positive intention. For example,

“Even though I feel like I will never find a job (acknowledging the thought),

I love myself (having compassion for yourself, unconditionally loving yourself, placing no judgements)

and I intend to have a peaceful day (positive intention).

I know that my perfect job is waiting for me right now (additional positve affirmation).”

For those of you that are familiar with EFT (emotional freedom techniques), this is a great time to practice this while you acknowledge your thoughts and state your positive intentions. Taking a nice 10 minute break from your day to peacefully acknowledge your thoughts, while taking nice, deep cleansing breaths, can really make a difference in how you feel.

2. Do something creative. When I have a lot of stirred up energy and I don’t know what to do with it…I find that channeling it into something creative really helps. This is the perfect time for me to write. Not only am I letting out my energy, but it’s producing something that’s positive and will bring joy to someone else (if I so choose to share it). What is it that you like to create? Believe it or not, we are ALL creative beings. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect, just something you enjoy. If something in your life is really bothering you…this could be a good time to take an art class, learn how to make pottery, dust off the notebook and get back into poetry, visit your local arts and crafts store for ideas, or simply redecorate a room.

3. Exercise. My exercise of choice is yoga. But, whatever gets your blood pumping and helps you break a good sweat is perfect. When you engage in a physical activity, you’re literally purging yourself of a lot of negative energy. Plus, you’re releasing many feel good endorphins. It’s a great win-win situation.

Having negative thoughts is something that we all deal with. But, from time to time, we have our moments where they become overwhelming and immobilizing. These are three tips that I’ve found to work very well in my life. Give them a try and see how they work for you…:)

 

02/27/2009

Finding downtime…

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Gratitude, Self-Empowerment, Spirit
[2] Comments 

When I was younger, I had the most jam packed weeks.  Each day consisted of a some tangled combination of school, extra curricular activites, church, church, and more church, choir, bible study, piano lessons, karate, swimming lessons, trips, recitals, etc…and church again…lol.  I never had a day off…hahaha…but, I was cool!  So…why is it that now, as an adult, I feel like I can't make it unless I have a day off???  I'm always looking forward to Fridays…yes…I can sleep in tomorrow.  I can stay in my pajamas all day if I want.  I can eat in my bed, in my pajamas, with my mac book and my cell phone, order Chinese, and never get up…PERFECTION!  I absolutely LOVE my bed, being in my bed, with sunlight coming through the windows…and just….ahhhhh, no responsibilities!  Everything's all good…

…Until…I find out that I'm going to be out of town THREE WEEKENDS IN A ROW!  Yes, it's exciting cause I'm going to have fun and be with people I love.  But, what about my time to do absolutely…NOTHING???  I feel myself getting cranky just thinking about it.  BUT, I realize that this is great practice for my future.  In my future, I'll have kids…I'll be a singer, writer, environmentalist, and a spiritual life coach.  Not many days off there!  So…how will I deal?

I'm trying something new. 

1.  Find something you like to do, and do it regularly.  I'm starting to practice yoga on a regular basis (just started Wednesday).  Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga…its very challenging, yet stills my mind, releases my stress, and brings me a sense of peace.  An hour and a half of pure sweaty bliss! 

2.  Treat your bedroom as your sanctuary.  I've read that people sleep better when they only use their bed for sleeping and sex…lol.  I think there may be something to that…cause I do EVERYTHING in my bed, working, talking on the phone,reading, journaling, blogging, websurfing, etc.  But lately, it's been hard for me to unwind and go to sleep when I'm done.  It's also suggested that we keep the number of electronics in the room to a minimum.  I'm kinda attached to my mac book…so, we'll see about that one…;-)

3.  Find time to pray or meditate each day.  It's so beneficial to find time, even if it's just 5 minutes, to steal away from the world and all it's worries and just breathe.  This is the ultimate vacation, just focusing on God/Source and who we are separate from our egos and labels.  Simply breathing and being still.  I've tried to do this in the mornings before work…haven't been so successful cause I'm so sleepy!  But, perhaps after I instill suggestions 1 & 2…this will become easier to do.

I'm hoping that these three changes will help.  I'll keep you guys posted.  I'm learning as I'm teaching on this one!  But, hopefully I won't need a whole Saturday to "recover" from my week anymore.  Hopefully I'll learn to practice mindfulness, living in the present moment and being grateful for each moment.  Hopefully I'll learn how to bring joy into my daily life so that each day feels like a lazy Saturday, even with a jam packed crazy schedule! 

How do you deal with YOUR daily stresses?  I'd love to hear your suggestions!

 

01/18/2009

A perfect day…

Posted by Tiko under Depression, Gratitude, Hopeless, Spirit
1 Comment 

It's funny how we can have a perfect day, and then allow one thing, one moment, or one careless statement from another totally ruin everything.  I'm finding that no matter what I do, or say there's no guarantee I'll make everyone happy.  Sometimes I rub people the wrong way and sometimes people find me rude.  Everyone isn't going to understand me, be patient with me, or love me unconditionally.  I'm learning that I can't get mad at those persons for that either.  I can only be me, and I can only do my best.  Sometimes I'm going to fall short.  But, during those moments, it's up to me to be patient with myself, accept myself, and love myself unconditionally.  I can't let other people's opinions of me ruin my perfect day.

Another thing I've been noticing lately is I've been placed in numerous situations that totally ruffle my feathers, really make me uncomfortable, or tick me off…and simply removing myself from the situation is not an option.  For example, I have a co-worker that eats at his desk everyday and chews with his mouth open…disgusting.  Every time I fly (which has been very frequent lately), there's always something wrong…my seat is stuck and won't adjust, my personal light doesn't work, a baby is screaming the entire flight, my seat mate listens to the same song over and over and is humming at the top of his lungs, the flight is oversold, the flight is delayed, the flight is canceled, my seat mate wants to listen to his music WITHOUT headphones…I could go on.  Lately, every single customer service person I talk to REALLY hates their job and is taking it out on me.  There's just too many things like this occurring for me not to take the time and figure out what God is trying to show me.  

I'm realizing now that I've been put in all these instances to teach me something.  That is, I can't allow outside circumstances and other people to dictate my happiness.  And, I must learn to be happy anyway.  Intending to have a peaceful day doesn't mean that everything is going to go perfectly and everyone is going to be polite and say all the right things.  Instead, it means that no matter what happens, I intend to stay at peace and have a wonderful day.  No matter what happens, I intend to stay centered.

This is something that's seemingly easier said than done.  I've been borderline depressed lately because I miss Atlanta terribly.  I miss my partner, my friends, and the familiarity of being at home.  I've always been the type of person who loved to travel, explore new places, and make new friends.  But, at times I feel like in this instance, I'm being forced to do it against my will.  I know that I chose to take this opportunity for work, and I do appreciate it and I am grateful.  But, I'd be lying if I didn't admit how I feel sometimes.  All in all, I have to incorporate this new lesson.  Can I be happy and at peace even when I'm away from home and away from my comfort zone?  Can I be away from all that I know, and still…have a perfect day…?
 

11/12/2008

What I know for sure…

Posted by Tiko under Anxiety, Depression, Gratitude, Hopeless, Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem, Spirit
[3] Comments 

image by nati

image by nati 

Peace comes automatically with Faith in God(Source).  When we are truly trusting in God/Source as the captain of our ship, we can truly rest peacefully through any storm.  Peace comes when we truly relax in the flow, trusting that our spirit is safely guiding us through the waters of life.  The universe is always behind us and will never forsake us, as long as we have faith.

Right now, I'm experiencing a lot of major changes in my life.  There are a lot of unknown variables in play that make me nervous.  There are times when I worry that something is going to go terribly wrong.  This is when I work feverishly to try and make a plan B and C, and then a plan D in case those don't work…lol.

But, this is when I have to remind myself who is the captain of my ship.  I quickly begin to calm down and remember that everything is under control.  All I have to do is relax in the flow, stay focused on my goals, and keep my mind's eye on the end result.  I breathe deeply and trust that everything is going to be okay.  Sometimes this is hard to do.  But, this is an opportunity to PRACTICE my faith.  In practicing, my faith increases and becomes stronger.  I'm then able to maintain my peace and have a peaceful day.

Joy is everlasting when we are truly grateful.  When we pay more attention to the good things happening in our lives…how can we be depressed or sad?  There is always something to be thankful and grateful for!  We are blessed more than we know…:)

Whenever I find myself in a funky mood, I do this little exercise that really helps to lift my spirits and bring me back to a joyful state.  I simply make a list of 5 to 10 things that I'm grateful for.  This helps me to keep things in perspective and appreciate my life…no matter what the circumstances.

Love simply is when we know who we are.  When we truly know who we are, we know that we are all one.  I am you and you are me.  When we truly treat each other as the spiritual beings that we are…we find that there's a lot more kindness to go around.  We find it easier to let things go, to have compassion, to be respectful, to have integrity, to be giving, and to be forgiving.  We find it easy to do unto others as we would want done to us.  Because, in all actually…those "others" ARE us.  We are all one, we all originate from love and we all are love.  No matter how dirty, wrong, or sinful the world may label some…we ALL deserve to be loved. 

Patience is a virtue.  This is one that I'm really working on…lol.  Some people seem to be born patient.  While others want what they want, when they want it, and they want it NOW.  I'm learning, however, that when I allow things to happen in their own time, it's usually a lot better than when I rush them.  In fact, when I'm patient, I find that my experiences EXCEED my expectations. 

You know what they say…good things come to those who wait.  It's kinda like waiting for a cake to bake in the oven.  You can bake it at the appropriate temperature for the appropriate time.  Or, you can rush it, and turn up the heat to make it bake faster.  That rarely works, right?  I'd rather have a nicely baked cake than to have one that is half good and half gooey.  And, if you're really patient, you can have some yummy icing on top!!  ;-)

 

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