Why would I turn a 4 ½ hour trek in Shenandoah National Park into an all-or-nothing scenario? After all, this was just a warmup to trekking the Inca Trail this October in Peru. A chance to test out gear and remember what worked and what did not when we climbed Kilimanjaro in January. And maybe it was hotter than any recent hike I have undertaken. But why should that trigger … [Read more...] about It’s Just a Hike, Why Am I Using All or Nothing Thinking?
unhealthy thinking styles
I Should Ask Better Questions So I’m Not a Fortune-Teller
In fact, I should be asking questions especially if I am sure of the answer. My recent experiences have led me to believe that taking people at face value is not always helpful. Over the years, I have always initially treated someone the way I would like to be treated. Some people would say I respect you. I expect you to do the right thing until you don’t. Then my … [Read more...] about I Should Ask Better Questions So I’m Not a Fortune-Teller
Has It Been Three Years Since I Was Pulled Over? – Road Rage Part 5
I don’t believe it’s fair to blame my depression for my speeding. After all, my depression is not driving the truck, I am. And while depression is putting unhelpful thinking to work, I should know better. I certainly should have known better traveling a back road after 12 AM and then passing through a work zone. When the officer came to the window he said: “Sir, did you … [Read more...] about Has It Been Three Years Since I Was Pulled Over? – Road Rage Part 5
What I Have Learned About My Depression
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash I want to say that I have figured it out and have all of the answers. If I could say, “I understand what and why,” that would be amazing. And by saying that, I would be saying that my depression will never appear again. In the past, my trips to the abyss have been lengthy and very brutal. So I want to never, ever again, circle the … [Read more...] about What I Have Learned About My Depression
I Wasn’t Planning for My Depression to Be a Lifelong Companion
Photo by Mert Talay on Unsplash Yet it turns out that depression and I have a bond that will entwine us for the rest of my life. And even though right now, my depression is on vacation, I know it is still with me. While I am not feeling like I am “up against the wall,” I know my depression is still there. It is getting very good at tossing unhelpful thinking my way. … [Read more...] about I Wasn’t Planning for My Depression to Be a Lifelong Companion






