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?
Unhelpful thinking
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
This Is the Beginning of The Next Chapter in My Life with Depression
Photo by Dariusz Sankowski on Unsplash How do I know that the next page is a new chapter? Mostly because I am writing this chapter. And I have written every chapter of my life so far. However, many, if not every, chapter has its share of ghostwriters. And for the awards ceremony, depression is nominated for a supporting role. Had I not been genetically pre-disposed to … [Read more...] about This Is the Beginning of The Next Chapter in My Life with Depression
Would I Be a Contender If I Get Out of My Own Way?
Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash So, the stars aren’t perfectly aligned for me to be a contender today. The few times they have been, depression was involved, and the outcome wasn’t pretty. My depression has this way of making things seem alright, and then it springs its trap. One second I am thinking “Life is good,” and the next I am circling the drain. Now when … [Read more...] about Would I Be a Contender If I Get Out of My Own Way?
My Updated 2023 Coping Statements for Depression and Anxiety
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash I began 2023 by updating my list of Coping Statements. After 4 years, it seemed time to make sure my list was up to date. I wanted to see what I am using and what coping statements I have passed over. With a collection of 101 coping statements, I can use for my depression and anxiety, knowing which ones seem to help is … [Read more...] about My Updated 2023 Coping Statements for Depression and Anxiety
