The dog is biting my ankles

Today, that little black dog is angrily snapping at my ankles. I'm going through a painfully sad time at the moment and she knows it.

She is trying to find every reason to bring me down, make me resort to excess alcoholism or cigarette smoking (I admit there have been a few - I'm human!), she reads into everything that is being said to me and tries to mangle into her negativity.

I'm sorry (not sorry), pup, but this time you are not bringing me down to your level. Yes there will be tears, but they don't last long. I have way too much in my beautiful life to smile about. And in those moments I don't feel I do, the universe sends me a multitude of people who show they give a shit about me. It took me a while to realise I need to ask the universe to send them my way, instead of staying in my shell. This tango. It's everlasting. Sometimes it's so much fun. Other times, I'm bloody exhausted while napping and drooling on the train (sorry to all the people who have sat next to me). 

We will get thru this, pup. We will show the people who are hurting and hurting us that we love them in the best way we can. In the meantime, let's be gentle and hug it out 😘

Breathe and keep the faith

Some days are just about breathing and having a little faith that things will work out for you. The universe is making sure of that. You are loved 😘

You are not depressed

Thank you @PrinceEa for your wise, heartfelt and true words. The "only" thing you are is you, the beautiful, individual, uniquely gorgeous, YOU. 😘🙌🏻👊🏻

https://www.facebook.com/PrinceEa/videos/10154694406919769/

Kudos to celebs for using their status for good causes

In an essay recently, Kristen Bell shared how having anxiety/depression is not just about "having a bad day or needing a hug". But a feeling of being worthless. Her description is spot on and I commend her for speaking up and reminding people that talking to your Doctor about depression or anxiety should be just as easy as talking to them about having the sniffles. Thank you, Kristen, after this, your sloth-experience and role as Ana, you have moved up in my list of awesome individuals even more!! 👊🏻

Here's the link to the article:

http://qklnk.co/870eEj

 (Pic courtesy of shutterstock)

Love Your Sister / Mother / Friend

Some seriously beautiful words from the most soulful and altruistic brother and sister combos I follow on Facebook. If you don't follow "Love Your Sister" then give it a crack and join the village. You will be welcomed with open arms and not so gently told to feel your boobs for lumps!

"Last week I cried way too many times in one day, like whole torrents. Eventually, no matter how many appointments you schedule, or people you call or social scrolls you tear through, it’ll eventually be just you and that black mongrel mutt in some unexpected place on some idle weekday. I thought he came and went. Stupidly. He double backed with interest but I piffed him the eye with a pebble and he slunk away. I became wary.  Sure enough, back he came, with all his cohorts of course, barking bollocks, but this time I was ready and I vanquished him and his henchmutts with a terrific scolding and sent them packing without so much as a hairline fracture on the middle finger of my right hand. 

My new friend Em Rusciano smelt my anxiety from interstate (she does that shit all the time, it’s not even weird for her) and she sent me a quote from SC Lourier “Be confused, it’s where you begin to learn new things. Be broken, it’s where you begin to heal. Be sad, because if we are brave enough, we can hear our hearts wisdom thought it. Be whatever you are right now. No more hiding. You are worthy. Always.” 

The takeout? 1. Em Rusciano is rad. 2. If you cry enough, your neighbour might rescue you by lighting up the basketball court after dark with her car headlights so that you can keep playing. 3) Never apologise for crying. Crying is important and good and to say sorry for it is boring. Thanks  Em for recalibrating me with a pertinent quote, to the village for having my back and to dear Glenda, who tonight provided light for me in the dark, as have all you villagers lately. Thanks. Good stuff. Back to warm and fuzzies. Harrumph to that sillyness plus phew equals fuzzlies! xsam

Oh, and Em Ruscian's contribution came in! It's a balls out wake up call to certain men out there and I LOVE IT! The Stick is going to be so many hoots and you can only get it here with us... xsam"

http://eepurl.com/bMaO9f

Sit a while

Is there anyone in your life going through a rough patch?

Perhaps instead of telling them it will be over soon, look on the bright side etc, something like being there for them, listening and not trying to resolve, but also reminding them how awesome you think they are, could be just the medicine they need. 

Please try not to judge

My topic today is a sad one and I am going to keep this brief as I have been known to rant. I want to get my point across. 

Today I found out that a friend of a friend attempted to suicide by gassing herself in her car. :( :(

A couple of people in her life said it was attention-seeking and they don't want to know her. 

This attitude toward attempted suicide is what I am fighting against. Just because she didn't "succeed" does not mean either of these things. When you get to a stage where you feel this is your last hope, then someone really needs to help you. 

I know some of her story and she may not have had the right kind of support around her. People need to know there are professionals around to help you through, and they don't have to cost money.

In Australia, a call to Lifeline can be the first step. For other parts of the world a simple Google search about who to speak to can help. 

This kind of attitude toward suicide is a serious one and it gives the wrong idea for people who deal with depression. How about telling your loved ones you are there for them NO MATTER WHAT and that you love them. It may be just what they need to hear.

Please try to only approach these attempts with love. You have no idea what is happening in that person's head and how much your love will mean to them.

Sending all my love to you today xo