Know your Triggers

There has been a lot on social media about depression - whether it is people bringing it to our attention, beautiful souls taking their own lives or ways to support people.

A big thing for me is to know my triggers, what sets me off into panic, sadness, withdrawal, anger, or all of the above!

For me it varies.  It can be money worries, kids being intense, lack of support from friends, loneliness or stress.

The way I find that helps me the most is writing things down as well as talking it out with my "go to" people.  I have my hubby, my mum, my life coach and a few key friends.  All of which are amazing and can give me very different perspectives.

When you "suffer" from depression you learn who your true friends are and who you can turn to.  It is wise to get a few of them because people generally lead busy lives and can't always stop everything to support me.

I have a gratitude journal beside my bed which I try to write in every night.  On days where I am having trouble thinking of what to be grateful for I know that is a trigger.  So I make sure I write something, even if it is "just" - my health, my life and my tribe.  All of which I am truly grateful for every day.

Don't know how to help?

If you don't know what else to do when a person is depressed or not themselves. Your presence means a lot, even if they don't show it at the time:

I like you just the way you are

I have a couple of friends experiencing depression and anxiety at the moment. I feel this time round I am able to help them better than before (or be more confident in doing so). "All" I needed to do for them is tell them what I like about them right now and how I wouldn't change them. It also helps to tell them why you want them in your life.

It seems so easy and it is once you take a moment and think of things about them that make you smile. It could be a characteristic or a memory - that they are clever, or cheeky, or that time they made you laugh so hard you nearly wet your pants (yes it's true and that was before kids!!). 

I have been making a conscious effort to let people know these things - a letter, text or a little gift. The thought doesn't just count, it generally means more than you realise. 

What makes you great?

I've got a task for you, it's a hard one, but so worth it!

Think of a time in your life where you were happy and/or content. Can you list 5 things that made you great in that moment? Write a list down and then for the next 5 days take one of those qualities, and live it for the day. To give you a head start I am going to tell you 5 of my qualities:

1. I'm kind

2. I'm fun

3. I'm intuitive 

4. I'm honest

5. I'm strong

Feel free to steal any or all of these! I would love you to report back if you have the courage. I hope you have a fantastic day. I plan to be kind all day ;)

9 Life Lessons by Tim Minchin

This is one of the best speeches I have read in a long time. It's very witty, funny and profound. Please have a read, or even better watch the video. 

http://www.timminchin.com/2013/09/25/occasional-address/?fb_action_ids=10151957035717743&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B525588400849030%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

If you like Vitamin D, that's quite alright with me

We have been hit with an early summer here in Australia. I have had the opportunity to get out in the sunshine a bit. Although I am usually donned with sunscreen, I am still soaking up the beautiful rays. I come home a lot more relaxed and in turn sleeping better at night. 

Have you ever heard of having the SADs? Seasonal Affective Disorder or the winter blues, yes there is actually a disorder for it. Probably the reason I only lasted one winter in London! 

More people are getting Vitamin D deficiencies. Vitamin D is a hormone which controls the calcium levels in the blood - assisting your bones and muscles. 

Stepping outside for a wander each day will not only make you feel better, it's good for your insides too! All things in moderation of course...

Step 4 in the Journey to Happiness

So a bit of a recap of the first three steps, thanks to my lovely friend Michelle at Gentle Warriors:

1. Breathe - give yourself time out and don't sweat the really small stuff.

2. Fake it - even if you don't feel radiant, put the smile on your dial and get positive.

3. Believe - in yourself and manifesting miracles. By affirmations, what and who you listen to, don't give up and stay positive. 

Step 4 - Gratitude 

"The Universe is grateful for you! Appreciation for everything flows through you in great bounty. Cherish the preciousness of life and everyone and everything around you." - Soul Coaching Oracle Cards Guide Book.

I have a question for you. What kind of grateful are you?

1. The kind that was brought up to use manners and then just automatically says thank you, without really thinking about what someone has done for you. Or

2. The kind that really takes note of the things that are given to you in life and pays it forward. 

I have realised I alternate between the two. I am always grateful, I just don't always show or acknowledge as much as I should. 

Sometimes I feel that thank you is enough, other times it isn't. How do you tell the difference?  I go with my gut.  For example, I am friends with Yvonne of Essential Insights, and on the weekend I was looking in my cupboard and noticed the large amount of essences I have ordered/received from her.  I was overwhelmed by her generosity.  Is this a time where I just say thank you?  I don't think so.  I have therefore popped something in the post to her to let her know her kindness is appreciated. She is a woman that does so much for so many and I never want her to feel she is unappreciated.

I am making it my intention to show my gratitude more, I figure it's a win-win.  You get to make people realise how valued they are and that they are making a difference.  You also put it out to the universe that you and this person are deserving of good things.   This brings more good things into your life, and you start to feel a whole lot better about life in general.  How could you not love that?!

How am I going to show that I am grateful?

- I have downloaded a gratitude diary to my iPhone (I am more likely to write in this than a journal as I have my phone handy most of the time).   Gratitude 365\

- I will update my address book so I can pop a note of thanks to someone when the time comes (making sure I have stamps handy!).

- I will use up more of my credit on my phone to drop someone a text message or even just make a call to say I am thinking of them and grateful to have them in my life. 

- Instead of "just" saying thank you, I will compliment the person who has shown me kindness, and really mean it.

It may sound so simple but it pays off in so many ways.  How do you show you are grateful??