Do you focus on things to be thankful for?

Hello everyone…

Well it is heading towards Christmas… That chaotic time of year where it is easy for the black dog (depression) to sink it’s teeth in and refuse to budge.

Worse somehow are the moments where you KNOW you should feel happy but instead you feel numb or angry or just exhausted.

Black dog by Matthew Johnstone

If you’ve never read M Johnstone’s books they’re worth looking at.

Which brings us to the question… How do you be present when depression has you numb?

A common idea is a gratefulness diary. To put in words and images what you are thankful for in this moment. To record it and acknowledge that ok right now you might feel nothing but the depression will ease eventually and one day you will read the words and see the pictures and feel again.

On that note it’s time to share what I’m thankful for today…

1. Thank you to the neighbour who planted this red flowering gum on the verge. I drive past it almost every day and the red of the flowers never fails to make me slow down and look.

2. The WA Christmas Trees (Nuytsia floribunda) are in bloom! Nothing says Christmas to me like this native tree. I’m yet to grow one for my block. Tricky to establish as it is a parasitic tree but so worth the effort. One day soon this will remind me to feel hopeful and excited for the experiment to come.

3. THE Jacaranda driveway! On the drive to my block of land I pass this. It is the reason I grow Jacaranda trees and persist with getting them through the first few winters (they don’t like our frost but once established are fine). Absolutely beautiful…

4. Hobbies and work to keep me busy and too tired to worry… An assortment of succulents growing for my Mum in Law. Trenches I’m digging for the downpipes to capture water for the new tank. And of course the progress on our home. Almost there. Keep hopeful!

Best of all…

I am thankful for being able to share these places and photos with you all. Perhaps an image might give you a boost today too.

I’m thankful for my family who keep me company on my neverending “plant hunt”, encourage my enthusiasm when it is present and push me to keep trying when it is not.

What are you grateful for today?

❤ Nat

There are kudos for blogging? Who knew!?

Well today was a lovely surprise. A bright point in a difficult week.

A huge thank you to Cindy for nominating me for the Mystery Blogger Award. Best thing is now it is my turn to share the love!

For those who don’t know Cindy you can check out her blog about managing chronic pain here…

https://validatingchronicpain.com

As a person who manages pain and physical and mental illnesses her blog is important to me. I hope it interests and helps you too.

Right-o onto the formalities 😊

What is Mystery Blogger Award?

“This is an award for amazing bloggers with indigenous posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging and they do it with so much love and passion.” – Okoto Enigma

Rules

  • Thank whoever nominated you and include link to their blog
  • Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
  • Nominate 10-20 bloggers you feel deserve the award
  • Answer the questions from the person who nominated you
  • Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice with one weird or funny one
  • Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog

Three things about me…

1. My wedding flowers were white daisies, white stock and baby’s breath. When our house is built those will be planted around it.

2. I volunteer for a mental health charity organisation called beyondblue.

3. When we go to nurseries everyone stares at my 3 and 4 year old kids because they pipe up naming the plants. “Oh look Mummy! Look at the lovely Jacaranda”. It always makes me laugh.

Now the questions from Cindy…

What’s the most surprising self-realization you’ve had?

That I’m a lot tougher and capable than I ever thought I was. If younger me knew what life had in store she would swear it will kill me. But I’m still here. Tough as old boots.

How do you hope you will change as a person in the future?

One day I hope to get a little freedom and independence back. I hope will feel less angry and generally tired of the world.

What is the most annoying question that people ask you (if you have a chronic illness/pain, what is the most annoying question that people ask you about your illness/pain)?

“Why don’t you try …. (fasting/cleansing/detox…. Pick any natural remedy known to man)?”

I’ve started replying yep that sounds great but unless they’re a quick fix miracle I won’t be able to walk so I’ll just go with what the rhematologist says thanks.

What is something that a ton of people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of and why?

Social media. I do get the appeal after all blogging is similar but being tied to my phone doesn’t appeal squat. Plus I really hate when someone is “talking to you” but they’re on social media. How is that showing me I matter?

What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?

My friend came home from hospital finally and is feeling safe. She was very unwell and at risk. Made my week that she is ok.

My nominees…

 Ida

The first mental health blog I read. Ida says it how it is. I have every faith that if more people spoke like this about mental illness stigma would be a thing of the past.

https://aroundthewardin80days.com

Ali

Ali introduced me to the term “flower porn” and constantly makes life better with her stunning photos and the passion behind the words.

The Propagator

Three glorious words… “Six on Saturday”. Mr. P created it and if you check the comments on his blog on a Saturday it is a never fail way to live vicariously through some awesome gardens. Plus he is welcoming to everyone which I really appreciate.

Maureen

Maureen writes about what life at 80 years of age is like. I love this blog. There is nothing that gives me more hope than seeing you can be kick ass and relevant regardless of your age.

http://maureenhelen.com

The Dark Horse

I have a soft spot for Dark Horse. The very first person who replied to my blog. I didn’t tell anyone offline. So Dark Horse’s words of support were golden. Plus this blog is also about managing mental health issues. The recent post about conquering fear panic attacks was an eyeopener! Read and enjoy.

Juansen

If you want to see poetry as therapy stop and have a chat with Juansen. This blog is lovely. The illustration. The words. Pretty much any day I feel low I know I can find hope here.

https://lonelyblueboy.wordpress.com

Right it’s not ten but this is a looooong post.

My questions for you all…

1. What is it about blogging that makes you feel good?

2. Are you ever nervous about exposing too much of how you feel inside to the world?

3. What is your trusted go to technique on a day you feel a bit low?

4. Of all your posts which would you like everyone to read and comment on?

5. How do you enjoy your Vegemite? As an Aussie this is clearly vital for me to know 😊.

Thank you again very kindly Cindy. I’m not sure of the protocol whether I could nominate you but please know I read and enjoy your blog very much.

❤ Nat