[Serzen]

Well hello, I don't know if this is the right place or if this topic is already on but I'm new and wanted to create a thread, so I'll try...

My therapist said to me: You can't wait to be fine to do something, you have to do something in order to be fine. So, as the title says, what new thing are you trying in order to get better, to be happier or just to make a small, positive change? It doesn't have to be something astonishing, maybe it's better to start off with sth small but pleasant, personally valuable things.

For example, I could get back to work this year. I recently learned to cook sushi and I added two new cacti to my collection (I have like ten). Also, this sunday I'm running my second marathon (short one but it's fun). Next year I'm planning to restart my Philosophy studies.

[Fresia]

Good luck with your marathon and studies pola_paris!
Wishing everyone well in their path to wellness!

The last couple of years, the bigger goals were to volunteer then to attend school to get me out of the house and out bed, doing something; I started out just taking a class here and there, then more as time went on. Then the daily goals are always to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, remember to take meds, attend appointments for docs, dentists, etc., and stay in therapy. I play and exercise with the dogs as therapy, take care of my fish, and garden as well to help keep me level.

The goal this year is the same daily but now that I graduated is to go back to work, which have not done in over a decade, but just started a few weeks ago. Also, now that Dad is getting better recovering from his surgery and stroke, my other goal in fighting the MH symptoms is to start getting involved in doing and trying to enjoy hobbies again to find balance. This seems like it would be easy but is actually harder than all of the above. Taking the time to do something pleasurable and that I feel like I deserve it, to have fun, has been harder than I thought it would be but am starting out again with this. I am trying to paint, draw, or with woodworking again. I have missed it in some respects but have still struggle with that there is so much to do and some days are so overwhelming still, can I afford to take the time to do it; then again, can I not?!

T also wants me to get out there more with more social activities. Socializing at work is overwhelming at the moment so outside of work may have to wait on the 'to do list' for the moment as a future goal to get better. Perhaps I can find a hobby that incorporates socializing with it. Who knows. It just takes so much energy, maybe.

Good luck with everyone's goals in their path to healing and balance.

[Serzen]

Thanks for your reply. I like daily goals, I think they are as much rewarding as bigger goals and of course they are essential for aiming higher.

You mentioned painting and drawing, I loved that. I really suck at those things, but I guess I should go out there and buy a big canvas and some paint and just see what happens. One of these days I'm going to give it a try.

I absolutely love dogs, we have had their company since I was born. I think I like cats more though, but right now I can't have one because I'm living with my father and he doesn't want pets. I'm going to be living alone soon, so I may get one (I'm not sure because I'm always travelling somewhere and I would feel bad if I left it alone, so idk).

About social activities, I thought about taking up acting so I went to a near theatre to investigate but my working hours usually interfere with any activity I would want to do. That's so frustrating, but oh well, I'll see what I can do.

I hope your father gets healthy soon! And sorry, what's MH?

[unplugmealready]

I am trying to humour myself. I use other forums for general things like hobbies etc, so I ask people stupid questions that I know will provoke a very silly answer that turns into a lot of laughs. A apart from that I don't really have anything else. Humour is my only defence mechanism and pick me up.

[Serzen]

I'm always making people laugh. I once came to the conclusion that I make them laugh all that I don't laugh (I am quite serious, but it also depends on my daily mood, the situation and the people I have around at the moment, so despite being calm and quiet I can be really funny).

[unplugmealready]

It's a good trait to have. Just a shame that a lot of comedians are depressed deep inside. But a laugh or a smile can help a lot

[Fresia]

Originally Posted by pola_paris

I absolutely love dogs, we have had their company since I was born. I think I like cats more though, but right now I can't have one because I'm living with my father and he doesn't want pets. I'm going to be living alone soon, so I may get one (I'm not sure because I'm always travelling somewhere and I would feel bad if I left it alone, so idk).

About social activities, I thought about taking up acting so I went to a near theatre to investigate but my working hours usually interfere with any activity I would want to do. That's so frustrating, but oh well, I'll see what I can do.

I hope your father gets healthy soon! And sorry, what's MH?

MH = Mental Health; I know, so many abbreviations out there. So Sorry.

Thanks for the well wishes for Dad.

It is hard to find things that mesh with our current situations and working hours or even if not working, just getting going, whether it be activities, animals, social interactions, etc; it can be hard to find a balance and what will work. I understand this all too well. T keeps reminding me it is important just to try something new as the depression in particular and other MH illnesses for that matter can keep us sheltered and isolated.

As far as the animals go, I used to not be able to have them as well due to my travels, then the depression was so bad (and despite being home all the time) I did not think I could take care of them again. So instead I volunteered at a shelter to help out and to exercise them so I could have interaction with them again, as I missed them so. I know this is not everyone's cup of tea but it helped to get out there and helped the critters too.

I like the idea of using humor too. It makes a world of difference to lighten up, even if at the simplest of things. It is a good escape.

I wish everyone well in finding what works for them to bring them joy in their road to wellness. Take good care and be well y'all.

[dwfieldjr]

Taking my meds, praying, reading some self help books, and listening to some audios I found in the google play store.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Georgia234]

There's this saying: You will never change your life unless you change something you do daily.
I have decided to follow this and make a small positive change to my life everyday. Be it forgoing dessert three days a week, walking to the bus stand instead of taking a life from my husband or visiting a charity/orphanage every second weekend. I've made it a point to do any one small thing every single day that has this 'feel-good' feeling to it.

[bipolar angel]

Thank you all for all your posts. You have helped me remember the basics. Also, to realize I do do daily things-trying diff things to sleep better, I do take my meds, don't exercise-so I need to mayb just start with walking, trying eat healthier, I go to work everyday.I am back into reading some self help books, I go to md, I go to therapy, praying, meditation.I think I keep focusing on huge goals and need to remember to celebrate the small steps before the big goals. Kudos to all of you for what you do.

[lucami]

same as bipolar angel, thanks for all posts here I'm in point in my life that I gave up, I'm anxiety all the time and forgot about such small things like working out, trying to go to sleep earlier, doing anything.. I think I'll put ' What are you doing to get better?' on my wall to never forget about it again

[vital]

Originally Posted by pola_paris

Well hello, I don't know if this is the right place or if this topic is already on but I'm new and wanted to create a thread, so I'll try...

My therapist said to me: You can't wait to be fine to do something, you have to do something in order to be fine. So, as the title says, what new thing are you trying in order to get better, to be happier or just to make a small, positive change? It doesn't have to be something astonishing, maybe it's better to start off with sth small but pleasant, personally valuable things.

For example, I could get back to work this year. I recently learned to cook sushi and I added two new cacti to my collection (I have like ten). Also, this sunday I'm running my second marathon (short one but it's fun). Next year I'm planning to restart my Philosophy studies.

Ooo, I love this thread!

(Although I'm not getting the concept of a "short marathon"!?)

I do

Snap club http://forums.psychcentral.com/depre...n-escaped.html
Yoga
Long walks
Learning new things

I very much agree with Georgia234. If I don't do it every day, it doesn't really count.

Well it's been a slow process but first thing for me is taking my meds. I tend to play my own doctor and lower this one increase this one.

I'm really trying to incorporate some self care. I have a self care box and essential oils. I put a couple drops of them either in my hair or on my pillowcase at night. I need to learn more ways to use them though. I'm gonna get back into therapy soon I hope. Lots of, trauma to be dealt with. I'm gonna make a schedule for myself and put it on the fridge. Divide it into rest, play and work. I learned that in the hospital. I'm starting to clean more even though it hurts, I have a damaged back. That's what's helping me. Oh and I bought Yankee candles when they were half off. I light them at night, it's relaxing...

Hope I gave you some ideas, I didn't read all the posts on this thread so maybe others have recommended them already. Good luck.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Working out, eating healthily, college, possibly some kind of warehouse/IT work, and although it has been a while, a local volunteer job. Oh, and I got myself into supported housing, so that's helping.

[Serzen]

Hi, I've been away on a trip which was amazing. I just came back on Wednesday so I'm still adapting to boring daily life again.

Travelling helps me a lot to get better in all aspects. I meet the most interesting people and places and learn things I would never learn any other way.

I want to let go of daily life to go travelling, while meeting people, working and learning on the road and see how far I can get to and for how long I can do it. I would like to do it at least for one year, but you never know. It wouldn't be easy, there are lot of difficulties but something great starts with only one step.

If there's anyone here who has gone on a long journey I would love to hear your experiences!

[lilacsmoke]

Woo! Look at all of you guys go! There are so many great ideas in here; its funny how sometimes it is the simplest things that can keep you going.

For me, my daily goals are things like keeping my space tidy and organized, eating healthy food & exercising, having some kind of creative outlet (singing or drawing, especially), making sure to talk to friends and go out and do things. I also love gardening/plants, so during the winter months, I love going to greenhouses and picking up a little plant for my collection. I also love swimming. Meditation and yoga are something that I would love to try next.

My list could keep going on. There are nearly endless amounts of positive things we can do as a way to keep us busy, and to heal.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

I really find a routine helps. Getting into that routine is hard as nails, but once you're in, it can even be hard to stop! I started a new workout route, recently, which is essentially workout every other day, so I get a full day of rest, no matter how much I workout the previous day (meaning I can go crazy and do 2 full body workouts if I wanted, like yesterday xD) as long as I get that day's rest. It's working out well. Routine does wonders.

[angelene]

I'm taking my medication and seeing a T & pdoc. I've gotten involved in the upcoming Election in order to force myself to get out. I know it's only 1 day but I have trouble leaving the house at all, so this is a major step.

I create websites as a hobby. I had stopped doing any coding for a very long time and just recently got back into it. I'm trying to refresh my knowledge and learn new things; the world of web development challenges me but is also a creative outlet.

I'm coming here to PC to try to put myself "out there" & interact with others. Participation in message forums helps me out.

I've been brushing my teeth/cleaning my mouth every morning, too.

I feel there is much more I could and should be doing.

[strawberry_bunny]

I've always had so many goals! Most of them have gone uncompleted or neglected. Joining this forum and reading everyone else's experience and journey is something new for me. I've never been a participant of anything, I've always just sat in the sidelines watching everyone have fun and have discussions, but I'm trying to get out there and INTERACT with people I still get scared/nervous/anxious, but hopefully over time it'll get easier

[hexacoda]

I meditate and try to apply CBT where applicable. I try to not let my sleep schedule get out of whack, and I try to control my calories and sugar. I just started learning to crochet and colouring a mandala book.

[hexacoda]

Oh, I also read books on positive psychology and happiness and apply some of their ideas, such as having a gratitude practice and praying, and I use affirmations.

[Serzen]

I want to thank every one so much for collaborating with this thread. It is really useful to read different opinions, ideas and life experiences.

I have been away for a while because I'm not using the computer at home (right now I'm at work). I don't even have Internet at home anymore.

I realized the great amount of time I used to waste by sitting hours and hours at the computer. I remember there were days when the very first thing I did when I woke up was to turn on the damned machine, and now I can't believe it...

The news are I've done two amazing trips (I highly recommend travelling alone), met a lot of interesting places and people, started Yoga, I'm meditating every day, taking care of my plants, living on my own (I have trouble with daily food organization, I'm trying to eat healthier, I'm drinking less alcohol, so I have to try harder, make a list or something).

[Serzen]

Originally Posted by lilacsmoke

Woo! Look at all of you guys go! There are so many great ideas in here; its funny how sometimes it is the simplest things that can keep you going.

For me, my daily goals are things like keeping my space tidy and organized, eating healthy food & exercising, having some kind of creative outlet (singing or drawing, especially), making sure to talk to friends and go out and do things. I also love gardening/plants, so during the winter months, I love going to greenhouses and picking up a little plant for my collection. I also love swimming. Meditation and yoga are something that I would love to try next.

My list could keep going on. There are nearly endless amounts of positive things we can do as a way to keep us busy, and to heal.

I LOVE plants. I have a small balcony, but I have a lot of cacti, six carnivorous plants and an orchid.

Once you start meditating and Yoga, you won't be able to stop.

The benefits of Oriental practices are inmense. Years and years of wisdom... ah, I love them.

[Serzen]

Originally Posted by lilacsmoke

Woo! Look at all of you guys go! There are so many great ideas in here; its funny how sometimes it is the simplest things that can keep you going.

For me, my daily goals are things like keeping my space tidy and organized, eating healthy food & exercising, having some kind of creative outlet (singing or drawing, especially), making sure to talk to friends and go out and do things. I also love gardening/plants, so during the winter months, I love going to greenhouses and picking up a little plant for my collection. I also love swimming. Meditation and yoga are something that I would love to try next.

My list could keep going on. There are nearly endless amounts of positive things we can do as a way to keep us busy, and to heal.

Sorry, I forgot. When you have the time download something from Buddha Sounds and Deva Premal. The music they make is AMAZING-