Lifting is a really nice way to put it. I've only recently tuned into doing this on a daily basis and understanding how beneficial it is. Trauma survivor or not, we are all under such tremendous stress and whether we are aware of it or not, we're subjected to the energy of conflict and pain that is reverberating around world seemingly every day now. Or maybe I'm just more aware of it all now... not sure but thank you for the reminder to lift. I learned it as 'elevate' but it's the same thing. I do it with music mostly but your post made me remember that the opportunity is really all around us at all times. I have a crazy cat, he provides many moments of stopping and being.
As I’ve mentioned before, movement is my go-to cure for the “blues.” Whether it’s a Pilates , Barre, or dance class, I always feel better afterwards. Once the endorphins kick-in and you connect with others, it’s a good way to lift yourself up, and also derive a feeling of accomplishment.
FYI: A recent study shows that exercise is 1.5 times more effective than counseling or medication for depression and anxiety Source: Singh et al.(2023). British Journal of Sports Medicine.
A funny video or TV show helps me when I'm really down. I have chemical depression, so I am constantly looking for things to lift me. Sometimes a good laugh does the trick.
This is a little clinical and generic, but as a framework it has been helpful for some. Vent on a time limited basis and exorcise it to reduce the venom. Stop..... and change focus to your sense of beauty, calm or safety. The amount of time needing to vent is relative to the individual. But, it's important to find that somewhat invisable line. If you cross it and keep venting you can rebuild some of the negativity you released. I remember many moons ago I was being taken advantage of and had to ability to control the situation (Leaving me more vulnerable and pissed). I decided I'd go for a 40 minute run. The first 10 minutes would be VENTING. Then observe every childs smile and flower I saw. Well, I forgot to stop my vent at 10 minutes and spent the entire run boiling. I crossed my invisable line (10 minutes is usually good for me). I felt the negativity leaving in the ten minutes and then rebuilding. Needless to say at the end I was angrier than I was at the beginning
Allison sometimes it’s liking sitting next to you and having a conversation as friends, with so many things in common
AMEN to EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. you’ve written in this post.
My mantra is “ no one is coming to save you, get up” and that is true literally & figuratively for me.
Then I take myself to the gym and work harder than I did the day before. Exercise has always sustained me. It helps that I love it. It’s never a chore. And I’ve never needed anyone to motivate me to go. I’m fortunate that way.
Thank you,Allison for writing today and addressing Michelle’s question with such honesty.
Hoping everyone who needs to be lifted up will find their way through.
Allison, always good to hear from you, and a nice way to end the week.❤️
A few times in my life I’ve experienced chemical depression, and it’s pure hell. My heart goes out to anyone in that hell.
Antidepressants have helped so much a those times.
And in general, when down, what helps me is honest writing, singing whatever sad song I’m in the mood for, a long walk in nature, playing with/petting my dog or cat, calling true friends I can be real with, sharing my truth with them, walking on the beach,
Putting on music & freely dancing in the living room, gardening & getting my hands dirty, drinking lots of water and a nice cup of hibiscus tea, calling someone I know needs help (gets me out of my own mood) vitamins, healthy foods, lots of fruit & veggies .. crying🌺
All of this Allison! And adding that recently, I’ve been doing more breath work. That can provide a really big release. I’m new to this, but have had a different and meaningful experience each time so far. (Also reiterating what Allison said - I have not experienced chemical depression 🙏)
Hi Michelle and Allison - I've been struggling with this question too. I recently left my job, one that wasn't well aligned with my spirit. I'm focused now on spending my time with the things that bring me peace, joy and harmony. Warning: Burnout is real! Michelle, perhaps some time off would help (if you can manage it)? I was saving for a rainy day somewhere off in my future until I realized it was pouring rain (forgive the metaphore) all over my life and I was spending all of my resources buying bigger raincoats. The past 18 days have been an opportunity for me to reset and rethink. I truly needed it. I pray your find your reset button...and your peace.
So basically the trick is to distract your *self*, with anything that’s available, until the blues fade some. A pet, a podcast, something creative, exercise, nature,... whatever lets the conscious work on something else while the subconscious deals with whatever made you blue.
When work was driving me nuts, I would hop on my bike and go kill myself for an hour or so to work off the stress. By the time I was done I felt much better. I never did figure out whether it was the exercise or just the distraction that was more curative.
However, I did notice you didn’t mention using alcohol, weed, or anything else along those lines. Because they don’t fix anything.
The "serenity " prayer a special part of my life whenever I have a down day brings my focus back to acceptance and letting go giving to other's and compassion for those who need it most ❤️
Dear Allison: I enjoyed your "lifting" analogy in dealing with life's inevitable "down days." There is nothing like the loss of a precious life to "blow" a hole in a person's heart. After such a trauma, life seems not only empty, but sometime very difficult to continue to endure. However, I deal with my personal demons by writing and putting one foot in front of the other as I carry out the supreme being's plans for me. Here are a few words that express my current attitude toward my existence:
Lifting is a really nice way to put it. I've only recently tuned into doing this on a daily basis and understanding how beneficial it is. Trauma survivor or not, we are all under such tremendous stress and whether we are aware of it or not, we're subjected to the energy of conflict and pain that is reverberating around world seemingly every day now. Or maybe I'm just more aware of it all now... not sure but thank you for the reminder to lift. I learned it as 'elevate' but it's the same thing. I do it with music mostly but your post made me remember that the opportunity is really all around us at all times. I have a crazy cat, he provides many moments of stopping and being.
My four cats are a great lift.
Amen to cats!
As I’ve mentioned before, movement is my go-to cure for the “blues.” Whether it’s a Pilates , Barre, or dance class, I always feel better afterwards. Once the endorphins kick-in and you connect with others, it’s a good way to lift yourself up, and also derive a feeling of accomplishment.
FYI: A recent study shows that exercise is 1.5 times more effective than counseling or medication for depression and anxiety Source: Singh et al.(2023). British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Thank you, Alice!
A funny video or TV show helps me when I'm really down. I have chemical depression, so I am constantly looking for things to lift me. Sometimes a good laugh does the trick.
Yes, laughter!! Such a huge relief to laugh. Thanks, Gina!
This is a little clinical and generic, but as a framework it has been helpful for some. Vent on a time limited basis and exorcise it to reduce the venom. Stop..... and change focus to your sense of beauty, calm or safety. The amount of time needing to vent is relative to the individual. But, it's important to find that somewhat invisable line. If you cross it and keep venting you can rebuild some of the negativity you released. I remember many moons ago I was being taken advantage of and had to ability to control the situation (Leaving me more vulnerable and pissed). I decided I'd go for a 40 minute run. The first 10 minutes would be VENTING. Then observe every childs smile and flower I saw. Well, I forgot to stop my vent at 10 minutes and spent the entire run boiling. I crossed my invisable line (10 minutes is usually good for me). I felt the negativity leaving in the ten minutes and then rebuilding. Needless to say at the end I was angrier than I was at the beginning
Crossing that line is real!! Thanks, Paul for the reminder. I’ll carry this framework with me during my run today.
Easy to forget it.
Thanks Michelle for such a great question
Allison sometimes it’s liking sitting next to you and having a conversation as friends, with so many things in common
AMEN to EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. you’ve written in this post.
My mantra is “ no one is coming to save you, get up” and that is true literally & figuratively for me.
Then I take myself to the gym and work harder than I did the day before. Exercise has always sustained me. It helps that I love it. It’s never a chore. And I’ve never needed anyone to motivate me to go. I’m fortunate that way.
Thank you,Allison for writing today and addressing Michelle’s question with such honesty.
Hoping everyone who needs to be lifted up will find their way through.
We are all important. We are all worth saving.
Love the artwork. Serenity Prayer.
xoxo 💗
“No one is coming to save you, get up”!! This really hit me in the best way, Gay. Thank you so much.
It’s my daily reminder
When I get to the part about Get Up I say it with gusto! Lol
It works for me. There really is no one coming to save me, but me
Great question Michelle
Appreciate you asking Allison
Take good care sister ☺️
Oh, my. Updated to subscriber yesterday as your words, books, feel like a salve to me. I needed this message tonight. I thank you.
So well said Allison. Walked with you through every word with many Amens!
My go to:
Subscribe to Autotellic with Allison.
Lifesaver!
Walk away from a situation when overwhelmed and breathe.
Walk down to the ocean and listen to the waves.
Walk daily 30 to 60 minutes by myself to calm my mind.
Session with my life coach. Another life saver!
Sing and play guitar and write.
Play music with my husband.
Help a needy person.
Call my son and chat.
Listen to comedy.
Remember how grateful I am everyday for everything around me.
I have always turned toward the positive in the most dire situations.
And it’s been challenging but for me in spirit it works.
I guess we all have our lists of go-to’s to help us survive and get through this crazy world around us.
Peace to you all.
Sharon! This is pure gold advice and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Allison, always good to hear from you, and a nice way to end the week.❤️
A few times in my life I’ve experienced chemical depression, and it’s pure hell. My heart goes out to anyone in that hell.
Antidepressants have helped so much a those times.
And in general, when down, what helps me is honest writing, singing whatever sad song I’m in the mood for, a long walk in nature, playing with/petting my dog or cat, calling true friends I can be real with, sharing my truth with them, walking on the beach,
Putting on music & freely dancing in the living room, gardening & getting my hands dirty, drinking lots of water and a nice cup of hibiscus tea, calling someone I know needs help (gets me out of my own mood) vitamins, healthy foods, lots of fruit & veggies .. crying🌺
Hope this helps someone a tiny bit!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This helps more than a tiny bit. Music is my balm. Thanks for the reminder, Susanna!
Allison: all the best moving forward. Thank you for the music and for you
Peace Brother. JB
Thanks, Allison. Right on time, as usual. Love to you.
All of this Allison! And adding that recently, I’ve been doing more breath work. That can provide a really big release. I’m new to this, but have had a different and meaningful experience each time so far. (Also reiterating what Allison said - I have not experienced chemical depression 🙏)
Hi Michelle and Allison - I've been struggling with this question too. I recently left my job, one that wasn't well aligned with my spirit. I'm focused now on spending my time with the things that bring me peace, joy and harmony. Warning: Burnout is real! Michelle, perhaps some time off would help (if you can manage it)? I was saving for a rainy day somewhere off in my future until I realized it was pouring rain (forgive the metaphore) all over my life and I was spending all of my resources buying bigger raincoats. The past 18 days have been an opportunity for me to reset and rethink. I truly needed it. I pray your find your reset button...and your peace.
So basically the trick is to distract your *self*, with anything that’s available, until the blues fade some. A pet, a podcast, something creative, exercise, nature,... whatever lets the conscious work on something else while the subconscious deals with whatever made you blue.
When work was driving me nuts, I would hop on my bike and go kill myself for an hour or so to work off the stress. By the time I was done I felt much better. I never did figure out whether it was the exercise or just the distraction that was more curative.
However, I did notice you didn’t mention using alcohol, weed, or anything else along those lines. Because they don’t fix anything.
The "serenity " prayer a special part of my life whenever I have a down day brings my focus back to acceptance and letting go giving to other's and compassion for those who need it most ❤️
Dear Allison: I enjoyed your "lifting" analogy in dealing with life's inevitable "down days." There is nothing like the loss of a precious life to "blow" a hole in a person's heart. After such a trauma, life seems not only empty, but sometime very difficult to continue to endure. However, I deal with my personal demons by writing and putting one foot in front of the other as I carry out the supreme being's plans for me. Here are a few words that express my current attitude toward my existence:
"Life:
Sometimes it rains.
Then its dry.
Sometimes we laugh.
Then we cry.
Sometimes its hot
Then its cold
Sometimes we're young.
Then we get old.
When faced with a problem,
say a simple little prayer,
and you will know that God,
will always be there.
God truly loves you,
come what may.
He will lead you and protect you,
every step of the way.
Enjoy life like God's good soldier.
Because too soon, life will be over." - MRVERITAS.SUBSTACK.COM