Your Brain is Often a Liar.
Be careful as to what you believe.
Over the years, mine has told me…
- You can’t.
- You’re not good enough.
- You’ll never amount to anything.
- People just tolerate you.
- You have no real friends.
- You’re not lovable.
- Life is pointless.
These are dangerous assertions, especially for someone who struggles with depression. Unfortunately, those struggling with depression have these thoughts more often and tend to more easily believe them. Fight back. Finding ways to quiet the mind and to redirect thoughts are important. Practicing meditation or metacognition to aid in cognitive restructuring are remarkably beneficial.
Failing ≠ Failure
Just because you may fail at something, doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. Giving up should not be an option. Reality is, you undoubtedly have victories hidden among your perceived mountain of perceived failures. Seek and find your progress, your wins, your next plan of action.
You are good enough.
You are totally enough. That doesn’t mean you should remain stagnant, though. In life, we all desire improvement. Yet, do not become discouraged with a timeframe. Progress is still progress, no matter how small. Observe your path; remove scraps of doubt, stand tall, and take a step forward.
Sure, some people may tolerate you, but that’s life. You, too, most likely tolerate certain individuals in your life. Don’t believe, though, that everyone is just tolerating you. Maybe you can’t see the love and appreciation and friendship that is there because your brain is hollering lies.
Life is not pointless.
We’re all in it together. Sometimes, there are times when you need to just hold on, to survive. Depression can be a monster, and it’s okay to have days where you just make it through. Nonetheless, don’t let your brain tell you that every day will be like that. Prove those thoughts wrong, one step at a time.
In Matthew Quick’s debut novel The Silver Linings Playbook, character Pat Peoples says:
Most people lose the ability to see silver linings even though they are always there above us.
Search for those silver linings.
They may be obscured, but they are there. Find one, grab it, shine it, and live fully.
Copyright © 2019 Alicia T-Rust. All rights reserved.
