For years (ever since adolescence) I have battled depression. To say I had a poor childhood would be akin to stating that the sky is blue- fairly obvious since the majority (in my mind anyways) of people would contend that they had some sort of childhood which lacked in love, sympathy, toys, or whatever the case may be. So simply stating my childhood was not satisfactory may be seen as a lame excuse, and even saying it sounds so stupidly cliche I hate that I even mention it. But yes, my childhood sucked, to put it blatantly. Not all of it, mind you, there were quite a lot of fond and enjoyable memories of times spent on vacations, with friends, etc. But as most people know, childhood development is extremely important and can alter the direction of one's growth. One's upbringing can have quite an impact on how one turns out later in life. Suffice it to say, with all the hell I went through (and I'm not simply saying I didn't get enough toys or something silly like that, trust me, it was much worse that I care to explain) it was no wonder I grew up battling depression, anxiety and a feeling of low self worth and a fear of abandonment and rejection. I have had three different mothers not including my biological one I only met two years ago, and the only father I've ever known died a couple years ago just as we were forming a real relationship. Stupid high school issues like boyfriends, etc. made the home drama that much worse, and as I grew older, my lack of patience, quick temper and sadness become more than I could handle. The turning point came when I became pregnant with Lia last year. Never have my emotions been so screwed up so much so that after I decided I had to be put on antidepressants. I'd been on them before in my teens, but never regularly so I thought I'd try them again. After trying like four different ones, I became a zombie, with no energy or motivation to do anything, while also battling massive postpartum depression as well. I found myself staring at the computer day after day not accomplishing anything. About a week and a half ago I decided I'd had enough and decided to quit taking them. Cold turkey. Dumb move. Most medicines don't give you enough details or facts about what happens when you stop. Any time you've built something like that into your system you have to taper down slowly to minimize withdrawals and such.Well, I didn't and I've been paying the price. On one hand, my energy has returned; unfortunately it is more often then not a panicky energy and I find myself full of anxiety. I am constantly crying randomly and feel as if all hope is lost and I have nothing to give or accomplish. I always thought I'd have a career, but now being a wife and mother I think that chance is gone and perhaps this was what I was meant to do with my life instead. I understand many are happy to do so, but if this is my purpose in life than I find myself unable to accept that I wasn't meant for more. Pure vanity, in some ways. However, I'm getting better and taking each day as it comes. I have no plans on giving up blogging as I feel lit has helped me connect with others I wouldn't have been able to otherwise and I've made some real friendships along the way.
You may be wondering why I'm telling you all this. Well, one, I wanted to give hope to any out there who may be going through the same thing. It will get better day by day, but it does take time and patience. I have to keep telling myself to slow down and take a breath. Part of my problem is, and I think many feel this way, which is why I am writing this in the first place, is that I (and we) view celebrities (or in my case, "popular" bloggers) as having the perfect lives- the fashion shows and traveling, the freebies, the fame, etc. and think why can't I have that? It gets me down thinking I'll likely spend the rest of my life never being able to go to Paris or Tokyo, sitting front row at a major fashion show, etc. But then I think- maybe I'd hate that lifestyle. Maybe they're sick of traveling and just want to relax. Maybe they're sick of the pressure of constantly having to keep up with the demand of being fabulous and just want to settle down. And it makes me feel better. I have my blog which is no means famous, but then I get to enjoy my time updating when I feel like it, I'm not having nasty comments left on mine, etc. I had to stop and think of all that I DO have and forget about what I don't. Like they say, the grass is always greener on the other side. But my side is looking better each day, I just have to stop and look around. I have two absolutely wonderful kids and the most amazing husband I could ask for. My life is far from perfect, but there's a million ways it could be worse, so I'm learning to just be thankful for what I've been given and cherish the moments I have. There is something I keep repeating to myself everyday- it's called the Serenity Prayer (I think) and it goes like this:
"Lord grant me the courage to change the things I can, serenity to accept the things I can't, and wisdom to know the difference".
And also this song by The Byrds tells it like so:
"To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!"
So anyways, that's my story. Sorry if I depressed anyone, but hopefully some found it helpful. I'm just taking it day by day and hopefully will be back to myself soon enough. In the meantime, I'm hoping everyone is having a great holiday season and truly appreciating what they have and those around them. I'm very thankful for the readers who have stuck by me this long, and I'm grateful for the new ones I've acquired as well. I always enjoy meeting new people, so anytime anyone has anything to say, feel free :)
ps. I've also decided to start a journal. I find writing my thoughts down to be therapeutic... shuts the voices in my head up for awhile, haha. See? I still have my sense of humor!
