Life can be a very volatile experience. The past month has been considerably easier than other times for me, but it has not been easy. Some of the things that have been going on have literally stopped me in my tracks. I have found myself forced to face old memories. The kind of memories that deserve to stay buried. The kind that make you wonder how you allowed yourself to be found in a similar place again. Stepping back from the day-to-day, however, I know that this is no time for the blues.
Despite multiple negative items that popped up, trying to ruin September, life is good. It is far better than I have right to experience. Past hardships have not soothed my temper when things go bad, but I have learned how to cope a little better. In fact, the issues that came with September are, for the most part, already in the past and will be just another memory come October.
As I pivot with this latest assault on a generally happy life, I am reminded of all the reasons I have to not feel blue. I have a wonderful wife. My son is growing into a fine, young Scout with his eye on Eagle. The cat, while moody at times, has not done any significant damage with her claws since last week. I have warm food and a roof over my head. I am employed, educated, and able to drive myself from Point A to Point B.
For those of you who are like me and deal with depression on top of the daily trials and tribulations, these words are of little help. I hope you will see this as nothing more than the empathy I hope to express. It stinks to smile and know it isn’t heartfelt. Any moment of joy is quickly drowned by a moment of doubt. That moment of doubt is shattered by a moment of knowing you could have, should have, done better.
I wish I could help beyond these words, but through a rough month, I have been clinging to them. Especially for my creative friends, there is art to create. There is a message to share with the world. They may not see it now, but the world longs to hear our voices. So, let’s get back to doing what we love.
There is no time for the blues.
