BrainStorm #90: Thanksgiving

BrainStorm

Today is to most, a joyous holiday celebrated with good friends, loving family and lots of wonderful food. In reality today is the day we are to step back and take a look at our lives and all we have to be thankful for! Today I want you to make a list of all of the things that you are thankful for and tell us why if you would like to elaborate. If not thats ok too!

1. my husband. the past year has been a difficult one in terms of my bipolarness. Brian has been here with me every step of the way, even though he’s suffering from a depressive episode himself. he has been patient and understanding and knows how to cheer me up when i’m down.

2. our cats. our lives would be less rich if it weren’t for these 4. on those times we may be too broke to go out, Hopper, Basil, Angelo, and Hee Seop manage to entertain us even though they don’t realize it. caring for them is rewarding–you certainly don’t get anything back from a cat. =^.^= just kidding.

3. my therapist and psychiatrist. both have helped me through this difficult time and continue to do so. if it weren’t for them, i don’t think i’d be as far along in my recovery as i am right now. they remain patient when i show my frustration that the depression has lasted so long, that i’d never had an episode take so long to subside. when i think that i’ll never get better, they help keep me afloat.

4. my martial arts instructors. at the suggestion of both my therapist and psychiatrist, i took up martial arts in January, shortly after i was hospitalized for anxiety. unfortunately, i was back in the hospital 2 weeks later. when i was released, i continued going to my martial arts classes, which i enjoyed. unfortunately, my anxiety and depression grew worse and i stopped going at the end of February.

in July i finally got the courage to return and couldn’t make it through the class. after 20 minutes i was hot, dizzy, and nauseous. they suggested that i stay and watch, told me to take things gradually, not to push myself, and so on. although it was difficult for me just to get out of the house and get myself to class those first few weeks, my instructors continued to encourage me.

when i earned my yellow belt in the beginning of October, it was very symbolic for me. aside from moving up a rank, it signified how much i had accomplished physically and mentally since that day in July.