Along the way, I realize that running with my thoughts and feelings on the first take often leads to misery.
Right at this very moment, do you feel fulfilled?
Maybe it’s best to ask if you feel like you’re missing something: that painful emptiness.
If it rings true, have you been looking for it? And do you have something in mind? I mean, what exactly are you looking for?
You might be shaking your head and saying to yourself, “Gee, Bill, I’m in a place of mood and anxiety, what do you think I’m looking for?”
Of course, you are here to find relief for your symptoms of depression, anxiety, mania, chronic stress, etc. And you know I understand it.
But what if I suggest that maybe you don’t know what you’re looking for yet?
Don’t hurt.
Relief: it is a byproduct
Pause for a moment and take a breath or two to calm down. Let’s see if we can open our minds to a small reason.
Relieving what ails us emotionally and mentally is not the main objective. And if that is what we seek, we will be left empty-handed.
Relief from depression and anxiety is a byproduct of coping…
- Acceptance
- Learning and management
- Analysis and adjustment
- The purpose and meaning of life
- General health
- Self image
…and much more.
It’s like happiness. Those who make it their ultimate goal, instead of dealing with the things that allow them to evolve, usually don’t find it.
Clarifying and revising
“Hmm, know what I’m looking for before searching. Well, that’s an interesting concept.”
Do you think I’m onto something? If I am and you are with me, don’t you stress the importance of clarifying and reviewing the objectives of our search (and rescue) missions?
As a depression and anxiety vet, I have learned to carefully analyze and select my search missions as well as my battles.
Along the way, I realize that running with my thoughts and feelings on the first take often leads to misery. Coming to that bit of wisdom had a lot to do with coming to understand how deceitful – insidious – our “problems” really are.
Reasons and answers
But this isn’t about me: I’m writing for you. In the midst of frustration and anguish, do you find yourself constantly searching for reasons and answers?
Who wouldn’t, right? That said, we need to make sure we hit the nail on the head in terms of what we’re really looking for.
I suggest we give a second or third (maybe even a fourth) look at what burns inside our minds and hearts. I can’t stress enough how important this is. Not only will it save us a lot of “sidetracked” angst and despair, but it will also pave the way to the relief we are seeking.
I mean, how could we hope to achieve our goals if we haven’t hit the mark in terms of the objective of our pursuit?
Relax and reflect
Find a quiet place to relax and reflect. And don’t do it for the purpose of finding immediate answers: relief. Approach it as if you are embarking on the right journey.
When the reflection is over, let it go: a clear head and time can do wonderful things.
I bet the information and answers will evolve and present themselves. And then you can build on what you have planted and harvest.
Know what you’re looking for
Last night I felt like something was missing. I started my search mission, I even looked under the couch. I could not find it.
But I finally realized that I didn’t know what I was looking for.
By the way, are you looking for more inspirational articles and information on Chipur’s mood and anxiety? Hit the titles.
