Happiness

Interesting question HF.  I try to live life positively but I know for myself it is a struggle since I suffer from depression.  When I feel myself wallowing in the darkenss and isolating myself I make a conscious effort to get out, be more active, and surround myself with the people I love.  For years I fought against the diagnosis of depression since we all know any type of psych diagnosis carries a stigma in our community.  I have to admit when I finally was agreeable to medication it made a world of difference.

This really made me think..................For the most part I believe "happiness" is conditional, based on cir****tances...............But what I always do when those "down" moment**** me hard and heavy, I sit down and begin to "count my blessings" one by one....blessing by blessing....by the time I'm done......................I'm back to my "positive" mode feeling pretty good in spite of my cir****tances.  I don't call that happy, but I do call it "blessed"

I work hard to stay happy every day by counting all of my blessings.  Sometimes I also reflect on all of the storms that I have made it through and that really makes me happy.

To have the freedom of choice when it comes to religion and education makes me happy also.  I could just go on and on  . . . .even on the days when I am feeling a little sad, my soul is happy!

Thanks for asking.

P.S. For some reason I have not suffered from depression at all since I have been banded (even though I have not lost all of my weight).  I use to always be depressed and down -- I was even on medication . . .I no longer need it and that really makes me happy.