"Sometimes that mountain you’ve been climbing is just a grain of sand.” -Carrie Underwood

At times it seems like the smallest things can trigger this grey cloud that hangs over my head for a few days. Examples for me are things like a friend being to busy to hangout, feeling jealous over something petty, or things not going the way I planned them to. It usually takes me a bit to remember that my life is not bad. There are people going through tragic sufferings in this world, and I think we often get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to take a step back and just be thankful for all the good.

When I start to feel like everything is going wrong and the pressure builds up, I begin to push away the people I care about the most. I expect them to comfort me even when I have yet to tell them how I am even feeling. This is definitely not a healthy way to handle the situation. Lately, I have been doing what I can to work on this, and I have come up with a few tactics of my own that help me push through times of stress.

The first thing I do is think about all the things God has blessed me with in my life. The small things are not something I often think to thank him for. I once saw a quote that went, "What if tomorrow you woke up with only what you thanked God for yesterday?" Things such as my good health, shelter, queen-size bed, clean water, favorite song, my freedom, etc.. would all be gone. In addition, remember you have parents that love you, siblings that look up to you or after you, a dog that wants to hear your problems even if they can't understand you, and a God who wants to be your best friend.

Next I go outside. Whether I decide I am actually up for a walk or just want to sit outside on a swing, I just take it all in. Sometimes all you need is to go look out into the unknown sky and breathe in the fresh air. It is amazing how natural remedies can do so much for you. Notice the small things that you do not normally recognize as you are running to your car because you are late for work or for class. It can be beneficial to sit outside and reflect on what you are feeling or just to lighten your mood. You may only have time for a few minutes, but I promise it will help.

Afterwards, I start to feel a little more motived to turn my mood around. I start by getting my life together in my planner. I always feel better when my week is organized and laid out in front of me. If you do not have a planner, get one. My suggestion would be a Lilly Pulitzer, but you could also just write on a blank sheet of paper if you are not in the mood for colors and happiness. I write down every detail about things I need/want to accomplish. Try to include things that are going to make you feel good about yourself. This may be setting time aside to go workout, family time, planning healthy meals for the week, or whatever you can do to turn things around regarding your specific situation.

Lastly, the only way this is going to be effective is if you hold yourself accountable and DO IT. Remember that your depression is not something you want to think about when you look back on life someday. There is nothing wrong with being down in the dumps every once in a while, but life is way too short to make it into a lifestyle. Do all you can to be the best you can be. Sometimes we are searching for something that is right in front of us. Remember that you do not need the newest clothes or the perfect body to be happy in life, you just need love. Love is the only thing that will matter in the end.

Love from your parents, love from your siblings, love from your dog, love from God. Let Him help you turn the rain into sunshine.