Things are Looking Up

In my life, bouts of mild depression have always come and go; this is normal for me. I'm so much better than I was when I was first diagnosed with severe depression around 25-30 years ago, but life is still sometimes a tightrope. I find it helps, of course, to pray and read my Bible daily, watch my diet, and make sure I get my exercise, which is mostly walking. Lately, even with all that I've been a little down and looking for something to bring brighten my mood.

I tell you this not to gain sympathy or pity, but to encourage. Sometimes when depression tries to creep back in, I start to feel like I don't measure up; like I'm not as good as others. I want to close myself in away from people and not even go outside. I know, however, that this is the opposite of true, and of what I need to do. 

I know from years of walking on this side of the darkness I was once in that I am not the only one. If others can be encouraged by reading about my struggles and victories, I have to share.

So, in looking for something to perk up my mood, I decided to re-watch (for the 4th time I think) the original Downton Abbey series that was on Masterpiece Classics and aired on PBS for six consecutive years starting around 2012. I have all six seasons on DVD, plus the 3 full length movies, but they are also on Prime.

Success! Clouds of despair have been once again dispelled. Watching this has helped me out of the slump I was in. I had my 1 or 2 (or occasionally, 3) episodes to look forward to every evening. I find that a little treat like this keeps me going. I can do my chores around the house as usual and have the energy to get through the day, knowing I have my "show" to look forward to. 

I finished the series Saturday night and last night I watched the first full-length movie. I am feeling so much better! I have 2 more movies to go and I'm already thinking about what will be next.

In other news, because I still have a determination to have a daily walk since March 2025, I'm still walking! I managed to do this even when I was feeling down, because deep down I know I have to in order to prolong my mobility. In spite of not feeling like it, I've managed to walk 6 days out of 7 for the past month, so I'm still getting walks in for my health. I'm so thankful I'm able to do this, but it's not like I'm bounding with energy. At my best I'm not a high-energy person. I struggle some days to get out there and put one foot in front of the other over and over again until I've walked for at least 30 minutes. Other days, I walk 2 miles. Most of the time, it's 1.5 miles; that's my average.

I'm on a quest to read all the Mitford books (by Jan Karon) and I do off and on, but the next one I needed was not in at the library. Instead, I read a book I bought at the library book sale, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Delightful book, set in England.

Now I'm reading The Thursday Murder Club.

I also went on a short little shopping excursion with my daughter and grandkids last weekend. We checked out our town's brand-new Aldi and walked through a local flea market looking for treasures, which is a favorite activity. 

So, things are looking up.

I haven't taken as many pictures while walking lately, but I'm posting a couple. I hope you are all doing well. I'm actually fine; pressing on in spite of occasional blues.

Until next time, blessings, friends!

"I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NLT