AFFIRMATION
My best chance of surviving and living through this sadness that is worse than death is to hold on to the conviction that it will not last forever.
REFLECTION
I now can see how the Depressed Anonymous group program changes people from week to week. The longer a person attends DA meetings, online or face to face, I can see a change in their physical features as they seem not so brooding and preoccupied. The people who work the 12 Step Program of recovery begin placing their trust in their Higher Power which gives them the courage to resist falling back into that old familiar and comfortable pattern of saddening themselves. Each new day brings with it a stronger sense of hope as living becomes less restrictive and harsh.
My sadness began so long ago that the interminable feelings of hopelessness and despair seems to me so much of being human that is, until others tell me that this sadness is not their own experience. Then I knew I was different but that with time and help, I would be feeling better about myself as I discovered some of the ways I got the way I am. The more I hear the stories of others recovering members of Depressed Anonymous groups (See Depressed Anonymous book/Personal stories section) , the more hope I have. I now believe that in time I will begin to feel better.
MEDITATION
Seeds with proper nourishment grow strong and healthy. Some plants grow well at night and in a cooler environment. Some in daylight. We pray that God will let us go through our present darkness completely turning our will and life over to its purpose.
RESOURCES:
(C) Higher Thoughts for Down Days: 365 daily thoughts and meditations for members of 12 Step fellowship groups. Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville,. KY.
(C) Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville.KY