Yesterday we talked about the various parts that make up one’s progress on the path to recovery. Now we will continue to see how the path of hope is formed.
1. The first item is choices and we discussed how our path is first formed with the choices that we make.
2. Next come acceptance. Acceptance for how we are and what we are, accepting our own ideas, values, feelings and emotions but even more important is accepting the fact that these changes can and will be made by ourselves and other people can’t do that for us. They can only add or detract from those changes. By accepting our choices and taking responsibility for those choices for our journey on the path of hope has begun.
3. The third item is trust. Trust in ourselves to make the right choices. Trust in ourselves to overcome any obstacle we face no matter how difficult it is. Also, trusting another person, especially when that person loves, cares or just believes in us. Trust is so important, as it tells us we are not alone and we can accept and trust in another to lead us down our chosen path as well as trusting in our self.
4. The last item is faith. Faith in ourselves that things will be solved even when no answer or solution is in sight or seems impossible. Faith in others helps us when we need help and that they will be there for us. Faith in God or our Higher Power and that thru him our anguish, our sorrow, our pain will be lifted. Faith in our path of hope.”
The path of hope for depression sufferers is not easy to build or to find sometimes. That’s why I think it is so important to take your medications if medications are prescribed, see your Doctor, counselor or therapist and go to a Depressed Anonymous meeting as often as you are able. Remember –when all seems to be lost there is always hope.”
Source: Copyright(c) How to hope and let it blossom. 1999. Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville, Ky 40217. Pages 12-13.
And more from How to Hope — “As I attend more meetings I sense growing within me a personal competency to meet head-on the challenges of what were formerly fearful feelings of just existing –just going through the motions of life. Now I attempt not to run when I feel so miserable but instead I stand and feel what I am feeling. It seems the more I gain a sense of personal competency about how to love life, the more I am able to be willing to express my feelings whenever I feel them, This seems to be the secret of my gaining more hope on an ongoing and daily basis — namely, that the more I am able to feel less insecurity in having to have everything nailed down in my life and a willingness to express my feelings whenever I need to express them and with whomever I choose to share them with.” Page 5.
This is empowerment!