Finding Joy in Everyday
Hi everyone,
It can be hard to find joy when you're struggling with depression. But even in the darkest of times, there are small moments of happiness to be found.
Here are a few things that have helped me find joy in the everyday:
- Focusing on the present moment: Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, try to focus on what's happening right now. Notice the sounds, smells, and sensations around you.
- Practicing gratitude: Take time each day to think about things you're grateful for, no matter how small.
- Finding beauty in the little things: Look for beauty in the everyday things around you, like a flower blooming, a sunset, or a kind gesture from a stranger.
- Connecting with nature: Spending time in nature can be a great way to boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Doing something creative: Doing creative activities can be a great way to express yourself and find joy. For example, dance, art, and writing.
Remember, even small moments of joy can make a big difference. Keep looking for them, and you'll find that there's more to life than just the darkness. 🫂
Feel free to share in the comments below, how you find moments of joy everyday or how you think you can find them. 🥰
Sending you love and light,
Angelanj 💞
@Angelanj
Aww what a bright post, Angelanj, thank youu for encouraging us to leave a little room open to be more present in the present and embrace little moments of joy.🥰
It can indeed be difficult trying to find that light sometimes, but even holding on strong and doing your best to keep going is commendable enough. Super proud of everyone coming across this post!💖
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou I'm glad you found the post encouraging! 🫂💓
@Angelanj thankyou for making this post and while we all struggle from down moments and sometimes it becomes really hard. Your post is full of love and hope and such a great message to come across in time of despair. Keep up the good work and take care of yourself too.
@Serendiiipity Yes it's so hard to find moments of joy when we are full of despair 😞 it's okay to feel down sometimes but I hope this post helped you and those struggling to know that there is hope and a possibility of having joy again 🤗🫂 I'm glad you found the message of the post was good. Thank you! I hope you take care of yourself too 💓 My inbox is always open if you need a listening ear!
Thank you for sharing your experience in this, it helped me, I wish you all the best❤️
@TenderPerson I'm so glad you found this post helpful! 💓🫂 Thank you for the well wishes. I wish you all the best too! Take care 💖
Thank you!❤️
@TenderPerson you're so welcome! 💞🫂
@Angelanj
I have done all of the aforementioned strategies. Although some have had benefits' such as reducing rumination none have provided me with access to my joy. It has been almost 5 years without anything to look forward to, experience, or look back on that gives me pleasure.
@Gettingbettertoday I understand that feeling of emptiness and longing for joy. It sounds like you've been incredibly strong, trying different ways to cope. While it's disappointing that they haven't fully met your needs, your efforts are commendable. Remember, healing is a journey, and finding joy might take time. It's okay to feel discouraged, but know that there are more paths to joy to explore! Do you think seeking professional guidance or trying new experiences could help? What are some other strategies you can think of that can help?
@Angelanj
I have had several therapists but none of them were very helpful. I have done DBT, CBT, and exposure with them but not extensively. I am currently seeking therapy but have the issue of not knowing what sort of therapist to try. I am not sure what you mean by new experiences. Are you speaking of new therapies' or just experiences that i have never had?
@Gettingbettertoday Hey there friend ☺️ Firstly, I'd like to apologize for my delayed response! Secondly, that's understandable those types of therapies aren't useful for everyone and that's ok! 🤗 Give yourself a pat on the back for at least giving them a try! Maybe you can try exploring different types of therapies like art therapy, somatic therapy, dance therapy or even eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy? There are lots of different types of therapy besides the traditional talk therapy!
When I said try new experiences I meant trying new things you've never tried before. For example ceramic painting , building and flying a kite or maybe even something as simple as feeding ducks at your local pond. Do you think that'd help?
@Angelanj
Nothing seems new or fresh like I have done every thing. I obviously have not. This year I twice went to a climbing gym. Despite havening never done it before it had a sameness that all things do. It was new in action but not in feeling. It was challenging but not rewarding. I have been looking for an activity as a way to connect with people since my last therapist thought i need to engage with people socially. I have gone to meet up groups without any luck. Despite having things in common with these people I felt like an outsider.
@Gettingbettertoday Oh I'm sorry 🫂 Can you tell me more about the feeling you've been seeking? And what made you feel like an outsider?
@Angelanj
Can you tell me more about the feeling you've been seeking? And what made you feel like an outsider?
A sense that someone cares whether or not I'm there. That is a little bit much to ask. I feel like an out sider when i see people making real human connection when i don't. I am very envious that most people can make friends while I have a hard time even being present.
@Gettingbettertoday Oh I see, why is that overwhelming for you?
That's understandable you'd feel that way! Seeing others seemingly live the life you desire for yourself must be difficult. I know it sounds cliché but comparison really is the thief of joy. Everyone's path will different from each other's. I believe that you can achieve the life you want for yourself 🫂
What makes it the hardest for you to to be present? When you notice you're struggling to live in the present what do you do to ground yourself?
Are there any microsteps you can take each day towards making friends, being present and experiencing joy?;Would trying to approach things step by step instead of trying to finish the big picture all at once help?
I hope this discussion has been helpful so far!
Sending virtual hugs,
Angelanj 💗
@Angelanj
Whenever I experience something new, different, or challenging I experience anxiety. This is even more pronounced with people. The only technique I know that has been useful is metered breathing which helps some but not enough to stop my dysregulation.
I don’t know the steps to make friends. In the past I became friends with people that had the same interests as I did. I don’t have any interests anymore. Likewise, being present and experiencing joy were things that required no effort in the past.
@Angelanj
The only thing I have that helps me when my anxiety is triggered is metered breathing. This helps but once I am triggered it can take up to an hour to get grounded fully.
I don’t understand the process of making friends, so I don’t know how to break down into smaller pieces. I go to parties and other events. I speak with people for a few hours and then go home. That is all I know how to do. Sometimes the people remember me but never have they ever seemed that they are happy to see me again. It may be that they don’t find me interesting. I can understand that as I don’t find most people to be interesting to talk to. All the friends I have ever had were because of proximity such as a class or work mate or because we had an interest in common. I am not in school; I don’t find my (50+) co-workers to be interesting but this might be because they rarely speak to me about anything but work, I don’t have any hobbies outside my home.
@Gettingbettertoday I understand how challenging it can be to manage anxiety, and I'm glad you've found a technique like metered breathing that helps you feel grounded. It's completely normal for it to take some time to fully recover from an anxiety episode. Be patient with yourself, and remember that it's okay to take the time you need to feel calm again. Maybe you can try to find techniques similar to metered breathing that would give you more relief?
Making friends can be sorta tricky, and it's understandable that you might feel unsure about how to figure it out. Remember, building friendships takes time and effort. Don't worry if it doesn't happen overnight! Start by doing things you enjoy, whether it's joining a club, taking a class, or volunteering. These activities can help you meet people who share your interests, making it easier to connect with them.
It's important to remember that not every interaction will lead to a deep friendship. Some people may not be interested in connecting, and that's okay. Don't take it personally. Keep putting yourself out there and be open to new experiences.
Here are a few gentle suggestions to help you on your journey:
Start with small talk: Even if you don't find people immediately interesting, try starting with small talk. Ask open-ended questions, listen attentively, and share a bit about yourself.
Be yourself: Don't try to be someone you're not. Authenticity is key to building genuine connections!
Be patient: Building friendships takes time. Don't expect to become best friends with someone overnight.
Don't be afraid to reach out: If you meet someone you like, don't hesitate to reach out and suggest doing something together.
Remember, you're not alone in this. Many people find it challenging to make friends, especially as adults. Don't give up hope! Keep trying, and soon, you'll find people who appreciate your company. Wishing you the best on your journey to finding friends and feeling like the best version of yourself! 🫂💗
