Starting at square one.

STARTING AT SQUARE ONE

I would like to reflect on a conversation I had briefly with someone about stress and unnecessary stress. Our views were a bit different, quite opposite of one another. They did meet in the middle however in a sense. I try to believe in and be committed to: "Why stress that which has a solution." and theirs was "Why stress what you can not fix."
With focus being that the majority of our energy being directed towards issues of urgency. In essence saying, yes stress it but also take care of the issue. I assume our beliefs are the same, only worded differently.

Taking care of an issue is my subject. Has a task ever seemed so monumental that completing it caused you to panic. Thus leaving the task unfinished only to be stressed on another day? There were times when washing half a sink of dishes caused me to retreat to the couch and not move for 2 hours. Just watching The History Channel wasting time. What about that task made me feel anxious and almost defeated? Past failures in life, not feeling like I need to do it because I have settled for the way life is.

I never really figured out WHY any task made me panic. What i did was I started setting goals. One thing at a time, one day at a time. I Started at square one. First, filed all those important papers we are drowning in as an adult. Then moved onto full life organization. Everything from my pictures, movies, music, Video game equipment, cameras, guitars, and on and on. Everything now has a place. Its very own space within my universe in which it can rest. Until needed.

If I had thought about all of the work I have done PRIOR to doing it I probably would have never started. Now it is all about maintenance and routine. Life is funny, sad, tragic and confusing. We should enjoy every moment of it and allow ourselves to fulfill our wants and our needs. Finding balance is key to the rest falling into place. Having routine, and setting our biological clocks is paramount to fighting depression and anxiety. I found with each small project I felt more and more accomplished. Square one was my motivation.

Right now or tomorrow look around. See a project that needs tackled and take it on. Once you have started organizing your life, you will find that the rest is easy.

A few tips:

Throw junk away. If it doesnt serve a purpose toss it. The energy it creates being present can be done without. Junk mails, magazines, papers, cups, etc...

Maintain daily. We have all said "My house got away from me". A daily regimen can maintain your environment and your stress level.

Decorate. Atmosphere is everything. Pictures, art, tapestrys, whatever gives you a good vibe. I am giving tips, but this is about you. (:

No rush. Your pace, your time, your life. Puzzles are never a race.

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A word from the author:
Being in recovery from bi-polar this article comes direct from part of my recovery. I write this to try and relate to others who have battled depression or MI in some form. I have lived it, witnessed it, and experienced its tragedies. My hope is that at least 1 person out there relates and can pursue happiness with a bit of what I have written. Your input is welcome and requested. Anxious to see where readers are coming from in this vast world. Thanks for reading MYT.
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