So many of us are so saddened by the loss of Robin Williams at his own hand. I was shocked when I heard he was dead and then so incredibly sad when I heard it was suicide.

(1-800-273-TALK (8255) Suicide Hot line

I also struggle with depression.  Many of us do. I have seen so many posts about suicide these last few days. "The ultimate act of selfishness", "what a waste", other negative emotions. When someone commits suicide it will often solidify another strugglers decision to do the same. 

If you struggle with depression get help.  I isolated my self and that was very unhealthy.  Finally I got help, the drugs had to be adjusted and that was hard (over drugging is a problem too).  the Counselors were helpful but one moved away and one got out of the business (can you say abandonment). Get tested it could be allergies or like me it may be from severe abuse. 

(1-800-273-TALK (8255) Suicide Hot line

I just want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a TRAIN. My hope is in Jesus Christ, that kept me going knowing that God loves me and that even when we walk through dark valleys He is there.  What ever your God is...like Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery programs, believing in a higher power can make all the difference. 

Some people say meds are bad, some people say prayer is the only thing that will heal you.  Both are good.  But healing takes ACTION.  I have a dear friend struggling with depression and she is making sure she is not isolated.  She is on meds that have had to be adjusted, thus taking more time.  She has a counselor and people who pray with her and for her. 

Depression can make us act crazy, cry a lot, give up hope.  We don't understand it and we can't figure out why we can't get out of bed. I am so very glad that I didn't give in to the temptation to end it all.  I am so glad I chose not to believe the words of an enemy that says "what good are you anyway?" "Everyone will be better off with out you"  These are lies.  Find someone to listen, believe you will come out stronger on the other side, ask what the depression can teach you.

(1-800-273-TALK (8255) Suicide Hot line

You will make it

You will come through

There is hope

Depression may not be "Just Temporary" but there is long term help for it.

Please don't give in, give up!!

The world needs you and is waiting for your brilliance to shine through. 

It will shine through

Keep going

One baby step

one appointment

telling one friend who will believe you

BELIEVE

Praying for you,
Coach Laurie
Did Not See That Coming

"Knowledge with out action equals nothing"
  Mastin Kipp of The Daily Love


Remember when you were about to do something really scary?  Your first kiss? First speech? First day of college?  First day on the new job?
You had to step out and try something out of your comfort zone. 
How did it feel? Was it scary? Exciting? Exhilarating?
All three?
Comfort zone is a scary word. 
It's a scary place.
Just before something wonderful and exciting happens,
we are faced with the choice to stretch or stay.
When we are younger the choice seems obvious.
Because we are expected to spread our wings.
As we get older it is harder because we are expected
to be responsible and "safe."
I was part of a conversation the other day that was fascinating.
At a wedding, a man sitting at a table with his mom and friends, was telling
me his life experiences.
His mom kept chiding in.
He said: after 911 my department was the first to be let go at Boeing.
She said: I wish you would have stayed at Boeing.
He said: I tried some different sales jobs.
She said: I wish you would have done sales at Boeing.
He said: I became a car salesman and I LOVE it. I love sales.
She said:  I really wish you would have stayed at Boeing.
He said: I like to take risks and try new things, life is too short.
He asked me to sum up my book in one sentence.
I said: Never give up on your dreams.
His bright eyes and smile told me he was so happy to have someone on his team.
Where can you stretch?
What are you wanting to do so badly but are so afraid to take the step?
The gremlin's are telling you...
Who are you to think you can.....
You can't do that...
Are you crazy?
Ask yourself, When I'm on my death bed, what am i going to regret the most?
Do it.
"I wanna see you be BRAVE"
Sara Bareillis

What are the thoughts that run through your head?  Life sucks? Some times all too true and oh so dangerous.  What you think on is what comes true in your life.  I know you might be thinking, you are telling me I am bringing all this grief on myself.  What I am saying is that what we focus on is perpetuated in our life.  Have you ever noticed when things are going good and you are focusing on how great life is... that things seem to go smooth?  When you are having a good day and thinking "uh oh" this can't last, something bad is going to happen', it does.  Focusing on the good things and the beautiful things in life takes a lot of practice.  The old destructive thoughts are comforting and familiar and they want to come back.  My friend Cheri and I were discussing this and she said it just feels so phony.  Last week I had the privilege of riding the train to work and back each day. I grew up on the beach so enjoying the water view from the train felt like a luxury.  I felt so grateful for so much and that spilled into my day.  So we decided if you are plagued with the old life sucks thoughts, find a place you can go that will stir your true gratitude.  The beach, a garden nursery, a view of the mountains.  What is it that stirs you to your soul?  Where is that place?  I dare you to find it in reality or pictures and let it be your place to bring you back to gratitude when life really truly sucks. Henry Ford says it best "whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right".  My favorite book of encouragement the Bible says "you'll do best by filling your minds and meditation on thing true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious --the best, not the worst: the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. From the Message. 
Gratitude saves lives,
Coach Laurie