ON BLOGGING
Today last year I published my first post. I wasn’t sure what the focus of my blog would be but I wanted to share all the invaluable things I learned about overcoming depression and anxiety with others, to let people know that it IS possible to change and heal and feel whole again. But I didn’t want to come across like those typical self-help blogs with the constant “How to” this and “How to” that. I wanted to share my own actual experiences of healing to make it more real for readers. I know that during a struggle it always makes things so much better when you have an actual human being to relate to.
Over the past few months my blog has shifted somewhat away from the self-help side of things and more towards my own spiritual growth and interest in nondualism. Although I still have an interest in helping others, especially if they come to me for help, my enthusiasm for “saving the world” has waned significantly since discovering that the most important goal for myself is inner peace and experiencing Truth. I’m not even going to try guessing where this blog will go in the next coming year. 
IN CASE YOUR CURIOUS: TOP VISITED POSTS FOR THE YEAR
According to my stats, these were the top blog posts for 2009:
Understanding Critical and Judgmental People
This isn’t even one of my favorite posts but it gets a lot of hits. An even better post on the same topic would be Why Mean People Suck: What I’ve Concluded about Understanding Difficult People.
What Question Should I Ask?
This post reflects the start of me “letting go” of trying to understand nondualism and enlightenment.
Words of Hope for People Who Get Depressed: Things CAN Get Better
If there was only one message I’d want people to really get, this would probably be it.
5 Coping Methods to Get Through a Rough Patch
Dealing with Depression and Anxiety in 4 Steps
A FEW PERSONAL FAVORITE POSTS FOR THE YEAR
new year’s resolution: stop looking outside that window and get inside the house!
Thinking about Finding Joy
This one just makes me happy.
My Experience of Healing Depression
I like this one because it outlines my story of healing in a really down to earth way that I wasn’t able to fully capture in my other “self help” posts.
PERSONAL CHANGES AND MILESTONES
May of 2009 was the last time I experienced a full-blown episode of depression. It’s been over 6 months, which I think is the longest time I’ve ever gone without being depressed! What helped? I think it was letting go of expectations of myself, letting go of feeling that I HAD to do this or accomplish that to be a worthy person. I’m telling you, the secret to life is to be carefree. Be free of your cares = being free of everything!
We broke up last summer and then we broke up for good just recently. It’s all good though. There has been so much good that came out of our relationship. We both had a tremendous amount of trust and respect for each other, and our communication was so open and honest. It is the first REAL relationship I’d been in that wasn’t abusive or dysfunctional, I think the best either of us had ever experienced. I’m a better person because of it. I’m so appreciative of that experience and am so happy and we are still friends. It is the best gift ever.
I realized the most important goal for myself: Inner Peace. This decision has stuck with me and changed my focus and perspective on life, and also consequently led to an interest in finding Truth. Special thanks to all that stress from the unhappy ex-wife, which helped realize this.
And I finally found a new job! It isn’t the best paying by any means, but in this economy I appreciate that I actually got something in my field that is at least a step up from what I was doing before. Also, I didn’t mention this in the original blog post, but it’s in a religious learning institution. Isn’t THAT something?! Hm, could it be a sign about my own spiritual growth? A unique spiritual learning opportunity? I won’t provide more detail than that (job security!), except to say I wasn’t trying to look for work in that type of environment. It just happened that way.
I am so excited about the coming year. I have a feeling a lot is going to happen and I look forward to sharing it all with you.
Happy New Year everyone!
I’ve loved following you along on your path of spiritual growth this year. Happy Birthday and Happiest New Year to you, my friend.
Jill´s last blog ..Made it through the Christmas holiday
Thanks Jill.
I’ve enjoyed your comments and reading your blog as well.
Hey Christine!
I’ve enjoyed reading your stuff. So honest and open. You don’t try to cover it all up with meaningless words, and that’s very, very refreshing!
I loved this quote today: “I’m telling you, the secret to life is to be carefree. Be free of your cares = being free of everything!”
Perfect! I think folks tend to see that as being whimsical or apathetic. Well… maybe it is in some respects, but it doesn’t mean you just curl up and laugh at it all and watch it all go by. Of course you have to play your part, perform the role, so to speak, but letting go of how things will turn out, or releasing all expectations, is sooooo…. I don’t know….. “ahhhhhh…”, right?
Love it! Looking forward to what happens this year.
Mike
Awesome! I’m so glad you get what I mean about being carefree.
And being honest and open is how I am in real life so I can’t imagine being otherwise. That’s great to hear that it’s refreshing. Thanks for being a reader. 