Happiness has always been a conscious effort.

Remember what makes you happy. 

Depression at TED

TED talks, a site that features various topics worth sharing through talks by different people, had Andrew Solomon speak about Depression.

Those who suffer from depression can easily relate to him. But more than that, he gives a different perspective on how one can deal with her own condition. 

While those who are not suffering from it can still learn a thing or two on how a depressed can be like. 

Click on the link below. 

http://youtu.be/-eBUcBfkVCo

Some push

Just some push from heavenly bodies from the ground - this was how I imagined the world conniving to help me go beyond my immovable limits during my first 5K run at the 37th Milo Marathon, Mall of Asia grounds.

Since, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, I felt like everything that I used to love doing suddenly felt senseless and so difficult to do.

In teaching, which is my profession, I would, with my trembling hands and unsure and dazed head, look for my creativity, passion, and commitment which I was reputed for in my first teaching job. This difficulty, which was so hard to explain at that time this was happening to me, led to lack of (and even absence) of performance in my profession. 

Running also became alien to me. The activity I would do when I felt like wanting to clear all the chaos in my mind, had become an activity I would run away from. 

But this morning, with some push from some unseen and heavenly energy, I managed to get up at 4am to prepare myself for the 5K run. The world did connive even with my family and boyfriend who were there to provide for all I needed just to get myself back up from a world full of uncertainty and insecurity. It might have just been a simple and ordinary 5K run. But for me, it meant more than that. 

To me, it meant that I can go back to what I have always loved doing. I may be starting again, but, it's okay as long as I don't stop .... I probably lost my way (or maybe not), but it's all part of it, I guess .... Getting lost to find a path leading me to where I am destined to be. 

That kind of weekend

The weekend would seem orindary but reflecting about it again, it's the kind of weekend that I actually enjoyed.

I spent it with people that make me feel happy. I spent it with my family. I helped my mom decorate her Christmas tree and even got to run-walk with my brother and his wife at this not so popular running place in my home province (but hey, I felt the fresh air!)

These simple activities lowered my stress level. Oh also, I got to stick on the family car the sticker that speaks well of my belief which is "Simple is better."

My weekend ended with a healthy Viatnemese lunch with my boyfriend and his family, the Holy Eucharist and the usual warm conversation with my cousin.

Thank God I am alive.