Accomplishments

Today was a very good day. I was in a great state of mind all day, my kids behaved and were relatively quite the whole day. In my spare time today I sat with yarn and a crochet hook and retaught myself the granny square pattern I learned a year ago. A whole day's labor netted two completed granny squares. I had to undo a lot of what I did as I tried to figure out the pattern again. But I've got it in my head and now have a hobby that I enjoy and can easily do in my spare time. I have learned that keeping busy with mindful activities helps a lot to fight the depression. I also went to my community's fitness center and ran/walked a mile.
I'm physically in the worst shape I have ever been in. Normally I can just go jog whenever I feel like it and run 3-5 miles. The last year with the many hospitalizations I got out of my routine. I also was on several medications that made me gain a lot of weight. So 60lbs later I'm proud of the fact that I ran for 9 minutes, and then walked the rest of the mile. I'm giving myself a month to get back to running at least 2 miles. I figure if I add a minute a day I'll quickly get back into shape. I want to be very careful since I have so much extra weight on me. The last thing I need is a physical injury that keeps me from being able to exercise. There are so many benefits to exercise. You physically feel better when you exercise, and during exercise endorphins are released in the brain. Endorphins, as I understand it, is the happy brain chemical. More happy brain chemicals the better!! So it is now 10:30pm and I feel like I had a very good day all because I kept busy with a productive, relaxing hobby and got in a 30 minute workout! Small changes can lead to big consequences. If you don't like the consequences change your choices!
In the long run there really isn't any little decision. Imagine life as a railroad track, and ever decision is a junction in the track. If the rail moves just a few inches you switch tracks. A mile of track later you could be several miles off course and in need of a major change to get back on course. So to feel better start with the seemingly small choices that help. Taking a shower can be an accomplishment, putting on makeup, opening a window, going for a walk. Small steps can start the journey of a lifetime.