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[PeacePilgrim]

Trace informed me that she is closing the SIXTH thread on this topic, because it has reached ten pages, and invited me to open a SEVENTH edition, so here I am so doing.~Peace

Looking for a buddies to go toe to toe with me, accepting the challenge of coming up with 3 positives a day. The challenge is to find at least three good things out of every day, no matter how large or how small. I had a thread like this a while back at the Walkers in Darkness forums, however after a major crash of the web site, my buddy disappeared never to return again. I would like to continue this if people are willing to join me. It really works for me, but not if I am doing it alone. I have been making entries consistently on a daily basis since March 30 2009. So glad to see so many joining in!

Why it's important to me to do this thread:
to remind myself that even in the midst of a miserable day, there are good highlights. And the more I look, the more I am able to find.

Some things are small and consistent, like the way it feels when my cat curls up in my lap or sunlight streams through a window.

Some are accomplishments achieved, big or small.

Some are connections made, even if it's just the smile of a store clerk.

Here are a few samples of recent posts in the old thread, to serve as a model and get you started:

PREVIOUS ENTRIES:
==============================================

Every time I read this thread, it gets more awesome.

It's amazing the little things we take for granted. I noticed a lot of us have described those every-day tasks that seem trivial to many, but are a big deal when you're getting over a depression. Gratefulness trumps negativity any day, so it seems.

1) made piri piri chicken Jamie Oliver style and family enjoyed it. Nice to spend time with family.

2) got another call for a job lead, HR department send my resume directly to the manager. Happy and relieved at the same time. But careful not to put all my eggs in one basket. Just happy it got sent to the right people, that's all.

3) emailed an old friend, wrote him some encouraging words.

==============================================

Finishing up my positives for Friday July 8-2011:
*I got to my 3:30 eye appointment on time, and eye doctor found no new problems. And I REALLY like my eye doctor...very thorough but not an "alarmist".

*Twice today I was helped by people willing to carry umbrellas to protect me, while I inched forward with my 2 canes in the downpour. Three employees leaving work did me that courtesy at the eye place, and a young man at the hair salon offered me the favor there.

*Came home to find LOTS of GREAT posts on this forum thread. I am so grateful to find so many participating here. I first started the positivity thread on March 30 2009, in an attempt to claim the good things in my life and change my negative thinking. I have kept faithful to posting every day since, but sometimes have felt a bit lonely here. Not so anymore! The energy here is great as of late! Thank you to all who participate!

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Hiya, New to this forum stuff but I found everyones stories below to be extremely UPLIFTING . I try my hardest to find things that I do or say everyday that are positive, and if my memory fails me due "cloudiness" I try to write them down as a reminder. Heres a few from today:

1. Grocery shopping (I list as a positive as shopping crowds frighten the hell out of me)
2. Saw a minor car accident and pulled over to see if anyone needed any assistance (no one was hurt thankfully)
3. Replied to this Thread,

Have a great day

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AMAZING responses on this thread! Thank you to the original poster. :) What a great way to stay motivated amongst friends. I am very encouraged by this and hope to contribute in a positive way as well.

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My wife was all happy and singing this morning before I took her to work.
I found the receipt for the car I brought that I thought I had lost so I didnt have to go back to the garage.
I just generally feel fairly happy.

==============================================

1. Had a lovely day out with my husband.
2. Productive appointment with my GP
3. Getting husband to get lots of jobs done around the house!!

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1.Found some more Disney pins for my lanyards at garage sales today.
2.Got a Star Wars book and mouse pad.
3.Had a lunchable for lunch today. Yum.

==============================================

A good day today.
My 3....

1. Got up and felt awake
2. Helped my daughter to work out how to cut up bunting efficiently
3. Went to a local village for Cream Tea in the Village Hall. Socialised with people I don't know. Had a laugh and made them laugh too!

Another good day. I really must remember that I have more of them now than I do the other sort.

==============================================

As always, it is so refreshing and encouraging to read other responses! My mood and energy levels have been down the past week, so I practically need to read this thread every so often. Keep posting, everyone, and I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

My three things! (or more!)
- got up at 8:00 a.m., hit the shower, and took time to find a decent outfit to wear
- spent some quality time with my cousin and niece
- enjoyed my cup of jello butterscotch pudding this afternoon
- cleaned my house, laundry, now I have fresh smelling bedsheets and pillow cases!
- cousin complimented my clothing today (I felt very happy hearing that because I haven't been dressing up nicely for several weeks)
- discovered that some of my most peculiar feelings, thoughts, and emotional reactions are similar to so many people here who suffer with mental illness. I do not feel alone in all this anymore.
- I had no bad vivid nightmares yesterday. It's a welcome relief!

==============================================

1. Attended a twelve step meeting.

2. Shared experience, strength and hope.

3. Encouraged a newcomer.

Best to all. Lillian

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1. Finalized Chapter two on my Science Fiction book, wrote most of chapter three (been around 14-18 pages a chapter)

2. Finally looked up information about Psychiatrists in my area and laws they abide by.

3. Possibly made a new acquaintance(or friend I guess)...

==============================================

1. Managed not to get too frustrated with my family since I had to be around them all day.
2. For once I didn't worry about how I can't seem to find a job.
3. Got a new CD.

==============================================

I recognized a problem as it was occuring, and realized what the situation was about so I didn't have any anxiety about it. I was ok after that.

Although I had a difficult day, it ended nicely.

I fought back negative thoughts that I was bringing up to second guess myself and squashed it.

==============================================

Tuesday July 19-2011:
*Made phone calls to straighten out missing WH tax bill and to redeem maturing North Carolina CD. Both calls went pretty smoothly!

*Accomplished quite a bit: First was primary goal of getting new Xrays of injured left hip. The Xray technician remembered me from last year, was quite pleasant, and even gave me my copies of my Xrays before I left the office! That will save me a whole separate trip!!!! That office gets an A+ for being user-friendly… Finally, went all the way to Home Depot, taking the "short cut" through Mansfield Hollow park, a pleasant drive. Enjoyed seeing a small airplane taking off from Windham Airport.

*I ate fresh organic pineapple pieces, and scrubbed down my face with cold water, both of which felt good.

* I am grateful I am able to acknowledge so many little things through the day today.

==============================================

1. I forced myself to go downstairs for lunch with co-workers (to bee more "social").
2. Used less sugar in my coffee and had a salad for lunch.
3. Did a bit of laundry before work this morning.

==============================================

Today:
1. exercised
2. I didn't internalize someone's actions.
3. I'm trying a bit harder to have a positive outlook

P.S. I watched some home movies yesterday. How can I let down that full-of-life, happy, little girl?

==============================================

- i went for a jog today, and feel much better, more refreshed
- i ate a healthy breakfast
- i did my laundry
- i also practiced not internalizing somebody's actions today (great one, sevencos! I need to practice this more)

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PLEASE JOIN US!!!!!

Edited by PeacePilgrim, 21 July 2011 - 10:08 PM.

[1i11ian]

1. Prepped for colonoscopy. (No fun but did it)

2. Swept down cobwebs have been looking at for months.

3. Told friend about free spay neuter clinic for her new kitten.

Best to all.

Lillian

[corduroyndenim]

1. Made plans with my friends for this weekend.
2. Accomplished some stuff at work.
3. Hrm. Well, I came up with two things, anyway.

[Rainbowglow]

--staying cool in the heat

--reading a good book

--talked with friend on phone

[1i11ian]

1. Completed colonoscopy and it was normal. Hooray.

2. Had a nice nap.

3. Had my favorite ice cream.


Best to all.

Lillian

[corduroyndenim]

1. Went to therapy, and finished that loooooong intake questionnaire I had to take.
2. Went to book club and had good food and very interesting conversation.
3. Got groceries for my new beau who's coming over tomorrow (first time seeing my apartment - eep!).
4. The rain seems to have eased that horrendous heat wave we've been having. Yay rain!

[PeacePilgrim]

Wednesday July 20-2011 (catching up from this week!)
1. Still managing to get up by noontime--or in the case of today, "early"--at 11:30am.

2. The tar repair work on Wormwood Hill Road turned out to be way less than I thought: no mess, no fuss, no problem.

3. Everything went pretty much according to plan visa via the Spring Hill job today, from 3pm to 6:30 or so:
--Marlene met me early at Wormwood at 2pm to drop off bricks and new stick vacuum, and help me pack up.
--I got to meet Eric's younger daughter Hannah (14 yrs), who is now also helping him with his Willimantic painting job.
--Eric and his 2 daughters were at Spring Hill from 3:05pm to 3:45pm. Accomplished a lot in that short time. Hannah and Abby carried mattress (w/handles) out of cabin, while Eric took box spring. Abby and Eric took bed frame. Eric reinstalled second thermostat cover, and tested both cabin thermostats. He was able to loosen the stuck drawer in the antique coffee table with folding legs. I had a chance to ask him questions about upcoming cabin work.
--Marlene thoroughly vacuumed the 12-foot-square cabin, including ceilings! She then vacuumed up area with remaining paint chips by house (cat cage removal area) and sand/salt area in garage.
--What left today: From cabin: box spring, mattress, bed frame, tattered sailing ship blanket, old rusty folding chair, 2 coffee cans. From garage: that pile of sand/salt that has bothered me for so long, plus the half-destroyed metal can that had original held the sand/salt.
--Eric forgot the sledge hammer, but he did remember to wash it this morning, which impressed me!
--I captured some good photos.
--I was less obsessive than usual about paint chip and salt contamination. Was okay with vacuum being used for cabin, albeit with alternate round brush. And didn't feel the need to "bag" vacuum in banana bag at end of day.

4. As tired as I was, I phoned potential assistant Chris from the car. Very glad I did; I would have been too tired later--and it turns out, he thought it was a FULL-time job! He misread 6-to-8 hours as per day rather than per week.

5. Was able to leave the work site early, leaving remaining cleanup to Marlene.

6. Unexpected "guilty pleasure" on tv tonight: "Love in the Wild"--fun and funny escapist fare.

[kotonoha]

1. Got out on my motocycle, felt very nice.
2. Finished up some homework, summer session is rough ; /
3. didnt have any kind of panic attack or breakdown.

[PeacePilgrim]

Thursday July 21-2011 (still catching up from this week!):
1. Beating the record heat with my trusty central air.
2. Received via email the promised cell photos of Eric pounding in clothes pole at Spring Hill.
3. Since I had no assistants scheduled today, I did manage to add in a coaching session for Cynthia at 5pm tonight, as she had desired.
4. Maintained my sleep schedule okay, even though I was a bit tired.
5. Spent the day playing "catch up". Did get Xray test results from GP.
6. Overnight $2.99 rental of wonderful movie musical "1776", which I had missed seeing on TCM on July 4th this year.

[1i11ian]

1. Had dinner with my daughter.

2. Daughter had an excellent checkup (she is a cancer survivor)

3. Feeling great after colonoscopy.

Edited by 1i11ian, 24 July 2011 - 10:45 AM.

[jacqui41]

1. went for a lovely walk with my daughter and mum and stepdad and the dogs!
2. managed to start reading my yoga book.
3. the cake i made with my daughter looks lovely!

[PeacePilgrim]

Friday July 22-2011 (still catching up from this week):
1. Succeeded in taking Maggie cat to the vet for her annual check-up and toenail clipping at 4:30pm. Used my Dad's car with A/C because of the heat. I drove going to the vet, Kaela drove coming back. It all worked out. Kaela helped me get Maggie into her carrying case initially: tempting Maggie with a fresh bowl of food, me picking Maggie up, Kaela bringing carrying case over. Kaela had come to Wormwood with a fresh Subway sandwich for me, which I enjoyed eating en route.

2. Had the inspiration to check with Grand Union for fresh pineapple, so was able to re-supply that after the vet.

3. I should feel good that I got two specific things accomplished that I wanted to do with Kaela before she left for Oregon for her senior year:
--Maggie to vet
--first clean-out of Spring Hill cabin

4. When I was feeling a bit "down" tonight, I tried and succeeded in reaching friend Michael. We had a two-hour phone conversation, approx 10pm to midnight. Michael guessed it had been about a month since we last talked.

5. Still had my "1776" rental available, til about 3am, so finished watching it late night.

Edited by PeacePilgrim, 24 July 2011 - 02:18 PM.

[PeacePilgrim]

Saturday July 23-2011:
1. Although tired, I successfully tried out new asst Victoria between 4pm-7pm. I had her do 45 minutes worth of typing, change chandelier light bulb, and taught her how to feed Maggie. Gave instructions on picking up mail at Spring Hill and discussed OCD issues. She is a college student Junior. (The 2 downsides: now that I have tried her out, she is going to be away for approximately the next 2 weeks! And she moves a bit quickly: I would have to reinforce for her to stop, think, ask, then act.) But she was very enjoyable.

2. Her car looks like it is very suitable for giving me a ride! Fairly clean and easy to access (low to ground, has overhead loop to grasp when getting in). It's also a red car, like I have always wanted!

3. Victoria is willing to come back Monday briefly with exchanged light bulbs before taking off for Vermont and New Hampshire.

[PeacePilgrim]

Sunday July 24-2011:
1. Marlene did a partial shopping trip, although along the way, she ran out of money!! She did return the cleaned doormat and round brush to Spring Hill garage, where she also picked me fresh wildflowers, mainly fragrant purple phlox. She got all my Willi Co-op shopping errands done, including a fresh whole organic pineapple. YAY! At Stop n shop, we had to negotiate for what she would get today, since she was running out of funds. She did get my important yogurt and Amy's Lasagna, although she had to leave some other things behind for the day. When she got here, we tallied up and then decided to call it quits for the day.

2. After Marlene left, I made 3 enjoyable phone calls:
--The first was to my Charter tv cable company. Although I learned that it will be months before the current Harry Potter film is released to cable, I enjoyed talking to the customer service person, who is a real Harry Potter fan and saw the movie on opening day.
--The second call was to potential assistant Jean, who leads a mindfulness meditation group(!), cooks vegan food, and is very interested in the assistant job to boot. She also knows someone who runs a chair yoga group, something I have been actively looking for. Even if I don't hire Jean, she was very interesting to talk to!
--Third call was to potential yardworker assistant who lives in Ashford. I have actually hired him to come on over on tuesday to try him out! Name is Josh.

3. Family Channel was running some Harry Potter films again today. Enjoyed parts of three different films, and also enjoyed "The Glee Project" tonight on Oxygen.

[Rainbowglow]

--up late reading good book

--cat cuddling in my lap

--enjoying the quiet of the night

[OceanBreeze9721]

I faced a social problem today that made me feel much better after a long weekend of dread.

Made it through the day even though I thought I couldn't either.

Remembered how to "be" happy and confident. Before I can please others, I have to be ok with myself.

[bizzylizzy]

I am so glad and happy that i took my bike out of the garage for a ride to the local shops this morning
I tackled a rubbish heap of weeds in my dogs yard and now it is looking so much better
I am just getting ready to bring my little dog rascal out for a nice long walk and i know i will feel good for the both of us about doing this
I am planning on going back to work tonight as it feels like the right time for me to do this.
Wish me loadsa luck on the going back to work part!!!!!!!!!!!!

[naiadknight]

1) I fixed the plotter!
2) I fixed the paper cutter!
3) I'm productive by 8AM!
4) We're going to look at replacement windows to replace the single pane 1950s era windows after work today.
5) I found my smile!

[1i11ian]

1. Attended twelve step meeting.

2. Brought up the topic at twelve step meeting.

3. Provided feedback at twelve step meeting.

[PeacePilgrim]

Wish me loadsa luck on the going back to work part!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome, BizzyLizzy--and Good Luck on going back to work!~PeacePilgrim

Edited by PeacePilgrim, 25 July 2011 - 01:11 PM.

[corduroyndenim]

1. Spent some time writing in my journal.
2. Got my city tax refund.
3. Ate some really yummy leftovers.

[PoeticProse]

1) finished my online courses
2) stayed sober
3) went on a jog

[lindahurt]

Cleaned of my deck.

Cook instead of eating out.

Reorrange one of my bedrooms. What a task!

[PeacePilgrim]

Monday July 25-2011:
1. Saw British film "All or Nothing" with Timothy Spall in the middle of the night.

2. Marlene finished up the shopping errands, at Stop n shop and Home Depot. ***Best news is that she DID succeed in purchasing the display model table lamp for $9 off the marked-down price, so was able to get it for $20.*** It has a bright 3-way switch, and I want to use it for the cabin.

3. New trial assistant Vicky took my chandelier light bulbs to Mansfield Supply to switch out for the correct ones, and also picked up my mail en route to Wormwood--and fed Maggie when she got here! (Still teaching Maggie that visitors mean FOOD!!).

4. Marla called and left a nice message this evening around supper time. Also, Pam called with a check-in call because she hadn't heard from me today. She heads back to the office from vacation tomorrow.

[OceanBreeze9721]

Stayed close to my goal of being purposeful and not relying on others for my own confidence. Worked well, talked well with coworkers and stayed focused. I am very proud of the way things went today.

Almost my vacation, 3 more days!

Spent a nice day with my daughter and rested a little bit.

[shyboots]

For yesterday:

1) Interview went well, although it was intense and very long and pretty probing. Will hear by the end of the week.
2) Stayed sober, resisted temptation to have a drink to relax after the interview
3) Enjoyed watching a few Dr Who episodes.

[1i11ian]

1. Washed shower rug.

2. Ordered item for family member on Internet.

3. Took a long nap.

[oliveira]

For yesterday:1. Met up with an old friend and had a nice chat
2. Had a good workout at the gym
3. Made completely delishous chicken

[shyboots]

1. Went to the gym and had an awesome workout

2. Did some gardening

3. Made the most of the sunshine and got heaps of washing done

4. Felt really positive!

[Amaris]

1. Had a lovely walk in the beautiful sunshine with a wonderful friend.

2. Started reading an important new self-help book & started to think that things might finally change.

3. Had a yummy Chinese takeaway and didn't feel too guilty

4. Got back on DF

5. Watched some funny TV

[MaggieAndrewsMOM]

Was honest with my mom about my meds and there side effects. Helped my partner out with his work route. Let my partner and my four leggers know that I love them. Stayed open about a possible money making opportunity.

[PeacePilgrim]

Tuesday July 26-2011:
1. My newest yard worker candidate Josh was a "no show" today, but there were two good things about his absence:
--We would have been "weathered out" by dramatic thunderstorms by 5pm anyway (he was supposed to be here 3pm-6pm).
--It gave me the opportunity to do three things that had been neglected (see #2).

2. Dutifully and gladly (feeling of satisfaction afterwards) got done three important things:
--First, was cleaning up the brand new desk lamp for the cabin. Difficult for me because of some contamination issues, but it's done.
--Second, was getting a much-needed shower around 6:30pm.
--Third, is getting my "intake/medical history" papers ready for the new orthopedic doctor for next Monday appointment. Just finished working on that.

3. Also, am continuing to read Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park". Now that I have gotten back into the rhythm of the language, it is flowing very quickly!

[Rainbowglow]

--quiet start to the day

--short walk before it heats up

--picked flowers along the way

[OceanBreeze9721]

Talked to the person that was causing my triggers and managed to have a nice conversation. We ate lunch together. I am being more calm around the person.

Organized two rooms, which was a short term goal. Tomorrow hopefully two more...little by little

Feeling able to express myself better and not have so many irrational thoughts.

[shyboots]

1. Had a fantastic walk in the sunshine, up to the doctors and back, that's half an hour each way

2. Did some gardening and enjoyed that too

3. Doctor will do a letter for work saying of course I can go on holiday and why are they wasting his time asking because I'm depressed, not got a broken leg or a bad back, so they shouldn't be expecting me to stay at home every day!

4. Bought tickets to go see my friend and her little baby next week. Much cooing is anticipated.

[MaggieAndrewsMOM]

Got the grocery shopping done and the cake baked..my part of dinner tonight!!
Got to work on time..worked the mid shift so fighting traffic was a bit weird!!
Enrolled myself and one of my bassets in an obediance traing class...can't wait!!
Called and thanked my mom for the nice gift!!!

[SailingAway]

Woke up at 9:00 a.m. today. :) Felt well rested. Didn't have any vivid dreams that disturbed me.

Walked the dog, had fun playing ball with her.

Bought a really good burger for lunch...as I was famished.

[1i11ian]

1. Cooked dinner.

2. Vacuumed floors.

3. Checked on cousin who had surgery.

Best to all.

Lillian

[PeacePilgrim]

Wednesday July 27-2011:
1. Had rocky sleep overnight, made much worse by the fact of my computer totally freezing up just as I was trying for bed. It froze up and wouldn't even turn off(!!!), while the cooling fan was running constantly on high--so I didn't dare leave it. I spent 3 hours problem-solving and then winding down from the adrenalin-pumping experience. The GOOD NEWS is that I DID solve it, in the middle of the night, with no resources around other than my alternate laptop. I found online the manual for my ailing laptop, and was able to figure out a solution from that.I even took on the stairs in the midst of this, up and down several times, which is difficult for me.

2. I was helped to unwind by an undiscovered small gem of a tv movie on LIfetime: a biopic of Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling. It had some really nice touches, weaving fantasy scenes into her real life, which I had not expected.

3. Got four hours sleep, and then was back on schedule for my 1:45pm massage appointment with Karen. A good massage today, although very emotional. Karen only worked on my side, since last week's massage on my back with left leg extended had left me cramped and in pain afterward. Karen gave some cautionaries about cortisone shots, which information I appreciated.

4. Called a company where I can get my favorite brand of FilmGard drop cloth and had a good conversation with "Beau", who even offered me a special code so that I could get 5% off my order.

5. Fun escapism with "Love in the Wild" episode tonight...the one with the game-changing couples switch-up. The loyalty of the existing couples was impressive and the task with mules was fun!

[OceanBreeze9721]

Still faced the person causing my triggers, which didn't happen today. I think I am getting over it.

Called my friend and told her that I was going through something and to please understand. She said she understands. She is the one person who knows about my depression and understands, as she went through it herself. I know that I have her back when I am down. That is positive.

Came home with energy and had a nice day with my daughter.