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[PeacePilgrim]

Collect those positive gems and paste them here!

Trace informed me that she is closing the 9TH thread on this topic, because it has reached ten pages, and invited me to open an TENTH edition, so here I am so doing.~Peace

Looking for 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.

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

PREVIOUS ENTRIES:

I got 3 pages written
I met some totally awesome people today
I stayed sober

----------------------

I got all the building materials needed for monday ordered.
I got to spend time with my lil nephew :-)

----------------------

1.My teacher's response to my rough draft was overall positive. I was pretty nervous and was hoping he wouldn't give me a response.
2.Able to concentrate and do a lot of reading.
3.Am not feeling overwhelmed by school.

----------------------

FLASHBACK to Sunday July 29-2012:
1. Up at 3pm a bit better rested than last night.

2. Erin arrived 4pm and worked until 8:25pm.
I booked her for next Saturday after her New Hampshire holiday.
PRIMARY ACHIEVEMENTS WITH ERIN (and my best of the day):
*I dictated my Dad's update for the Cornell alumni newsletter to Erin.
*We sorted out/cleaned out the main section of the fridge; door and freezer still to go!
*Processed the 2011 end-of-year statements. I had Erin bring downstairs a large packet of old mail which contained most of the 2011 end-of-year statements. Opened and sorted it all, and had Erin return to Great Room "desk".

3. Cinema Paradiso: watched more of it "on demand" tonight.

----------------------

Friday - Tuesday
- went camping Friday - Sunday with my daughter, her best friend and her best friend's Mum and younger brother.
- Had a psychiatrist appointment yesterday to discuss my meds and that I can make some adjustments to them.
- Took my daughter and her friend out today.
- haven't smoked for 7 days

----------------------

Yesterday
- my headache went away
- got a haircut
- watched the Olympic gymnastics team final (even though I had the score spoiled for me, it was still fun to watch!)

----------------------

Yesterday:
-delicious peach pancakes at a friend's house
-texting with friends after a difficult conversation --> learning to reach out
-acupuncture

----------------------

1. I finally bought an electronic cigarette today. Very excited to try it.
2. Went swimming in one of my favorite swimming pool and it was heaven.
3. What started out as a stressful day became a good one.

----------------------

Today:
1. had my favorite meal for lunch
2. got my measurements so i could order a bridesmaid's dress
3. made up with the fiancé after a troubling discussion last night

----------------------

1) I did some serious CBT work on some anxieties that I was ignoring
2) I was able to feed the ducks this morning without getting bitten by the aggressive ones
3) I made a new friend

----------------------

Did the dishes
Did my laundry
Cleaned up the weeds my brother cut down in the back yard

PLEASE JOIN US!!!!!

[Girly]

- I had a long overdue visit to the opticians
- We went swimming
- We had a lovely lunch
- I'm still off the cigarettes

[Epictetus]

I've been trying to find a way to help the ants in my yard during the drought.

1) Today I learned that ants can "drink" water from a piece of tissue soaked in water
2) I also learned that ants like to eat thinly sliced little slivers of sweet apple flesh
3) I brought the wet tissue and apple to the ant hill and sure enough the ants piled on both. I felt good. I noticed the "big ants" let
the little ants eat the apple [Instinct? Kindness? Survival function for the colony?]

Three good things today!!!

[meistersinger]

Did the dishes
Made lunch
Made supper.
Tried to sleep most of the day. My brother tried to jump my *** about being lazy until I told him my psychiatrist put me on melatonin on the advice of my therapist, and I've been up and manic for the last 2 days. I need not to take an entire 3 mg tablet. I'll try a 1/4 tablet and see what that does.

Edited by meistersinger, 03 August 2012 - 09:14 PM.

[matters]

- I slept in
- I had a productive meeting
- I enjoyed a potluck

[Rainbowglow]

--enjoying the sunshine!

--picked fresh flowers for a bouquet for my kitchen

--saw a deer and fawn in the woods; I love nature!

[Girly]

- I went to a family fun day with my daughter and then the fun fair
- I collected my new glasses, I got a really good deal for two pairs
- I am still smoke free
- I went to Zumba this morning and did a lot of walking today

[MangoBear]

I worked today for a few hours and made just over my daily goal, almost immediately! I haven't had a really successful day of work (I work from home) for what seems like forever. I'm really proud of myself for making it happen early and I think I can stay caught up for the rest of the pay period and surpass my goal!

All that I have to do now is think about something easy to make out of the sausage or pork chops for dinner, tonight.

[matters]

- I saw my psychiatrist

- I saw my case worker

- I refilled my meds

[PeacePilgrim]

Saturday August 4-2012:
1. Wisely shut Maggie out of bedroom for better quality uninterrupted sleep.
Woke 2pm or so with painfully numb right hand from carpel tunnel, but managed to "recover" it through hot water and self-massage, exercise.

2. Received response emails from EFT counselor re my questions, and thankfully Shannon re misplaced rocks.

3. Slept for many hours in lounger after a meal of organic yogurt, strawberries, and banana around 5pm downstairs.

4. On TV: Golf, then Evita "on demand", then Marilyn Monroe series of films on TCM tonight:
*7 Year Itch (which I largely slept through) 6pm-8pm,
*Some Like It Hot 8pm-10:15pm (slept through beginning half),
*Bus Stop 10:15pm-12 midnight, REALLY LIKED THIS ONE, but sacrificed 45 minutes of it to talk to warmline.
*How to Marry a Millionaire 12 midnight-1:45am,
*There's No Business Like Show Business 1:45am-4am.
Had some of these on in background while working or sleeping, but also used to re-focus and distract me during emotional breakdown around 10pm. Partly through use of distraction, I managed to get myself to slowly eat: green juice, green soup, onion crisps, small slices of cheese--and felt significantly better afterwards.
Later around maybe midnight I followed up with a treat: raw coffee ice cream (no dairy involved and it's REALLY GOOD!).

5. Discovered that Michael had left a short voicemail around 10pm. Long time since I had heard from him, so good to get the call, even though I wasn't up to calling back.

6. Called the PA warmline around 11 p.m. and this time for once got through easily. Talked to Michelle for an unusually long time, from 11 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. I was trying to get up enough energy to (1) write out my grocery list for Erin for tomorrow and (2) pack up food items to take to second floor.

7. Later did get upstairs to do grocery list on computer, and did long EFT exercise to a youtube video.

[meistersinger]

put tras out for Monday Pickup
went grocery shopping
did the dishes

[elannesse]

I did a big food shopping (all mega-healthy stuff and 0 junk food)
Cooked batches of healthy meals all portioned out - they will keep me going for weeks, only need to reheat and make salad to go with them
Had a shower
Compiled a list of potential therapists in my area - and promised myself to call them to check them out within the next two weeks (it'll take me time to find the courage to talk)
1 week since giving up smoking (again) and I am loving my new electronic cigarette kit, even if it gets funny looks from everyone!

[Girly]

elannesse what a productive and healthy day you've had. Great stuff.

- I did some laundry
- My daughter and I went kayaking
- I did some reading
- I spent time here on DF
- I have been able to think about why I feel down and help myself through it a little bit.

[Epictetus]

Was able to attend a baptism

Did some CBT exercises for anxiety

Got to feel the warmth of the sun on my face

[elannesse]

Thanks Girly :)

I had good levels of energy today, felt 'normal' for the first time in what seems like forever! I think healthy diet is helping with the energy and flashes of clarity actually. I'm eating only fresh fruit and veg, having salad once a day with either lunch or dinner and carry a portion of dried fruit and nuts mix in my bag to snack on. I am staying well away from aisles that have the ready meals when I'm shopping. I was thinking today that when I have the energy, I must prepare as many strategies as possible for when I am not able to do anything so that I will still be able to continue with the routine of looking after myself, it'll help me cope better. I'm also keeping a diary to remind myself to do stuff. Jotted down on every page is a reminder to do routine things that are difficult like shower, clean teeth, have breakfast, eat only healthy food etc...I can't do all of them everyday necessarily, but it's a prompt nonetheless and more than once I chucked the diary into the rubbish and fished it out again. It may sound like a silly strategy, but whatever works right?

Glad you had a good day too :)

[matters]

- I meditated

- I cleaned the bathroom

- I went shopping

[Trace]

I have done two loads of washing and hung it out to dry.
I have prepped and put the Impala (venison) on a slow low heat cook for tonights dinner.
I sent an important e-mail to someone who really needed it.
I have nearly finished catching up reading every single post, posted on DF over the weekend.

[meistersinger]

did the dishes
washed and dried my bed linens
brought trash cans back in yard

[DarkRain]

1.Found Dumbo on dvd at a garage sale for 50 cents! It had a scratch in it but didn't skip.
2.Redirected my anger into making a very large batch of vegetarian gyoza. (took a negative and turned it into a positive outcome!)
3.Picked up more good books at the library that I'm looking forward to reading.

[Girly]

- had a good day at work, for a change. My job is very stressful at times.
- had lunch with a friend from work
- had a healthy balanced diet today, lots of fruit, veg, fish/seafood etc
- still not smoking
- I kept my cool and went and called my parents outside when my ex annoyed me tonight then went on DF in my room so I wasn't stressed and so he was able to spend time with our daughter.
- I resisted the take away pizza they had

[hocico]

My wife came home after her holiday x 3

[Girly]

- I've not smoked
- We went to the charity shop, pet shop and Post Office to run errands.
- We went into town and I got a refund on some clothes I brought but changed my mind about. I brought some that fit from another shop.
- I watched some Olympics
- I called the pdocs office and they faxed my prescription to the GP surgery and I was able to get that so I'll get my new meds tomorrow.
- I've done a few things to try and cheer myself up from feeling down.

[DarkRain]

1.Went to the library again today and picked up some books I wanted to read.
2.My game came today!
3.My game came today!
I've been looking forward to playing Kingdom Hearts:Dream Drop Distance for a long time.

[meistersinger]

did the dishes
washed my clothing
attempted to scrub the surround in the bathtub

[hocico]

I got the bits I needed for the plasterer half price.
It was unnaturally warm and sunny here.
My tooth has stopped hurting for the first time in three days.

[matters]

The weather was perfect.

I got my paperwork in.

I got my medication.

[Epictetus]

1. Woke up to see the sun rising over the mountain...so incredibly beautiful
2. The sound of all the monks chanting in unison mixed with the sounds of the newborn sparrows and the cicadas in the old cottonwood trees.

3. Seeing that the big ant colony outside was not destroyed by the heavy rains last night. They were hard at work at the hole of dawn, busy as bees as usual.

[hocico]

I have manned up and plan to go to the dentist tomorrow to get my painful tooth sorted.
The chimney should be finished to tonight.
My wife made me a lovely birthday cake and everyone enjoyed eating it :)

Edited by hocico, 09 August 2012 - 02:30 PM.

[PeacePilgrim]

Thursday August 9-2012:
1. Tammy arrived around 2pm. She worked 1:30pm to 6:00pm today, including her stop at spring hill for mail and dehumidifier check before arrival here at Wormwood.
***I was smart enough to close Maggie in the bedroom with me and brush her, so that Tammy could easily bring in the expected 40lb box of raw ice cream when it was delivered.***
***That delivery happened at 1:47pm, and I actually heard the box being dropped on the front doorstep!!! This time the raw ice cream delivery happened smoothly as opposed to last time. . There was actually still dry ice inside the box--and frost on the 12 pints of ice cream once we got to the inside box.
I gave away raw strawberry ice cream to Tammy to create more room in the freezer for the new flavors.

2. Brandon my raw chef canceled for the day, so I had to scramble to stay gluten-free and yet find something that would fill me up and be appetizing. I eventually had Tammy get a gluten-free rotisserie chicken (along with extra bananas and bag of spring mix) at Big Y (4:22pm) plus an order of plain steamed mixed veggies and brown rice at Chang Garden.

3. On the phone before Tammy went to Big Y: ***Matt at Big Y was very helpful in the "food services" dept. in problem-solving re gluten-free. Assured me that all rotisserie chicken at Big Y is now gluten-free, but couldn't assure the same for the coleslaw. He did put in a request/suggestion to corporate for gluten-free coleslaw.

4. Tammy picked fresh flowers for me and re-supplied food upstairs. Folded sheets on drying rack from yesterday's wash. Fed Maggie of course. Maggie ate some chicken with me, even while Tammy was here.

5. ***6pm the "Big Bang Theory" episode aired in syndicated rerun, where Sheldon turns to cats in lieu of people for affection (just one week are the bird episode aired in primetime). The cat episode is called "The Zazzy Substitution" and originally aired on 10/07/2010.

6. Came upstairs and sent off email to nephew David with Dad update for Cornell.

7. Talked to Margaret at PA warmline around 10:30pm, after 20 to 30 tries hitting redial. I had to put Maggie out of my room because she kept pestering me while I was on the phone! Finally was able to quiet myself around midnight or so by focusing solely on computer work with Maggie out of room.

[Rainbowglow]

--slept well

--easy day today

--early morning walk

[Mulatto]

It's my daughters 7th Birthday today and she's very happy
We can't afford to throw her a party so my friend has offered for us to go over to hers so the kids can have fun in the garden

Plus me and my friend get to meet up and support each other after not seeing each other for weeks due to our depression

[michael please]

- Got a call from a recruiter about a promising looking job
- Went to see a musician my friend knows play and met some new people
- Rode my motorcycle

- Banner day, I feel like normal is at least a possibility.

[shyboots]

1. I got up early and saw to the cat's needs
2. I have had a bath and got dressed
3. I enjoyed fish and chips for lunch as a treat

[Girly]

Hocico happy belated birthday.

Mulatto it is great that you have been able to meet with a friend who understands what you are going through.

For me:

- I've made good progress on getting all the camping stuff ready for my holiday next week.
- I've eaten really healthily today.
- in still not smoking
- I've spoken to my daughter, she is away on holiday.

[hocico]

Hocico happy belated birthday.

Mulatto it is great that you have been able to meet with a friend who understands what you are going through.

For me:

- I've made good progress on getting all the camping stuff ready for my holiday next week.
- I've eaten really healthily today.
- in still not smoking
- I've spoken to my daughter, she is away on holiday.

Thanks Girly

[PeacePilgrim]

Friday August 10-2012:
1. Tackling major sleep issues. Karen graciously allowed me to cancel 4pm massage appointment, so that I could try to get caught up on sleep. I got 8+ *consecutive* hours, even if at the "wrong" time of day: 10:30am to 7:00pm. This was *without* the help of Ambien! Closed Maggie out of bedroom to keep interruptions to a minimum.

2. Had trouble getting up afterwards, but pushed myself to go downstairs to lounger and started phoning warmlines. No luck w/New Haven again. Then tried Oregon and for once GOT THROUGH, no call back! Hurray! Very positive talk with Gwen, She actually agreed to take my number and call me back if she can locate an in-person arthritis support group in my state; also phone number for a new CA warmline which started this month or last. Gwen gave me phone numbers for 1/2 dozen other warmlines. We talked maybe 8pm to 830pm. I spoke of my desire to have just ONE THING improve in my life. I started thinking about trying UConn psych services again, but then remembered that they are on August hiatus. Hmm, I will think about it.

3. TCM is running Lionel Barrymore films all day today. While having instant protein, I watched "You can't take it with you", delightful film which ended at 1015pm. Barrymore was just beginning to show effects of arthritis in this one, so had personal meaning for me also, which it never has before.

4. Signed onto downstairs laptop in den. Signed up for Facebook page for Storrs Farmers Market. While on Facebook, I discovered that best friend Richard of "old" has gotten a marriage license with his life partner! After 30 years and one child, they are finally legally allowed to marry and they are doing so on their 30th anniversary!!! Things I never thought I would see in my lifetime, it's great how the world CAN change. I wished him well.
While on the web, I also looked up Yale link to arthritis support groups in CT (there are two listed, if still viable groups, although a bit far away). I also looked up the information on the Beltane Goat Farm again. I would like to call them.

[PeacePilgrim]

- I've eaten really healthily today.
- in still not smoking

Congratulations, Girly, on both eating healthy and not smoking. I have been quite impressed with your non-smoking record being recorded here in an ongoing process. Keep up the good work and hooray!~Peace

[PeacePilgrim]

Saturday August 11-2012:
1. Watched 2nd half of John Wayne's final film "The Shootist", which aired on AMC from 3:30am to 5:45am.

2. Then, got a shower early morning around 6am!!! Hooray!

3. Awoke between 5 and 6pm. *No* ambien overnight. Had gone to sleep around 10am after trying for 2 hours from 8am. From 10am to 5pm means at least 7 hours of consecutive sleep. Doing better on duration of consecutive hours of sleep, now just need to tackle the time clock part.

4. Around 7:30pm on Saturday, Kristin called on 4764 number and left voicemail. Her new news is that she has added a full-time job to her part-time job and so has no time for potlucks--and I am guessing also the class. She still talked about getting together, but it's going to take a lot of phone tag, I'm thinking!

5. Unexpected really intriguing and amusing 1/2 hour piece on HBO Channel 404 at 7:30pm. Called "Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl", in it comic and amateur historian Robert Wuhl examines facts and myths of American history. Missed part of it, but later found it on Youtube.

6. A warmline was REALLY helpful again tonight. I vowed I would phone one of the new numbers I had gotten from Gwen last night, and bingo, this connection was really helpful also. I talked to Deanne at WA warmline and got right through. I first had to deal with the fact that the 877 number seemed to be disconnected, but when I tried the toll number, I got right through fast! I phoned maybe around 9:30pm and the main theme was sleep issues. Deanne suggested chamomile or saffron tea before trying sleep. She also thought I shouldn't worry so much about Ambien addiction on such a low dose (1/2 pill of lowest dosage).
She also recommended "trying easy" instead of pushing and trying so hard. An interesting concept. Only problem with that is it's just too "easy" to just give up, which is what i would really like to do! But I always like it when people have a new approach, and also when they really listen to me, which she definitely did.
Part of her "trying easy" was suggesting that I approach going to bed--and taking Maggie to the vet next week--with quiet confidence and belief that it's going to happen, that I can indeed do it. Also problem-solve in advance.

7. Anthony Hopkins film 9pm to 10:40pm on Channel 631. Called "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger", it is evidently a Woody Allen film, although I didn't realize that while watching it. It's subtitle could be: "Be afraid if you get what you asked for!"

8. Worked diligently on putting supplements in week-long "Mega Pill Planner" tonight, so I can take a set of supplements upstairs with me to my food area there. I also have released some tension and am almost "happy" (elusive for me) while getting caught up on this thread. It is great when coming here to be surrounded by the positive thoughts of other people, so thanks!

[shyboots]

Saturday August 11-2012:
1. Watched 2nd half of John Wayne's final film "The Shootist", which aired on AMC from 3:30am to 5:45am.

2. Then, got a shower early morning around 6am!!! Hooray!

3. Awoke between 5 and 6pm. *No* ambien overnight. Had gone to sleep around 10am after trying for 2 hours from 8am. From 10am to 5pm means at least 7 hours of consecutive sleep. Doing better on duration of consecutive hours of sleep, now just need to tackle the time clock part.

4. Around 7:30pm on Saturday, Kristin called on 4764 number and left voicemail. Her new news is that she has added a full-time job to her part-time job and so has no time for potlucks--and I am guessing also the class. She still talked about getting together, but it's going to take a lot of phone tag, I'm thinking!

5. Unexpected really intriguing and amusing 1/2 hour piece on HBO Channel 404 at 7:30pm. Called "Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl", in it comic and amateur historian Robert Wuhl examines facts and myths of American history. Missed part of it, but later found it on Youtube.

6. A warmline was REALLY helpful again tonight. I vowed I would phone one of the new numbers I had gotten from Gwen last night, and bingo, this connection was really helpful also. I talked to Deanne at WA warmline and got right through. I first had to deal with the fact that the 877 number seemed to be disconnected, but when I tried the toll number, I got right through fast! I phoned maybe around 9:30pm and the main theme was sleep issues. Deanne suggested chamomile or saffron tea before trying sleep. She also thought I shouldn't worry so much about Ambien addiction on such a low dose (1/2 pill of lowest dosage).
She also recommended "trying easy" instead of pushing and trying so hard. An interesting concept. Only problem with that is it's just too "easy" to just give up, which is what i would really like to do! But I always like it when people have a new approach, and also when they really listen to me, which she definitely did.
Part of her "trying easy" was suggesting that I approach going to bed--and taking Maggie to the vet next week--with quiet confidence and belief that it's going to happen, that I can indeed do it. Also problem-solve in advance.

7. Anthony Hopkins film 9pm to 10:40pm on Channel 631. Called "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger", it is evidently a Woody Allen film, although I didn't realize that while watching it. It's subtitle could be: "Be afraid if you get what you asked for!"

8. Worked diligently on putting supplements in week-long "Mega Pill Planner" tonight, so I can take a set of supplements upstairs with me to my food area there. I also have released some tension and am almost "happy" (elusive for me) while getting caught up on this thread. It is great when coming here to be surrounded by the positive thoughts of other people, so thanks!

*big grin* especially for the last paragraph!
Today:
1) I got up early and looked after the cat
2) I chatted to a friend this morning, we were both having anxiety problems, and helped each other work through our problems! It really helped. I'm proud of us both :)
3) I adjusted my plans to get what needed to be done, done, and to give myself time to chill out from feeling so anxious!
4) Got things I needed from work. Showed OH my office, he was taking pictures of the view! haha!
5) Enjoyed a naughty fast food lunch
6) Planned meals for the week ahead and did the shopping.
7) I have time now to look over plans for tomorrow so I can feel ready, and time for a bath and stuff tonight t be all ready for tomorrow!

[Cupcake_girl]

1. I finally found new pillows for my room

2. I went swimming for almost an hour so I got my excersise for today

3. I called up my friend I haden't talked with for over a month. I always get very nervous about making calls but it went very well. I had missed her a lot so it was great to hear her voice and we filled eachother in on a lot of things lol. When she hang up she even thanked me for calling her!

Edited by Broken_girl, 13 August 2012 - 02:03 PM.