Chapter 1: A New Beginning

It was December 31, 2023, and I had shed my last tears for the year. exhales relief This past year had been particularly challenging. Throughout 2023, I struggled to stay afloat, feeling as if I was sinking. I faced a breakup, endured harassment, and dealt with various minor health issues—all within a short span. On that day, I made a vow to myself: 2024 would not be spent in sadness. I was determined to turn a new leaf.

Now, on April 21, while I still encounter sad moments, I have committed to ensuring they do not linger.

A Personal Strategy to Combat Depression

I devised a plan to address my emotional struggles without medication or therapy. (This is not to say that seeking professional help is not valuable; I simply opted for a different approach.) This journey relies solely on my determination. So, here’s what I have been doing.

Before diving deeper, I want to clarify that I am not a mental health expert. I am a life coach specializing in mindfulness and meditation, sharing my personal insights and experiences.

How I Begin My Day

As someone who isn’t naturally a morning person, I’ve explored various ways to start my day positively. One effective method is to infuse inspiration into my mornings. I enjoy listening to uplifting music—whether it’s gospel, pop, or rock—anything that elevates my mood.

I also consume informative content, such as videos or podcasts that resonate with me. These serve as my own form of coaching, featuring figures like Mel Robbins, Jay Shetty, or the YouTuber HindsSight. I tune into these during my drive to work and while I settle in at the office.

Moreover, I strive to brighten someone else's day. Whether it’s buying lunch for the person behind me in the drive-thru, sharing a joke, or recounting a funny story, these small gestures help shift my focus from my own worries to the world around me.

I prioritize intentional rest and quiet moments. Recognizing that overwhelm and burnout can exacerbate feelings of depression, I consciously carve out time for self-care.

I also cherish moments with family. They are my support system and keep me from dwelling too long in negativity. I make an effort to organize fun activities together.

Embracing Structure and Organization

Staying organized helps create predictability in my life, alleviating stress and preventing the chaos of daily life. I also practice automation and delegate tasks at home. For instance, I assign my child small chores, easing my workload. Additionally, I automate bill payments to reduce the time I spend managing these tasks.

Incorporating Physical Activity

Physical movement is essential. I engage in activities I enjoy, such as dancing, walking, and stretching.

I focus on nourishing my body, ensuring I drink enough water and maintain a balanced diet.

The Power of Affirmations

Positive self-talk is another critical component of my routine. I remind myself daily, “Today will be a great day” or “I am capable of facing whatever challenges arise.” The language we use with ourselves is impactful!

I aim to complain less and take actionable steps toward change. If something bothers me, I work to rectify it rather than resigning myself to it. Often, we have the power to alter our circumstances.

I also hold myself accountable for my shortcomings. This reminder reinforces that I control my choices, which can either simplify or complicate my life—nothing is purely left to chance.

In summary, there are abundant resources available to help us navigate these challenges—much like this article you are reading now.

I encourage you to treat yourself with kindness, practice self-love, and remember that everything will eventually be okay! Even if it’s hard to see right now, I assure you that things can improve. Last year was undeniably tough, but I can genuinely say that my situation has brightened. Life will still present challenges that might evoke sadness, yet we possess the ability to resist slipping into negativity.

I hope you find this helpful 🙏🏽

Written with love ❤️

Vonchè

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Chapter 2: Uplifting Resources

In this video, "WHEN I'M FEELING SAD" by Trace Moroney, the story beautifully explores emotions and offers comforting insights for children and adults alike.

The video "SOMETIMES I FEEL SAD - read aloud story for well-being" provides an engaging narrative that promotes emotional awareness and resilience.