As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. – Henry David Thoreau
As a child, whenever I was worried, anxious, or plagued by the “what-ifs,” I instinctively sought refuge and solitude – a quiet, secluded place where I could be alone with my thoughts and fears.
I routinely chose the worst scenario, agonized over all the options, and painstakingly attempted to accept one of them.
This regimen became a life-long practice.
During nine unrelenting months of severe depression, the lake became my refuge, walking and self-analysis my therapy. Unfortunately, my attempt at self-healing was unsuccessful.
Notwithstanding, after my hospitalization and treatment, I once again was drawn to the lake.
I did not return to work immediately. I needed some time to pull myself together; I needed a refuge, a place of quiet, peaceful solitude. I returned to the lake.
In 1982, I went there to exercise, to make my body healthy and strong. The following year, I went there to exorcize the demons of my depression, to make my mind healthy and strong. This time, I went there to wrestle with the innermost part of me to make it healthy and strong.
My manic and depressive episodes had shaken me to the core. I was confused, afraid, and impatient to understand what happened to me. And why.
I hoped that walking around the lake would refresh my fatigued body, and clear the dull haziness that seemed to be clouding my thinking. It helped, but not enough. – Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
I offer these thoughts for your consideration.
Communication, I believe, is the key to understanding one another.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions about my blogs by posting them at the bottom of the blog page marked, Leave A Reply.
If you have read “I’m Afraid”, I ask you to write a review. It will be invaluable to me and fellow readers.
Simply click on the Contact button on the Home page, or post them on Facebook or Goodreads if you prefer.
The saga continues in my next blog.
Do Not Be Afraid!!!