New Beginning
Photo by
Kevin Russ
For the past 8 months, I have been silently battling with, and drifting in and out of a state of depression. Perhaps it was the changing hormones in my prenatal and postnatal body, or perhaps it was life’s way of teaching me something new.
It has been a very painful process, but when I observe this period of my life from other perspectives, I realized that I am learning and relearning some of the most incredible lessons, through which I am able to recognize and change some old and very ridged behavior patterns and limiting beliefs.
This is a quick post to let you know that I am still alive, and that I am going through a tremendous period of healing, and that I am thinking about and writing the next full-fletched Think Simple Now style article, for you.
Last night, Ryan slept through the night for the first time since he was born, and I got 5-6 hours of continuous sleep, and I feel – for the first time in five months – like a human being again.
So hang in there, I am feeling better everyday, and I will be back very soon. Until then, here’s something that’s helped me in my own healing:
“In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect whole, and complete, and yet life is ever changing. There is no beginning and no end, only a constant cycling and recycling of substance and experiences. Life is never stuck or static or stale for each moment is ever new and fresh. I am one with the very Power that created me, and this Power has given me the power to create my own circumstances. I rejoice in the knowledge that I have the power of my own mind to use in any way I choose. Every moment of life is a new beginning point as we move from the old. This moment is a new point of beginning for me right here and right now. All is well in my world.”
~ Louise Hay (You Can Heal Your Life)
Update:
Here’s the follow up article: How I Stopped Feeling Depressed
I feel so glad you are back, your words are so inspiring and sincere that I feel warm from your word.
P.S, I am from China and I often talk with my students about your post. Thank you!!
Hi Tina – I’m glad you’re on the road to recovery. Depression is horrid – especially when you have a new baby to look after. I know you will come through it and benefit from the learning process. Take Care and get well.
It is normal with little children, that your main interests get reduced to sleeping, eating and going to the toilet.
Probably that has to do much with teaching about happiness.
Welcome back Tina! Been sometime since a new blog entry appeared in my reader. May your healing and new beginning come … today. :)
Awaiting the next blog entry
– Daniel
Just found your blog today when I was looking for some ideas for sorting out email inbox clutter. You had one of the best posts I found and the one which seems most practical for me to actually use. I added a link to your post on my blog post. Noticed you are also with 9 Rules. Not very active there (not meaning yourself but the network overall). Anyway, hope things are going well and you are feeling better. A lot of people seemed to be feeling depressed these past few months, myself included.
Take it a day at a time lovely lady. You will get through it and come out stronger. The first few months are the toughest as you adjust to the major change in your life a baby can bring. I promise it gets easier as you not only settle into parenthood but as your baby learns to do more for themselves. My little man is 3.5yrs old and I didn’t realise how fast the time would go. Cherish every moment no matter how tough as you will get through it.
All the best,
Barbara
ps. Looking forward to your next post :o)
Dear Tina,
Long time reader here. You’ve been through a lot. Best wishes for healing.
This is why mothers are great.
Looking at our own babies is totally awesome, right Tina?
When my child was two years old, I catch myself staring at her and I always ask myself if this marvelous bundle of joy really came from me. At some point though, our happiness as new moms turn into depression when we do not have time anymore to spend for ourselves, to go to a spa, to have our hair done and to simply feel good about ourselves.
I hope you find time to take care of yourself so you can better care for your son.
Hi Tina … when I suffered with depression, my friend told me that I would come out on the other side. That still helps today. You will come out on the other side of this!
Hey Tina,
I miss reading your amazing articles :) I hope you can come back and share your thoughts again.
I have a friend who was in a state of depression for a week and then stopped everything he was doing and took a long nap. After that he wasn’t depressed anymore. Sometimes it’s just a lack of sleep!
I hope you soon feel like yourself again!
Jae
Welcome back to writing, Tina.
You can do it. I know you can. For some reason I think we know what to expect before becoming mothers. Then reality sets in that we have to handle situations that would otherwise be incomprehensible if you didn’t live through it.
Get rest.
Take care of yourself.
Know that soon, life will get back to ‘normal’. Even better.
Much love.
Julie
Wow, I appreciate your transparency and courage. BTW, my daughter did not sleep through the night for her first 8 months…I was exhausted and flat out spent. She’s home this summer from college, a beautiful, responsible, and very clever young woman. Life’s seasons are remarkable, with each bringing a lesson. I truly wish you well in this season.
I hope you feel better soon. I can relate to you. At the moment I have been going in and out of depression, not for the same reason but never the less it is a process and a painful one at that. Keep your head up and I look forward to your next post.
Yeah its really painful when hormones changes as our body grow.
I hope you will feel better now. It will take few weeks or even month to
get rid from such problem. You please keep on updating. Try to keep
your mind tension free.
Hi Tina, I knew something was going on and feared something like this. It is a new beginning. Sleep depravation and depression do happen to a lot of people (especially new mums) but you can and will recover. Great to see you back here again:)
Great to know all that. Ryan must be lucky to have you as his mom.