I am amazed at the power that physical surroundings can have on me. How powerfully they affect me. Let me explain what I am talking about. Some of the darkest, worst, most intense moments in my continual struggle and battle with depression have taken place in my room, in my trailer-house, in Pullman, Washington. I was away from this place during the summer. I was in a new, fresh place with lots of daylight, wonderful friends, and a job I enjoyed. As I have moved back into the same state, same town, same trailer-house, and same room, I am amazed at the power that these same physical surroundings have on me. How easy it would be for me to slip back into those awful times and dark ways of thinking. But I don’t have to. I am in control of myself and my life.
9 Responses to “Power of Surroundings.”
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“That indeed the time that we seem to experience as a continuous flow is actually not a flow at all. Each moment just exists eternally if you will. It’s not that the moment comes to life at one moment in time that we call the present and then somehow drifts away into the past. Every moment is and is forever.” That doesn’t mean that we don’t have the choice to live in a new moment… to let old moments move away into parallel universes. We can let the old things simply cease to exist now that there is a new moment… or continue on in a parallel universe… you can choose – chocolate or vanilla ice cream and create a whole new paradigm with each choice. Everything found in a new perspective becomes your new universe and your new moment… it never ceases to be. I’m just saying… effectively we’re still here in this place of lots of sunlight and the salt to fresh water interchange…
Is part of the being in control…CHOOSING to live in a different place? So the battle won’t be so hard….Just a thought.
Sounds like time for a move?
I completely relate to this. I am very affected emotionally by my surroundings. I have this huge fear of January and February because they are some of the hardest months for me being that they are so cold and everything outside is dead.
I’ve found that I need trees in my life. I put more plants in my house to remind me of life growing and progressing all around me. I also made a huge collage for my wall that is made up of beautiful magazine photos of flowers, farms, fresh fruits and vegetables, trees, little kids playing, lakes, beaches, sunsets etc. All the things that bring me joy in my life. I started making it last fall so I could have it in the winter to remind me of what is out there.
I’m thinking that it sounds like you should just move to Alaska. In fact, I’m thinking that would be the best thing for you. I’m sure there is a really great girl there that couple help you out. I imagine her being gorgeous, hilarious, and unusually understanding and laid back. Hmmm….what a great idea! Why didn’t you come up with it sooner
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I’ve found that when I’m blue, if I make little goals for myself it helps me get through most things (school, winter, long distance, etc). The best part is that when you reach these mile markers, then you reward yourself! I think it also helps keep me in the moment, which is where I want to be. Looking for the unique, surprises everyday also helps me. Plus finding time to be outside, regardless of the weather is a comfort. Just take it one day at a time, your not alone.
Change is good…change is needed in every aspect of your life. Sometimes you leave for a summer for change and sometimes you find a new place of residence. Learning how to adapt to new situations for some reason can help give purpose and a sense of control. Feeling like you are in control brings confidence and confidence brings happiness. I know everyone does it differently but I just wanted to share how it sometimes works for me:) ….
Maybe it is just Pullman? Ha ha, no I really did like it there!
I hear sun lamps (or is it UV lamps, but that sounds dangerous) do a world of wonder.