What makes you happy?
So, I struggle with depression and 2 forms of anxiety. It's hard for anyone who knows what it's like and I'm sorry you have to go through that.
I get asked a lot "Keri, how do you remain so optimistic and happy when depression used to get you so down?" And I always give them the same answer: I make myself happy.
Yes, I admit that I know it isn't that simple. Nothing worth it is ever easy. But just think about it. You know who has your back when everyone else leaves? You.
I realized I was too busy focusing on WHY I was so sad all the time and not focusing on what to do about it. Of course, depression is incurable, but it's not intolerable, it only is when you make it that way.
So I started small, every day I would get up and do one thing that I needed and one thing that I wanted. So I got up, I needed to take a shower, so I did, and I wanted to bake something, so I did. I did this every day, slowly working the numbers up until I became semi-productive. Of course, I gave myself breaks always. Start small. Do something you love when you're sad. Do it when you're happy. Pour your emotions into your work or anything you do. When you do something you love, put all your feeling into it. You will understand what I mean when you know what your passion is.
Now, I know I'm not the perfect example of a walking kindness filled bundle of joy or anything, but doing what makes you happy is a good place to start.
im Keri and writing that made me happy.
Well done for sharing that <3 personally my dogs and music make me happy
Thank you for sharing this. 😊
This was something I very much needed. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety a little over a year ago. I've been going through a rough, rough patch ever since I started my freshman year at college this year. I've been struggling with finding people I click with and have felt so lonely, but this post has reassured me that sometimes, it is vital to gain happiness not from others, but from yourself. I LOVE the quote "Sometimes, you just have to create your own sunshine". I've been on medication for a few weeks now and have found some kind of "sunshine" in each and everyday, no matter the circumstances.
Baking is something that makes me happy as well! I made cookies for my roommate just the other day! My parents and sister also make me so very happy! They are always uplifting. 
Nature⛅ Fall 🎃🍂🍁 My boyfriend 💑 Make me happy. 😊
@eternalDreamer63
I love fall too! I am so glad you have found things that make you feel good.
Thank you so much for posting this!
Making other people happy truly makes me happy!
It's one of the reasons why I became a listener, and I've already been feeling so much more positive lately :)
Wow. I needed to see what you wrote this morning. Thank you for sharing.
This makes me happy. Wonderful advice. Small steps toward getting out of a funk! ♡
that little speech was so helpful and inspiring! im in the same boat so im gonna have to try that! anyways, hearing new music makes me happy. and watching movies with my friends makes me happy
@attainablehappiness this post is so inspiring, Keri. And it is a great example of someone who chooses happiness despite their circumstances. It can be done, everyone. You just have to work hard at it and believe you can attain the happiness (no pun intended).
As for me, the idea and sentiment of yin-yang signs, cold weather, family, close friends, dance, performing, the sense of touch, food, coffee, dogs, helping others, and being true to myself all make me so happy.
Thank you for sharing with us keri