Sunday, January 16, 2011

Finding Common Ground

The other day, me and my girlfriend took a trip to the mall just to get out for a few minutes. This particular friend is someone I have a lot of respect for; they work hard, challenge their own intellect, and avoid mingling in immature conversations that tend to bash others. Over the several months we had known one another, I had been, to say the least, clinically depressed. Nothing was seeming to make sense, and although there were small glimpses of light among the darkness, I was stuck at a scary place in life.

Well, when we were returning home she told me that she had been clinically depressed at a point in her life, and no one ever knew it (aside from close family I am sure.) Now, this is the kind of girl who manages to immerse herself in such a colorful and creative world, that picturing her depressed is impossible. But yes, she admitted she had been and in some ways I felt like she was sharing it to let me know it was going to be okay.

She mentioned during this time, although she was in school in participating in activities that brought her joy, something was still missing. Whomever she was speaking to about the issue advised her this: "Do one thing everyday that makes you happy." Ironically, I feel like most healthy people do this subconsciously and it keeps those who practice this in better spirits, but sometimes we fall out of routine and it is hard to get back in it. When I danced once a day, it seemed like work and/or class was always enjoyable, as I was always in high spirits.

Thankfully, there are people we come across in life who let us know that regardless of the situation, everything will be okay. This friend lead by example; she makes music, small films, and surrounds herself with all of the things in life which she enjoys. Considering I may have lost this joy at some point in adolescence, when insecurity overshadowed happiness, knowing such a beautiful person (inside and out) could be happy living a simple life filled with close friends, patience, and art, I can do the same. Next time you are speaking with someone close, listen deeply; they may share some common ground with you and keep you leveled in life.

"In a barren valley, beauty still exists"
-Alysha Webb

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