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12 Reasons It’s OK to Stay Friends With An Ex

May 27, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Are you toying with the idea of staying friends with your ex?

Isn’t it ironic how quickly a long-term relationship can move into the past tense? Then, you both are branded with the dreaded ex- prefix. Even though you’ve parted ways as a couple, staying friends with your former mate can be mutually beneficial.

Twelve Reasons to Stay Friends When You Breakup

They say that breaking up is hard to do, but not every couple parts on bad terms. Sometimes, things don’t work out. Other times, you both realize you’re better as friends than lovers. Here are several reasons why it’s essential to maintain a friendship even after the relationship is over.

1. You Both Share Memories

One of the most challenging things about a breakup is that you’ve so much time and love invested in each other. The longer you’ve been with your ex, the more notable moments you’ll remember. Even in a tumultuous relationship, a few heartfelt memories might resurface.

Staying friends with your ex means that you can reminisce together without the guilt. You should realize that there was a time when you were in love, and it made you better people. After an amicable split, neither of you will spend time destroying pictures or other mementos of your past life as a couple.

2. When Children are Involved

When parents in a committed relationship break up or divorce, it can be especially devastating for the children. A study published by the Linacre Quarterly states that parental divorce can be detrimental to their kids’ physical and mental health. They will develop a feeling of profound loss, especially when away from the non-custodial parent.

However, you, your mate, and your children will all suffer if you try to stay together “for the kids’ sake.” Children are more intuitive than most adults think, and they instinctively feel the barrier between their parents. If the pretend relationship continues, it will eventually implode, and everyone could be hurt even more.

If it’s time to call it quits, that’s the best decision for everyone involved. Breakups and divorce are still painful losses, but doing them civilly can ease some of the hurt. If remaining friends with your ex is asking too much, be the adults and try to remain civil for the children.

3. You Know the Skeletons in Each Other’s Closet

Using an ex’s dirt for blackmail is the classic plot of most exes. If you had an amicable parting of ways with your mate, you would hope that they would be above such treachery. You are a better person than to stoop so low, too.

However, it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep the past buried. Of course, this doesn’t include any criminal act or abuse. It’s just staying confidential about embarrassing moments or information that neither of you would want to be publicized.

You’ve seen each other at your best and worst, so staying friends may be a good idea. It doesn’t mean you are going to be besties. You will be respectful of each other and only speak positive things or nothing at all.

4. You Have a Long History of Friendship

Did you fall in love with your high school sweetheart or someone from a beloved family? Perhaps you were besties long before you ever noticed a romantic spark. Must you discard years of friendship and memories because you weren’t meant to be a couple?

Unless the relationship was toxic and abusive, there’s nothing wrong with staying friends. For some couples who break up or divorce, the word “friends” makes them feel uncomfortable. However, it’s acceptable and even encouraged for those who still feel a positive connection from the past.

What about your mutual friends? The worse thing either of you could do is to force these friends to pick a side. Not only does it put them in an awkward position, but everyone loses in the end. By keeping on friendly terms, your mutual pals will continue to be comfortable in social situations.

5. You Have Each Other’s Backs

Just because you can’t be a couple anymore doesn’t mean you hate each other. Many people have a more profound and positive relationship when it’s platonic. Staying friends means that although you’re not lovers, you still have their best interests at heart.

In an emergency or times of despair, you would “be there” for each other. You both look out for the other and don’t talk bad behind their back. Even when you are dating different people, you both can count on each other.

6. You Still Understand Each Other

Other than physical attraction, one thing that drew you together in the first place was mutual understanding. After those countless conversations on dates and the whispered pillow talks long into the night, you “get” each other. They are just as patient and forgiving of your quirks as you are of theirs.

Who else would understand how much you hate tomatoes but can’t eat fries without ranch dressing? Maybe you still sleep with a fan because they could do without one. You both know what makes each other tick, and remaining friends won’t change that.

7. You’re Both Free of Resentment

Some couples break up because the relationship isn’t working for them anymore. However, mistakes and other hurtful situations can tear people apart. Neither of you benefits by holding grudges.

If you lose yourself in bitterness from a past relationship, you’re the one who pays the most. An article published by the Mayo Clinic says that holding a grudge can undermine you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You may feel justified as you forge each link of bitterness, but they eventually become shackles that bind you from future happiness.

Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. It neither excuses nor erases past hurts. But when you forgive each other and go on, you’ll be free of the burden of resentment. Staying friends may not be an option, but you can still be on civil terms.

8. No More Hiding in Public

After you’ve experienced a breakup or divorce, your anxiety levels may peak when you start seeing other people again. Not only do you feel uneasy about your ex seeing you, but you may see them with another person. These are normal feelings, but you can’t let them impede your healing and future relationships.

Your first step to moving on is the realization that you’re both free to see other people. Of course, it will be a bit confusing and hurtful at first. Neither of you will feel the urge to hide by remaining friends if you see each other with another lover.

9. It May Help Future Relationships

Have you ever had an exit interview? When you resign and take another job, many companies request these interviews to understand your views. It sheds light on what may have gone wrong and how they can be a better employer to their employees.

Perhaps you and your ex had extensive conversations about what didn’t work in your relationship. Instead of playing the blame game, you may have mutually decided to go separate ways. However, these conversations helped you see your shortcomings and things you need to change for future relationships.

10. You Both Feel Like Your Time Wasn’t Wasted

If your broken relationship was abusive and toxic, you could still be proud that you are a strong survivor. When your breakup or divorce was amicable, neither of you will feel like your love was useless. Also, you will feel that you gained valuable insight and emotional maturity.

Plus, you both put your hearts on the line for love. In the immortal advice of Alfred Lord Tennyson, it’s better to have loved and lost instead of never loving. It’s his way of saying that love is worth it, and you won’t live with the “what ifs” of love undone.

11. Some Bridges Aren’t Meant to Be Burned

Staying friends with your ex doesn’t mean that you are texting and seeing each other every day as in the past. You probably won’t have your pictures together hanging on the wall or your social media pages. However, you can keep in contact occasionally when needed.

During your relationship, you probably created close relationships with each other’s family and friends. You may have broken up or divorced your ex, but you still have these people you love. Who knows when your paths may cross in the future, and you don’t want to stand helplessly at a burned bridge.

12. There’s Nothing to Argue About Now

Many people make better friends than mates, which may be the case with you and your ex. When you were together, perhaps you bickered constantly about finances and other relationship issues. Now that you’re apart with separate lives and resources, these sore subjects may be moot points.

In a relationship, you may have been at each other’s throats constantly. As ex-partners who are staying friends, you might laugh and enjoy each other’s company again. Your past relationship may also help you not to make the same mistakes again with future lovers.

Final Thoughts on Life Lessons from Remaining Friends With Your Ex

After a breakup or divorce, staying friends doesn’t mean everything is swept under the carpet and you’re lovers again. As mature adults, you both try to maintain civility and mutual respect. When you can do that, you both walk away as better people.

20 Soothing Phrases to Help Reassure a Frightened Child

May 26, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

When a child is frightened, finding soothing phrases to use will help calm the intense emotion.

While you would like to prevent children from ever experiencing fear, it isn’t a realistic option. Instead, you must find ways to soothe the child and help them through those moments. Soothing phrases are helpful because it allows the child to open up, and it also helps them gain perspective.

Sometimes, it is hard to find the right words to use. These soothing phrases will help you say the right thing every time, allowing you to help the child effectively.

Twenty Soothing Phrases to Help Reassure a Frightened Child

Try these to calm your little one’s frazzled nerves.

1. Can I hug you or cuddle with you?

When a child is frightened, physical contact can make all the difference. Always ask first because you don’t want to upset them any more than they already are. If the child agrees, go ahead and hug them or let them sit on your lap.

With a frightened child, they should be comfortable. Let them choose their position, and you adapt to them. The physical contact paired with the soothing gesture gives them a chance to feel safe and relaxed.

2. I am not going anywhere until you feel better. I am here to help.

Stay with the child until the feeling passes, and make sure they know you aren’t going anywhere. When they understand that they won’t be alone, it will help empower them to get through the situation. Ask the child what they need from you, and let them guide the experience in this way.

Not only will your presence reassure them, but asking them what they need gives them a way to control the situation. Once they feel like they are in control, they can cope with their emotions a little better.

3. Let’s make a list together of all the ways you could try to calm down.

When you help the child make a list of coping strategies, it works in a few ways. The child switches to logical thinking, which will help them see past the fear. It gives them ideas that they can use to overcome the overwhelming emotion they are experiencing.

Plus, it works as a way of making the child feel like they are regaining control. Once the list is complete, you can ask them which coping strategy they want to use. When they decide, it gives them a confidence boost and helps decrease the fear they are feeling.

4. Maybe you could draw what you are feeling.

Sometimes kids struggle to explain their feelings. Encourage the child to draw what they are feeling, and it will serve as an outlet and a method of communication. If they don’t know what to draw, suggest that they draw a monster that characterizes their feelings.

5. Sometimes, I feel scared, too, and I know that it is hard.

When a child knows that adults feel frightened sometimes, too, it’ll be easier for them to manage. Relating to the child can give them a chance to talk about their feelings. Plus, by validating their emotion, you will show that you respect them and that their feelings are okay.

6. I am proud of you no matter what happens, and I believe in you.

Children can be afraid of not making someone proud if they don’t do well. If this is the case, telling the child that you are proud of them regardless of what happens will help them feel better. Plus, adding in the note about believing in them will help get them courage, too.

7. Can you tell me how big your worry is?

This might seem like a crazy question to ask, but it helps the child verbalize their emotion. It gives you an idea of how scared they are, too. With this information, the two of you can work on a solution to figure out the rest of the details.

8. Close your eyes and imagine what I say.

Using visualization is a powerful way to reassure a frightened child. It eases anxiety and helps them imagine a safe, happy, and comfortable place. The more detailed you are in your description, the better their fear slips away.

9. Let’s listen to your favorite songs and have a dance party. We can worry later.

Give the child a way to find joy. Music helps because it helps release tension and worry. Dancing to the music will help them physically let the fear go as it releases anxiety and boosts their mood.

10. I love you, and you are safe with me.

When a child knows that they are loved, anything is easier to handle. Knowing that they are safe is just as powerful. Repeat this phrase to the child until they have calmed down, and then reassure them of it.

When a child is afraid, things seem worse than they are for them. They need comfort, safety, and love to regain control of their emotions.

11. Ask me any questions you have, and if I don’t know the answer, we will find it out.

Sometimes a child is fearful because they don’t understand something or are confused about it. Telling the child that you are open to any question will give them the courage to seek answers. As they gain knowledge, their fears will ease, and they will feel much better.

Teach them that learning can help and that there is nothing wrong with asking questions. Plus, looking up the answers you don’t know will help solidify the information they have just learned.

When you admit you don’t know, either, they will feel more confident in themselves and trust you more. The child will see that you don’t always have all the answers, just like them. They will trust your information and trust you to give them the correct answers, too.

12. I always remember the time you…

Telling stories of the past will distract your child from their fear. Even better, telling stories about a time they overcame something will give them confidence. Before you know it, they will feel better and move past the fear.

13. Why do you think you are feeling this way?

When a child thinks about why they feel afraid, it can help them understand it better. Oftentimes, children don’t think of the reason for something, which is part of why the fear can be so overwhelming.

14. I want to hear how high you can count!

This phrase will distract a child from their worries and fears immediately. Another tactic of counting is to count items.

You can ask them to count the stuffed animals on their bed or the number of people wearing a hat. Look around you and find something that will take a little bit of time.

15. What is one step we can take to make the situation better?

This phrase changes the child’s mindset. Instead of being afraid and doing nothing about it, they learn to look at what they can do to make it better. Assure them that they don’t have to fix the entire situation at once, but working on the first step helps.

16. Let’s focus on breathing together.

Breathing techniques can help anyone calm down and release negative emotions. This is a strategy that adults often use, but it is just as effective for kids.

If they don’t want to do it at first, that is okay, too. You can say that you will do it anyway, but that the child doesn’t have to. Explain that you are going to take a deep breath, and they can join if they want.

By giving them a choice, you are letting them feel like they are in control of themselves. As the child watches you or even listens to you breathe, it will still have a soothing effect. You can also explain how the breathing made you feel.

17. Look at the clock and tell me when two minutes have passed.

When the child watched the clock, they will be slightly distracted from their worries. The distraction will allow them to calm their concerns for a moment. Then you can explain that just like the time on the clock passed, their bad feelings will pass, too.

18. Will you tell me all of the people that you love?

This phrase is beneficial in two ways. First, it will distract the child from their worries and help them focus on positivity. Plus, it will fill their mind with all of the people that make them feel good.

19. Tell me what you are worried will happen.

Letting the child talk through their fears can help them get it out, and it gives you an understanding. Once you know what the worry is, you can discuss the changes of that situation happening. Then, discuss the most likely outcome and the other things that could happen.

When the child begins to see all the different possibilities, they will learn that they can’t predict the future. This knowledge will ease their fear because they won’t worry so much about the worst possible outcome.

This phrase will get the child talking, and then the follow-up will help them think logically. Don’t interrupt when the child is talking because letting them get it all out can help them process it.

20. I think we should go for a walk together.

Since exercise relieves anxiety, it is a beneficial way to diminish their fears. Plus, walking together offers time to talk, too. Your child will open up more as they let their worries out.

Final Thoughts on Soothing Phrases to Help Reassure a Frightened Child

When a child is frightened, soothing them can be difficult. With these phrases, though, you will have an easier time calming the child down.

Once the child is calm, these soothing phrases will help you address the problem with the child. Helping them think the situation through helps them learn to cope. Plus, taking the time to be there for the child will benefit both of you.

25 Gaslighting Phrases Abusive People Use to Control Others

May 25, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Abusive people are good at using phrases that you might not realize are abuse. They say things that will cause you to question your memory and your mind. The abuser will use the gaslighting phrases repeatedly to continue bringing their victim down.

As psychologists explain, the abuser works to attack others. They do so gradually with rude comments or criticism. Then, they will play it off like a joke, or they will outright lie about having said it.

25 Gaslighting Phrases Abusive People Use to Control Others

Gaslighting is incredibly damaging to the victim and can cause them to become trapped in a cycle of abuse. If you know anyone that uses these gaslighting phrases, you can likely identify them as an abusive person.

1. “Since you can’t remember anything, I’ll tell you once again.”

A person that gaslights will always try to make you feel like you are having memory issues. They do this to convince you to remember a situation differently. When it happens often enough, it can cause you to question your sanity.

An abuser uses this method to warp reality and convince you of things that never happened. Even when you know what you saw and felt, you will still end up questioning your reality.

2. “Why are you lying? I never did that.”

This is another phrase abusive people use to control others. It is another tactic of making you question your memory. They convince you to replace the real experiences with what they want you to believe.

This gaslighting phrase will make you feel like you’re in the wrong. Even when you saw the abuser do something or hear what they said, they will try this type of phrase.

3. “You’re just stressed out.”

When someone tells you that you only feel or think something because you are stressed out, it is a sign of gaslighting. The abuser tries to make you feel like you are mentally weak and not thinking clearly. As they use this phrase, they will likely say other things that make it sound like you’re making no sense.

4. “I can see what that says about you.”

They might follow this statement up by telling you that you’re the only person with your views. An abusive person likes to make their victims feel unstable and like they are an outcast. This phrase isolates you and makes you question who you are and what you believe in.

5. “Don’t you remember talking about this?”

When you aren’t comfortable with something or don’t want to do it, they will make you feel like you already agreed to it. The abuser attempts to alter your beliefs to get you to do something you wouldn’t otherwise agree to. Abusive people are so convincing that victims often believe their abuser when they use this tactic.

6. “Your friends are not good people.”

Anytime someone tries convincing you that the people you love and enjoy spending time with are bad, they are abusive. Someone that gaslights others wants to isolate their victims, and their friend group is usually the first place it starts. They will quickly want to be the only relationship you have in life.

Abusive people will try to convince you to cut the people in your life off to gain control. The more people they can remove, the more you will depend on them. Plus, they don’t want anyone to point out how cruel their behavior is, and your loved ones would do that.

7. “You are crazy. Everyone can see that.”

An abusive person will say things like this, and they might also call you obsessive. They do this to make you feel like you are acting and thinking inappropriately. Their goal is to make you doubt yourself so that they can gain control over you.

8. “You have no reason to be upset.”

They will argue that they didn’t do anything wrong or that they didn’t know you would be mad. Even when the abuser knows that they were wrong, they will try to convince you that you are wrong instead. They will shift the blame or minimize their actions, causing you to doubt your thoughts and feelings.

A person like this will fail to see the issue, even if you explain it well. They might also blame their actions on their beliefs and then continue the behavior. When they use their beliefs or values as an excuse, they will feel validated.

9. “I’m not even mad or upset.”

Abusive people that gaslight others will behave like they are upset or angry but won’t talk about it. If you ask them why they are mad, they will tell you that they aren’t. This behavior leaves the victim wondering if they imagine things, although it is obvious the abuser is upset.

They may even use this situation as an opportunity to turn the problem on you. Once they state that they aren’t upset, they will accuse you of being angry instead.

10. “It isn’t my fault you can’t communicate better.”

When you are upset or hurt by something an abusive person said, they will accuse you of misinterpreting them. Even when there is no other way to interpret what they said, they will tell you that you should communicate better.

Not only does this make you question your memory, but it also makes you question your ability to communicate. Every time an abuser does this, they are making their victim believe them more. They cause you to question your reality and assume that you are the one with the issues.

11. “You know I was joking.”

When someone says hurtful things to you or does something mean, they will tell you it was a joke. An abuser will accuse you of not being able to take a joke. The reason they do this is that they are unable to apologize or admit wrongdoing.

12. “Why are you so paranoid?”

Even with evidence of wrongdoing, a gaslighter will use this phrase. An abusive person using this tactic to make you feel small and like your thoughts aren’t valid. Not only that, but it can cause you to question your beliefs and opinions entirely.

13. “You are over-reacting.”

Calling you dramatic or saying that you are over-reacting is a common indication of gaslighting. By saying this, the abuser is telling you that your feelings are invalid.

14. “I only say mean things because…”

An abuser will twist and reframe the words they use if they realize you are upset about them. They will claim that what they said was a way to help you rather than hurt you.

15. “If you don’t do it, then you don’t love me.”

Abusers will try to make you do things you aren’t comfortable with. They claim that if you don’t do what they want, it shows them that you don’t love them. This phrase might come up if you don’t forgive them for something hurtful that they did to you.

16. “You are the only person that I have problems with.”

When you speak up, an abuser will use a phrase similar to this. They can convince you that you are the only one that has a problem with their behavior, which validates them.

17. “I don’t care what you said because I know what you’re thinking.”

It doesn’t matter what you say because a gaslighter won’t listen. The abuser will assume that they know what you are thinking despite anything you speak aloud. This is a mechanism they use to assert their domination.

18. “Why do you take everything so seriously?”

When you are upset about something, this is a common phrase that abusers will use. They will make you feel like nothing you think matters, and they will work at making you feel numb.

19. “You’re too sensitive.”

If you cry or get upset, an abuser will likely say this to you. This situation is especially true if you are crying because of them. It is their way of deflecting attention away from them by making you feel like you are the one in the wrong instead.

20. “You always read too much into things.”

An abuser will say something like this to get you to stop looking into things that are bothering you. As the abuser tells you that you are overthinking, it might cause you to back off and let it go.

21. “Listen to yourself.”

This phrase makes you feel like you’re acting irrationally. It knocks your self-esteem and can make it hard for you to speak up.

22. “I’m the only one that will love you.”

An abuser convinces their victim that no one else loves them. They want to make their victim feel like they are unlovable so that the victim will stick around. One way they do this is by saying that people are talking badly about you.

23. “It’s your fault.”

No matter what they have done or said, abusive people will turn it around and blame you. If they can make you think it’s all your fault, they won’t have to change their bad behavior.

Abusive people will even blame others for their emotions. If they are unhappy, it is always someone else’s fault, and that person is usually their biggest victim.

24. “You should have known…”

Anytime someone says that you should have known something they never said, it is a gaslighting tactic. No one is a mind reader, and there is no way for you to know something they never told you.

25. “You’re blowing things out of proportion.”

In most cases, when someone uses this phrase, they are attempting to hide something. It is a tactic to draw attention away from what they are doing wrong. Then, they turn it on you to make you question yourself instead.

25 Gaslighting Phrases Abusive People Use to Control Others

If you know someone that uses these damaging gaslighting phrases, protect yourself from them. Don’t let their words work on you and remove yourself from the situation right away.

While gaslighting phrases are only words, they are incredibly damaging mentally. Knowing the tactics an abusive person uses can help you avoid becoming their next victim.

Talented Artist Creates Realistic Pet Portraits

May 24, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Pet portraits are a wonderful way to commemorate your love for the fur baby in your life. They’re a timeless gift that you can cherish throughout your life, even if your pet is no longer with you. Plus, looking at a portrait of your beloved pet can boost your spirits on the hard days.

Some art looks so real that it seems to jump right off the canvas. This perfectly describes Lucy Colegate’s pet portraits, as the details and shading in her work brings the art to life. She takes great pride in the masterpieces she creates, and loves sharing her art with others.

“Knowing what an animal can mean to you, and being able to provide somebody with a portrait that they can treasure forever, that reminds them of the happy times, is amazing.”

Meet the talented pet portrait artist

Lucy, a pencil portrait artist and tutor living in the UK, creates realistic drawings for proud pet owners. She first began drawing at age 12 when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. The illness completely drained her of energy, and it even affected her relationships and education. The once sporty 12-year-old went from racing bikes to being bed-bound.

“I had to adjust to that so quickly and I needed something to do. So I thought, ‘Right, well, you like pencils, you like to sketch now and then, so let’s give this a go.’ So, I taught myself from YouTube.”

She watched countless hours of YouTube tutorials and studied the styles of various artists. She also learned what materials she would need from watching the videos. After gathering the necessary supplies, she got to work sketching pet portraits. Since then, she’s perfected her craft and become even more passionate about drawing animals for people.

Lucy turned her passion for creating pet portraits into a thriving career

“In a time where everything was so uncertain for me, everything seemed to be going downhill, and drawing was the one thing that I noticed a rapid improvement in,” Lucy said. “I was getting asked from family and friends if I would draw their dogs and their pets, so I started selling commissioned work when I was 13.”

After posting her work online, people from all over the world contacted her for portraits. She drew horses, cats, dogs, rabbits, and many other animals for them. Since then, she’s created thousands of pet portraits for customers worldwide.

“That’s how I really fell into drawing animals, and as time has gone on, I can’t imagine drawing anything else. I think my absolute favorite part of the drawing process is probably midway. I’ll completely zone out and I will just be looking at exactly what I see, all of the different shapes, colors, the reference image, and just focus on recreating that on paper.”

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A post shared by Lucy Colegate (@drawingsbylucy)

Lucy’s eye for details helps her recreate a near-perfect drawing of the animals. On her website, she’s even turned some of her pieces into greeting cards and prints. She also runs a tutoring business to teach others how to create their own masterpieces.

Why Lucy loves creating this artwork

She says on her site: “There’s nothing I love more than passing my skills down to other aspiring artists, and still being able to produce my own commissioned work.”

Lucy’s helped children as young as five dramatically improve their drawing skills. She teaches them shading, blending, and coloring, planning lessons around their individual interests. While she loves bringing out the artist in others, she still enjoys creating her own art the most. She loves seeing the delight on her customers’ faces when they receive their completed pet portraits.

“So, another part of the creative process that excites me the most has to be handing over the portrait, or sending it over once it’s finished. When I can sit back and enjoy the piece for what it is, that is one of my favorite parts. It is the most rewarding.”

Turning a photo into a piece of art

Lucy has a certain process for transforming a photograph into a pet portrait. She first asks customers to send a high-resolution photograph of their pet in natural lighting, close up and in focus. Once the customer chooses what size portrait they’d like, Lucy gets to work. She draws everything in a traditional style on a white background, but will customize the portrait on request.

She creates all her portraits using Prismacolor Premiere, Faber Castell Polychromos & Caran D`ache Luminance colored pencils. These allow her to draw in very fine details and create a truly authentic image of each pet. Customers can choose either black & white or colored drawings. Throughout the process, she sends updates to her customers so they can monitor progress or request changes.

Being able to turn her passion and hobby into a viable career is a dream come true for Lucy. We can’t wait to see where life will take her next!

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A post shared by Lucy Colegate (@drawingsbylucy)

Final Thoughts: Artist’s pet portraits are shockingly realistic

Lucy Colegate, a pet portrait artist and drawing tutor from the UK, creates finely detailed masterpieces of animals. She’s drawn birds, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. She also draws houses that look just as real as her animal portraits. Her talent has taken her far, with people all over the world asking for a drawing.

She’s thrilled to have built a career for herself from something she loves. Lucy’s fine-tuned her skills over the years and continues to set the bar higher.

“Art, especially drawing, has always been a massive passion of mine. Since 2012, I have practiced drawing almost everyday. Watching my skills improve was my biggest motivator – proving to myself what can be achieved with hard work,” Lucy says on her site.

“When I was 12 years old, I dreamt that this could become a job for me. I dreamt that perhaps I could draw all the time, and the fact that has now become my reality 8 years later is just mind-blowing to me.”

Adorable Golden Retriever Loves Going to the Beach

May 23, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Nothing can brighten up your day quite like a golden retriever. Just looking at them reminds you of sunshine because of their glossy, tan coat and happy nature. Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and it’s easy to see why! They’re lovable, friendly, loyal, easy to train, and make wonderful family pets.

They do have a lot of hair and shed almost constantly, but that’s a small price to pay for their companionship. Plus, their thick, flowing coats can keep you warm when you cuddle them on those cold winter nights. Goldens may have a ton of fur, but it makes them even more adorable. Not to mention, you can teach golden retrievers to fetch your newspaper or even groceries delivered to your door!

Golden retrievers are insanely intelligent, able to learn almost any trick in the book. An added bonus is that they love to go on adventures. Nova, a two-year-old golden retriever living in Los Angeles, enjoys spending her free time at the beach. She’s pretty cute and fluffy, so we think you’ll love learning more about her and how she’s impacted her owner’s life.

This Adorable Golden Retriever Loves Going to the Beach

Dogs have an uncanny ability to heal people, and provide them comfort and support. After you’ve had a bad day, there’s nothing like coming home to a fluffy friend. They just have a way of cheering you up and making you forget all the stress in your life. Dogs also help ward off loneliness, because they will always be there for you.

“She came to me at a time when I was pretty down, and she helped me get out of bed in the morning for a bit of time. Her joy and her teaching me how to be in the present was such an amazing gift,” Kristina Ensslen, Nova’s owner, said.

Why Dogs Are the Best

Dogs have also been known to ease depression symptoms and calm your nervous system. It’s no wonder why dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world.

“I just feel like she’s taught me how to love in a totally different way, and it’s something I really needed at the time. It’s something I would’ve needed at any time, but especially at that time.”

Nova came from Connecticut originally, living out her first year of life in New York City. She’s now living in Los Angeles, California, and has fully embraced the beach lifestyle. While Kristina felt a little nervous about raising a dog on her own, she knew she couldn’t live without Nova. Who could, after seeing her sweet face looking up at you?

“The first moment I saw her, I almost cried because this little, helpless animal was coming home with me. I had golden retrievers in the past but they were family dogs, so this is my first golden that I was raising. She was just the best from day one.”

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A post shared by Nova (@novathegoldengal)

Dogs offer companionship, and also make amazing adventure buddies! Wherever you go, a dog will make the journey ten times better.

Dog and Mom Both Love the Beach

Nova loves the beach just as much as her mom

“Her favorite activity would have to be swimming. She loves to hike as well, and she just loves to play fetch and spend time with me, honestly. I think the best memory involving Nova was the first time she went on the beach. The first time she went on the beach, she was only 5 months old.”

Her face lit up when she got to visit the beach for the first time. Nova ran around doing “puppy hops,” playing and digging in the sand, and jumping in and out of the water. She absolutely loved it!

“She felt at home there and it was amazing for me to see that because honestly, that’s what my home is. That’s where I feel most at home. The beach is my happy place, so the fact that it was hers too really was a touching moment for me,” Kristina says.

Golden retrievers are known for their love of the water. Since golden retrievers were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl for hunters, they’ve retained their natural instincts. It also explains why they love fetching things for their owners. Goldens make an all-around wonderful pet to have by your side; plus, they’re just too cute to handle!

You’ll never get tired of a golden’s friendship, because they will never hesitate to lift you up when you’re down. Plus, taking care of an animal can add purpose to your life, and improve your mental health.

“Having your first dog is really scary, and she made that easy. I would say if you’re thinking about adopting a beautiful angel or if you’re simply going to get a pet, I would say do it. You’ll be so happy that you did. Sure, it is more work but they give your life so much more meaning. I just feel so much more fulfilled, and wholesome, and happy with her and she’s just the best.”

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A post shared by Nova (@novathegoldengal)

Final Thoughts: Nova the Golden Retriever Loves Beach Days with Mom

Nova and Kristina both love the beach, making them the perfect pair. Kristina says that Nova has added so much positivity to her life, and she’s her absolute best friend. Whether they’re spending time cuddling or playing at the beach, there’s never a dull moment. They’ve brought so much love into each other’s lives, and you can easily see that unbreakable bond in their pictures.

We’ll leave you with this loving quote from Kristina about Nova: “Your unconditional love for me has taught me a new kind of love and has expanded my heart in ways I never thought possible. Thank you for being there for me every day and for being the best adventure buddy out there. From coast to coast, season to season, you’re my best girl forever!”

If you have a golden retriever or any other dog, we’d love to hear how they’ve changed your life, too!

15 Daily Affirmations to Help Restore Tranquility in Life

May 23, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Tranquility is a mindset that might get disrupted by daily life occurrences. It doesn’t have to be disrupted, though, and you can work to restore it if you feel you have lost peace in your life. You already have everything you need to live a tranquil life, and you have to know how to take on the right mindset.

If you eliminate stress, a need for control, and negativity from your life, you will find that peace is what is left. Stop letting outside factors impact your mindset so that you can feel peaceful all of the time. With the right thought process, anything is possible, and daily affirmations can help you achieve it.

Peace is available for you at any time, and it is up to you to decide when that time is. While it might be hard to switch your thought process, these affirmations will help you restore tranquility in your life. As you repeat them each morning, you will start your day off on the right path.

Fifteen Affirmations to Help Restore Tranquility

Repeating these daily affirmations each morning will help make it a habit. Then, you will find that you don’t even have to think about it anymore as you focus your thoughts on tranquility. With a more peaceful life, you will feel happier and more energetic as you work toward your goals.

1. I let go of things I can’t control, and I find peace in the way things turn out.

You can’t control everything, and reminding yourself will help bring tranquility. When you accept that things won’t always go the way you want them to, you will find peace in life. This affirmation can help you release those things and move forward without rumination taking over.

2. I am slowing down and enjoying life.

When you slow down and focus on enjoying the little things in life, you will feel more peace. Constantly moving through life as if you don’t have enough time will leave you feeling stressed or anxious. Use this affirmation to remind yourself to slow down and enjoy your life as it is right now.

3. I deserve time to relax and unwind.

You might feel like you can’t relax because you always have something to do. Between work, household chores, a social life, errands, and anything else you must do, finding that time might be difficult. Not only is finding the time hard, but you might struggle to convince yourself that it is okay.

Sometimes, you might feel like you don’t deserve to take time to relax. Your to-do list is never-ending, but you still need to take a break once in a while. You work hard, and you must take time to unwind and recuperate.

4. I remain calm even when the world around me seems chaotic.

When the world seems like it is out of control, this affirmation can help you stay focused. Repeat this affirmation each morning until you have convinced yourself of it. Then, other people and the events in the world won’t affect your mindset as much.

Staying calm will help you keep a level head as you go through life. You will make better decisions, and your ideas will flow more freely, too. While you can’t ignore the chaos of the world, you can stay focused and positive, dealing with the events as best as possible.

5. I am focusing on my breathing and restoring balance in my life.

When you focus on your breathing, it will be easier to restore balance and feel tranquil again. Breathing techniques can help, too, as they allow you to refocus your thoughts and calm your mind and body.

As you work on your breathing, you will feel yourself relaxing and finding tranquility. You can focus on your breathing no matter where you are, making it the perfect option when you are away from home. As you repeat this affirmation, you can practice mindful breathing in between repetitions to get you started on the right path each day.

6. I am full of positive energy, and nothing can change that.

With positivity, you can restore tranquility quickly. Use this statement to reaffirm that no one and nothing else can change your energy. You are the only person that can, so as long as you decide to be full of positivity, you will be.

7. I am responsible for my mindset, and I am choosing tranquility.

You can’t blame anyone else for the thoughts that run through your mind. If you allow negativity or anxiety to take over, you won’t experience a tranquil life. On the other hand, if you choose a tranquil mindset, you can easily push away any other thoughts or feelings.

8. I am safe and at peace.

Sometimes you will lose your sense of tranquility if you feel unsafe. If you are an anxious person, you might feel unsafe even when that isn’t truly the case.

When you sense that feeling creeping in, use this affirmation to remind yourself that everything is okay. Tell yourself that you are safe and at peace, and repeat it until you believe it and feel yourself relax.

9. I limit my time with those that disrupt my peace.

You are preventing yourself from finding peace in life when you spend time with people that make you feel negative. It can be hard to cut people out of your life, but once you realize that they are disrupting your peace, it is necessary.

Use this affirmation to build your willpower. Then, you will have the strength to turn down invitations to get together. Plus, it will help you remember not to reach out to those people, too.

10. I am exactly where I need to be in life.

Once you realize that your life is working out the way it is supposed to, you will feel tranquility. Accept the place you are in right now, and remember that you are right where you need to be. Let go of how you imagined life would be and embrace the way it turned out, instead.

11. I look for the good in the world around me.

When you remember to look for good things, you will see them all around you. The more often you see things that make you happy, the more tranquil you will be. If you want to live a peaceful life, try this instead of ignoring the beauty around you.

12. I am grateful for everything that I have, and I have everything I need right now.

With gratitude, you will find peace in your life. Acknowledge that you have everything you need, and life will seem to become calmer. When you aren’t fixated on the things that you don’t have, you will find peace in life once again.

13. I let go of anxious feelings and let positivity replace them.

When you use this affirmation, imagine that you feel the anxious feelings flowing out of your body. Visualization along with affirmations will help you let go of those feelings. Then, visualize positivity taking the place of the negativity.

As you do this, you could even focus on breathing in and out. Imagine your exhale to be the anxiety leaving your body and your inhale to be the positivity coming in. When you do this, it will help you change your mindset and feel more tranquility in life.

14. I trust that everything is working out for the best.

If you believe that things are working out for the best, you will feel much less stressed. You won’t feel so overwhelmed or frantic, and you won’t feel the need to be in control. Believe in your future and trust that everything will be okay.

15. I am patient with myself and those around me no matter what happens.

Life isn’t always perfect, and mistakes are bound to happen. Other people might unintentionally upset you or make you angry, too. Plus, everyone is still learning and figuring out life, and it might take time to learn something new.

If you find that you often become tense or anxious during these times, use this daily affirmation to help yourself become more patient. With patience, you will feel more tranquil during situations that would normally upset you. This affirmation can help you overcome things and move forward without disrupting your peace.

Final Thoughts on Daily Affirmations to Help Restore Tranquility in Life

If you want to restore tranquility in your life, these daily affirmations can help you begin right away. You will find that the phrases make you feel more positive, helping you get through your day. Stress and anxiety won’t overtake your thoughts, and you can focus on the essential things in life.

Remember the daily affirmations that resonated with you the most and make a note of them. Use them as you get ready for the day each morning, and see how long they stick with you. If you need to, you can even repeat them throughout the day.

Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup with Homemade Soda Bread

May 22, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Making this homemade kabocha squash soup will warm your soul on those cold winter nights. We will even include a recipe for homemade soda bread, so you have something to dip in it! There’s just something about soup that brings a sense of comfort, especially in cold or rainy weather.

If you’ve never tried kabocha squash before, it’s a Japanese squash with a sweet flavor. In the store, look for a squash that resembles a giant green pumpkin. The taste is a cross between a pumpkin and sweet potato, and it has hints of chestnut. It’s a staple in most Japanese restaurants, but you can find it in many parts of the world today.

Without further ado, let’s get to the recipe!

Here’s how to make roasted kabocha squash soup with homemade soda bread

Making the kabocha squash soup is easier than you think!

What you’ll need:

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowl
Large soup pot
Wooden spoon
Skillet
Immersion (hand) blender
Pastry brush

Ingredients:

One kabocha squash
Olive oil
1 chopped medium onion
2 minced garlic cloves
Dash of salt and pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves
4 cups vegetable broth
1/3 cup cream
Pepitas (a type of pumpkin seed)

Directions:

Grab your kabocha squash and a cutting board. You’ll need a sharp, large knife to cut through the tough skin. Also, you may want to microwave it for a couple of minutes to soften it before cutting.
Then, remove the stem with a large spoon; it should just pop right out once you dig in. Next, cut the squash in half, right down the middle where the stem was.
From here, slice the halves into three smaller wedges. You should have six in total.
Grab the spoon and remove the seeds from the squash wedges. Finally, cut these wedges in half to create 12 pieces in total.
Next, grab your baking sheet and a piece of parchment paper. Lay all the wedges out and brush each one with a little olive oil using a pastry brush. Bake until soft.
Then, get out your soup pot and drizzle a little olive oil in the bottom (about 2 tbsp). Next, add in one chopped medium onion and two minced garlic cloves. Stir until slightly brown.
Now add in 1/2 tsp of salt and scoop out the squash into the pot.
Mix in 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp cloves, and black pepper (however much you like).
Mix all the ingredients with a wooden spoon until fully combined. Then pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes.
While that’s simmering, toast a handful of pepitas on medium heat until golden. You’ll use these as a topping for the kabocha squash soup.
Now, use a hand blender on your squash soup to make it creamy. Add in 1/3 cup of cream and stir with a wooden spoon until fully blended.

Making the homemade soda bread

This bread pairs perfectly with the kabocha squash soup. To make it, you need a large mixing bowl to make the dough along with a whisk. It would help if you also had a large surface area to knead the dough, such as a table or cutting board. Finally, have a medium-sized baking pan, a parchment paper sheet, and a small bowl handy.

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
1/2 cup pepitas
1 3/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg

Directions:

First, pour the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Next, add in brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until fully combined.
Now, add in the unsalted butter, and use your hands to blend it into the mixture.
Mix in the pepitas, once again using your hands to combine them.
Set that aside, and grab your smaller bowl. Pour the buttermilk in and crack one egg into the bowl. Whisk until fully combined.
Pour this mixture into the first one, and use your hands to create the dough.
Place the dough on a large surface and then sprinkle some flour on top to avoid sticking.
Shape the dough into a round ball, and then get out the baking pan. Lay a sheet of parchment paper down and put the dough on top.
Use a knife to cut a vertical and horizontal slit in the dough.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes.
When it’s done, cut a slice, dip it in the kabocha squash soup, or serve with butter.

We hope you love this kabocha squash soup recipe! While this is lesser known than the butternut squash soup, a popular Thanksgiving recipe, it’s equally delicious! You can serve it alone or pair it with a side of roasted veggies. Many people think of this as an autumn food, but you can enjoy it any time of the year!

Final Thoughts: Make your own kabocha squash soup with homemade soda bread

Squashes are a popular ingredient in soups, and the kabocha squash is no exception. The spices perfectly complement its rich nutty flavor in this recipe. The pepitas add a nice crunchy texture to the smooth soup, and the bread makes it a filling meal.

If you want Thanksgiving early this year, this kabocha squash soup will grant your wish! It has all the familiar flavors of the fall holidays and is the ultimate comfort food. Plus, a large pot should last throughout the week, so you won’t have to worry about dinner.

Check your local health food store if you have trouble finding the pepitas. It’s a less common ingredient than pumpkin seeds, but they’re very similar. The only difference is that pepitas don’t require hulling or shelling, while pumpkin seeds do.

We hope you enjoy this delicious kabocha squash soup! If you make it, let us know how it turned out in the comments.

15 Powerful Affirmations to Help You Beat Depression

May 22, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Using powerful affirmations each day can help you beat depression and improve your overall well-being.

When you are depressed, your confidence and self-esteem are low. The key to overcoming depression is to give those things a boost and change your mindset for the better.

You must let go of negative self-thoughts and begin to embrace and love the person that you are. Put positive thoughts in your head so you will remember your worth and value to the world. The more you tell yourself things, the more your brain believes it, so make sure you’re always using positivity.

If you use positivity and only say good things to yourself, then you will beat your depression quickly. These powerful affirmations will help you get there, and they will teach you good habits, too. Saying these phrases only takes a couple of minutes each day, so there is no excuse not to give them a shot.

Powerful Affirmations to Help You Beat Depression

Once you’ve made these powerful affirmations a daily habit, positivity will become more natural for you. Keep an open mind as you repeat the phrases and allow the words to resonate within you. Then, your depression won’t overtake your mind and body anymore, and you can beat it once and for all.

1. I can overcome my depression by creating a safe space for myself.

When you feel safe, your depression will ease. You deserve a place where you feel safe, and you can create that type of space everywhere you go. If essential oils work for you, carry a mini-diffuser with you to help you feel safe.

You can also consider bringing your headphones to listen to music you enjoy. Another good option is to carry an item that brings comfort with you when you go to new places. Before you head out, though, remember to use this powerful affirmation to help you feel safe.

2. I am worthy, valuable, and more than enough.

Knowing your worth will help you beat your depression by allowing you to see that you are enough. You are valuable, and you should remind yourself of that often. If you use this powerful affirmation each day, you will go through the day with less depression.

3. I deserve happiness, and I can achieve it.

When you know what you deserve in life, you won’t accept anything less. You deserve to be happy, and you can make it happen by convincing yourself of it. It is as simple as changing your mindset and focusing on what will make you happy.

4. I choose to be grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life.

With gratitude, it will be easier to beat depression. Focus on the things that bring you joy and the people who love spending time with you. If you pay attention to those things, you will feel better and find happiness once again.

5. I recognize that the way I react to a situation is entirely up to me.

The way you respond to something influences the way you feel afterward. If you have a negative reaction, then you will likely notice depression creeping in. Use this powerful affirmation to remind yourself that you can decide how you will react.

If you choose to react positively, you can more effectively beat depression. The choice is yours to make, and it can make all the difference.

6. I become more resilient every day that I push through.

Each day you get out of bed and give the day a chance, you become more resilient. With resilience, you can beat depression and overcome any other negative feelings.

Push yourself to do a little more every day than you did the day before. Then, you can see how quickly this mindset works. Use the powerful affirmation to remind you on the days you don’t feel like doing anything.

7. I forgive myself for past mistakes and choices that didn’t work out.

Everyone makes mistakes in life, so give yourself some grace when it happens to you. Things don’t always work out the way you intended for them to, and that is fine. All of those things will become learning opportunities if you allow them to.

Learn from your mistakes, and forgive yourself for making them. Only with forgiveness will you beat depression and overcome.

8. I don’t compare myself to anyone else because I was meant to be different.

Comparing yourself to others will always make you feel bad because you are different than everyone else. Different doesn’t mean bad, though, so try to avoid comparison.

Being different is what makes you the person that you are. Embrace it and learn to love yourself as you are right now. Accept that yourself and learn to love all of the things you used to compare.

9. I won’t let my imperfections depress me because I know they are what makes me different.

Not only should you stop comparing yourself to others, but you must consciously decide to stop being negative about yourself. Don’t get upset about your imperfections because if you didn’t have them, there would be nothing that sets you apart. Embrace what makes you different, and you won’t notice the feelings of depression quite as much anymore.

10. I become better every day as long as I get up and give my all.

Even when you don’t feel like it, get out there and try your best. Depression will make you feel like you can’t do things, but resist the urge to give in to that idea. Putting your time and energy into something productive will help take your mind off your depression, helping you beat it quicker.

11. I know that each day is a new start and a new chance for happiness.

If yesterday was a bad day, use this affirmation as a reminder that today can be better. With the mindset that each day is a fresh start, the depression won’t stick around. You will be too busy looking for good things going on around you that you forget to be upset.

12. I am taking care of myself and the things that I need.

Self-care is one of the best ways to beat depression. If you take care of yourself and pay attention to what you need, your overall well-being will improve. Don’t put yourself on the backburner to please others, and use this affirmation to create a good habit of self-care.

13. I am loved, and I willingly let my loved ones into my life.

Depression can make you feel like you aren’t loved, and it can make you push people away. If you can convince yourself that you are loved, though, you will notice an improvement in your mental health. Letting your loved ones into your life will help, too, as you will have support and guidance to help you through.

Knowing that you are loved is a sure way to make you feel better. If you start having thoughts that no one cares about you, come back to this powerful affirmation again. It will help you change your thought process, making your mindset more positive.

14. I focus on creating a future that I love.

Focusing on your future will help you beat depression because you will remain hopeful and busy. If you envision a bright future, then you can be excited about what is coming next in life.

Don’t focus your thoughts on the past or on things that upset you. Instead, remember this positive affirmation to keep your thoughts on the right track.

15. I make the choices for my future, even if others give their opinion.

You will always have people giving you their opinion on your life, even if you don’t ask for it. Others will always think that they know what is best for you, but that isn’t true. You are the only one who knows what you need and want in life.

Make your decisions based on your desires and needs, and don’t let unwanted input depress you. When you are living your life for yourself, then you will surely beat depression.

Final Thoughts on Powerful Affirmations to Help You Beat Depression

As you read through these powerful affirmations, you likely noticed that some resonated with you more than others. Using those will give you the best results when it comes to beating depression. If it is better for you, change the affirmation to make it more personal in your life.

Memorize the ones that seem to help you the most, and use them as often as you need to. You must use them at least once each day, though, to make it a habit and help the positivity flow naturally. Before you know it, you will be saying the words out loud without even thinking about it first.

As you repeat the powerful affirmations, visualize what you are saying. When you imagine it, you will believe your words more, and it will have more of a positive effect. Using these powerful affirmations is sure to help you beat your depression.

20 Phrases To Repeat Every Day That Relieve Chronic Depression

May 20, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

These twenty inspiring quotes can help uplift your spirits on your gloomiest days. You will take particular comfort if you have chronic depression.

Chronic depression is a serious issue all around the world. In fact, it impacts approximately 17.3 million adults in the United States alone. If you aren’t one of those that suffer from depression, chances are someone close to you does. These inspiring quotes to help relieve chronic depression can ease the negative feelings that accompany it.

When you battle with depression, some days are much worse than others. There will be days when you don’t even feel like getting out of bed, let alone living your life. Luckily, many resources are available to help you, and these inspiring quotes are one of them.

Inspiring Quotes to Help Relieve Chronic Depression

Use these inspiring quotes to help lift you out of your depression so that you can live your life again. If someone you know suffers from depression, then share these inspiring quotes with them, too.

1. “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

While experiencing these situations and feelings is never desired, try to stay positive. Remind yourself that many great and successful people in the world have been through it before. They pulled through and forged ahead, and you can, too.

2. “You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell. You have a name, a history, a personality. Staying yourself is part of battle.” – Julian Seifter

While you may have been diagnosed with chronic depression, it doesn’t define who you are. You are still the same person with the same history and personality, so make sure to stay true to yourself. Don’t lose yourself in an attempt to get through the illness, but instead, embrace the things that make you unique.

3. “Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget about everything except what you’re going to do now—and do it.” – William Durant

Everyone makes mistakes, but you have to forgive yourself for them and forget about them. Forget about all the things that hold you back or make you doubt yourself. If you can let go of those things, you will have an easier time relieving chronic depression.

4. “If you want the light to come into your life, you need to stand where it is shining.” – Guy Finley

Look for the things that make you feel good and happy. Find what makes you feel better and a little brighter, and then focus on that. If you want to feel better and relieve your depression, you must find the things that inspire or comfort you.

5. “If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness, and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Learn how to cope, sweet friend. There will always be dark days.” – Kris Carr

All of these negative emotions can impact your physical health, too. This gives you even more of a reason to work on relieving your chronic depression. Find ways to cope, even on the hardest days, so that you can live a healthy life.

6. “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” – William James

If you believe that life is worth it, you will notice the depression lifts a bit. Try using positive affirmations for depression to reaffirm your belief. As you speak the words out loud to yourself, you are more likely to believe them and live by them.

7. “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Just because you have been defeated once doesn’t mean that everything is over. You can be defeated and still move forward, and you should strive to do so.

If you can accept defeat and keep trying anyway, you will find that your depression lifts. Don’t let your mental health hold you back and make you feel like you can’t do more or keep trying.

8. “Sometimes, life will kick you around, but sooner or later, you realize you’re not just a survivor. You’re a warrior, and you’re stronger than anything life throws your way.” – Brooke Davis

As you endure all of the hardships and obstacles in life, you will become a survivor. You have survived everything so far and gotten stronger with each step.

9. “Depression, suffering, and anger are all part of being human.” – Janet Fitch

You are not weird or messed up for being depressed. These emotions are part of being human, and everyone has their own mental issues to deal with. Keep pushing through, and don’t give yourself a hard time because of your situation.

10. “On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%, and that’s pretty good.” – Unknown

You have gotten through all hardships, obstacles, and bad days in the past. Remember that you made it through all of those times, and you will make it through this one, too. Recall this inspiring quote anytime you feel like you can’t go on, and you will remember the reason you can.

11. “Each morning, we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” – Buddha

Every day is a new chance to try again. Don’t worry or obsess over what happened yesterday or any other day in the past. Focus on today, and you will find that your depression is much easier to overcome and handle.

12. “The only cure I have ever known for fear and doubt and loneliness is an immense love of self.” – Alison Malee

Depression can cause all of these negative feelings that Malee describes. If you can love yourself, though, you can push the feelings of depression, fear, doubt, and loneliness away. Practice self-love always and see where it leads you.

13. “Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” – Richard L. Evans

Life will bring you down sometimes, but don’t let it discourage you. All of the successful and happy people in the world struggled to get to where they are, too.

14. “You say you’re ‘depressed’ – all I see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn’t mean you’re defective – it just means you’re human.” – David Mitchell

Instead of saying that you are depressed, try saying that you are resilient. Intense emotions happen, as do mental health conditions, but you are allowed to feel depressed. There is nothing wrong with it, despite anything you have heard, because being human is hard.

As you fight through your depression, remember how resilient you are. No one can get through life unscathed, and everyone has different issues to deal with. Give yourself credit for pushing forward and continuing to live life even as you work to relieve your depression.

15. “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson

When you can believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to, including relieving chronic depression. You are stronger and more resilient than anything that will come your way.

16. “I’m not grateful for depression, but it honestly made me work harder and gave me the drive that I have to succeed and to make it work.” – Lili Reinhart

While depression is never a good thing, you can find positivity in your situation as Reinhart did. Your depression could push you to work harder, be determined, and stay focused as you accomplish your goals. Use it as a tool to motivate yourself instead of letting it hold you back.

17. “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi

You can apply this inspiring quote to many instances in life, including relieving chronic depression. When you are depressed, you will likely experience a lack of motivation or a belief that you can’t get anything done. To relieve depression, though, you must find a way to get started and move forward in life.

As you move forward, you will notice that the intense feelings of depression ease a little more all the time. Begin with the things that require immediate attention, and then you will find that you can do even more. Please don’t overdo it, but move forward a little more each time you accomplish something, no matter how small.

18. “Keep yourself busy if you want to avoid depression. For me, inactivity is the enemy.” – Matt Lucas

When your depression seems to be overtaking you, find something to do. Staying busy is one of the best ways to relieve chronic depression because you will be busy. Your mind and body will both be focused on something else instead.

19. “Accept challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.” – George S. Patton

With depression, you might not feel like doing anything, much less something challenging. Fight through the urge to turn down challenges. The feeling that comes with completing a challenge will surely relieve your depression.

20. “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” – Dan Millman

When you have negative throughs, try pushing them away and focus on positive thinking. If that doesn’t work, decide not to let your thoughts control you. Be your voice of reason, and tell yourself that life is worth so much more than your negative thoughts.

Final Thoughts on Inspiring Quotes to Help Relieve Chronic Depression

You can’t let chronic depression control your life. Finding a way to relieve the feelings is essential if you want to keep moving forward and reaching your goals.

When you need some help, come back and re-read these inspiring quotes to help relieve chronic depression. Remember to share them with other people in your life who may be suffering, as well.

If it seems like there is no way to overcome your depression, remember these inspiring quotes. They will help you remember that you are not alone in this and that you can get through it.

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