There is a stranger in my house, and her name is Depression

As I grow older, I realize how lucky I have been to be blessed with another day. Another day to laugh, sing, dance and get out there and meet all the facinating people walking around on this gorgeous planet. A day to use exactly as I please. A day to create and have fun. Whenever I create, I always have fun. Whether I am painting wine glasses, painting a mural or whimsical designs on children's furniture. I am having fun. Of course as a confirmed lover of life, I can find fun doing most things excluding housework. It is my contention that I must protect myself from harmful activities. I don't smoke, do drugs or do housework.

Today was not one of those days. Today I was someone else. There was a stranger in my body. She looked just like me but she didn't act like me. Her name is Depression. Perhaps I shouldn't call her a stranger. She has visited me before so perhaps I should call her an acquaintance. Could this woman be the author of "The Body Snatchers"? Who ever she is, she took over my body and did not want to get out of bed. She looked out the window and saw snow and gray clouds hanging over everything. When friends came to visit she invited them in but was anxious for their departure so that she could climb back into bed to cover her head and pray for sleep. For the comfort of sleep where she could not feel loney, empty and in general lethargic.

Today was a day when I needed my Recharg-Athon List. Yes, I needed it but just didn't have the energy to try it. My Recharg-Athon list is a to list of sorts and goes like this:

Dance alone freestyle, close your eyes and let the music free your spirit
Watch old movies such as The Trouble with Angels or The Pirate Movie
Drink hot Chai tea latte or hot tea with real cream in a delicate tea cup
Read a good book - try the classics
Go to the park and swing as high as you can like you did as a child.
Burn incense
Take a bubble bath with the lights out, the only light coming from flickering candles
Watch kittens play
Listen to children giggle
Lunch with girlfriends and laugh at everything they say
Walk in the grass barefoot
Read poetry
Play in a warm summer rain
Eat chocolate
Have a tea party with granddaughters
Read to grandchildren
Get a massage
Listen to the soft purr of a cat while petting it
Before taking bath or shower, put towel in dryer so that you can be completely enveloped in warmth when you get out of bath
Go to the mall for a free facial
Drive with the windows down and feel the wind against your face
Puppy and kitty kisses
Bird watching
Cold sheets against my skin in the summer

The day is now coming to an end and I am starting to recognize that woman in the mirror. The stranger is fading. I feel strong once again and will kick her sorry ass out the door. Time to pick up that paint brush and create. Create what? Let's just start with creating a better day.