Welcome to Dymphna's Diary

Although I am not Catholic, I find it interesting that "Dymphna" is the patron saint of those who suffer from clinical depression and other mental illnesses. Considering the purpose of this site is to offer inspiration and spiritual guidance to my readers, I felt it was only right I chose her namesake for the title.

In 2010, this site was set up to pass along personal information about how depression has affected my life and the lives of my family. Since then, it has EVOLVED. In 2011, I attempted to present posts that were INSPIRATIONAL to you, my readers. In 2012, I went even deeper with personal stories from people across the United States via touching videos, songs, and interviews. My hope was to show each of you that even when you feel that you are in a situation that no one else could understand, you are not alone. Through it all, my comments have remained to be my personal opinions and spiritual reflections. I will continue to occasionally post information that I feel is beneficial in removing the stigma of mental illness, but regardless I feel blessed to have been given this platform to spread God's love and compassion for ALL people. I wouldn't be where I am today without the strength I receive daily from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My hope is that this blog will help you find some comfort in your life. It most certainly is helping me find comfort in mine.

I want to make it perfectly clear, though, that when I make generalizations regarding mental illness, I am NOT giving advice to anyone. I'm just passing along information that I have found helpful in my life. I'm writing about MY PERSONAL experiences and thoughts. Mental illness affects everyone differently and your situation may not be reflective of mine.


Sunday, August 15, 2010

A Newsong for my life….


Yesterday, I went to Newsong Music Festival with several thousand other people. Newsong is an opportunity for Christians, mostly youth, to get together, listen to inspiring music, hear wonderful testimonies and really enjoy each other’s company. I truly had a wonderful time!
At one time I would have made a million excuses NOT to go to an event like this. I would have been uncomfortable being with so many other people – having to put on my “oh, I’m so happy” face while I felt like I was dying inside. Sometimes even going out to dinner with friends was/is too overwhelming to even consider!
How did/do I manage to get the strength to move forward during those times? Sometimes I asked God for the strength. Sometimes I pushed myself for my family…. And other times I didn’t find the strength at all. I realize now I missed a lot of wonderful opportunities during my life because of my depression but I also realize no matter what - I couldn’t force myself to change those circumstances at those times. I did the best I could. I continue to do the best I can everyday in every situation.
There may come a time in the future when I’ll miss another wonderful opportunity for an unforgettable family memory or a once in a lifetime event with friends. But if I know in my heart, I’m doing the best I can do in this world – I’m okay with that. God has blessed me with a lot more “better” times than not and I try to cherish all the opportunities He gives me!

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