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.


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

A Secret Place



When I was a young girl, my favorite “secret” place to play was my grandfather’s woods. He had a creek that ran through his property and I would go there, take off my shoes and socks, and tip toe over the mossy creek rock for hours. I would watch the crawdads and water-bugs doing what they were made to do. It seemed so easy to get caught up in my own solitude… no thoughts running through my mind; no worries burdening my soul. I felt carefree.

Those days are precious to me and they remain locked securely in the banks of my mind. I often wish I could go back to that place and be that carefree girl, if just for a moment… the water running over my toes and the sun shining on my face.

But, I’m older now and sticky spider webs freak me out – snakes, too! The thought of traipsing through those woods - to get to that creek - both physically and mentally exhausts me. So, I thank God for the memories He has blessed me with of those days of old and for the new “secret” place He allowed me stumble upon. I pray He has shown you yours, as well. If not, allow Him the opportunity. You’d be amazed the blessings that will follow.

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