Okay I fell a little behind with my 30 Days Proud Project, but I had a busy weekend.
Day 6
I’m proud of my accomplishments at work. I work for a company that services healthcare professionals, and we were just rated #8 on a top ten companies list compiled by independent healthcare professionals who use our services. I think my efforts are part of the reason we made this list for the first time. I’m also proud that I have expanded the company’s reach in the past year and a half I’ve worked there. I believe my efforts have led to many new leads for the company and that I have contributed to the company’s success. I truly love my job and feel blessed to work alongside so many great people.
Day 7
I received some interesting and unexpected response from Day 5 of my 30 Days Proud project. A few people contacted me directly to thank me for sharing, saying they’ve been through similar experiences while struggling with depression and anxiety.
On Saturday night, I received a message from a Facebook friend who said one of her relatives was struggling with severe mental illness. He had an appointment with a therapist, but couldn’t get in until the end of January. She wondered if I could call him and offer support and encouragement.
At first I was scared, because I’m not a trained professional. While I have experienced mental illness, I am not trained to counsel anyone with mental illness. Also, I’m INCREDIBLY shy and awkward over the phone.
But then I thought back to a friend who helped me when I was struggling with depression badly. Her name is Sondy, and she was one of the only people in the world who made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my severe depression and hopelessness. She shared her story with me about how she attempted suicide after a series of medical problems.
The thing was, Sondy was the person I LEAST expected to suffer from depression and attempt suicide. She was so full of life, brought joy into every room she entered, went to church, and loved the Lord. She put on a fantastic front for a long time. But even SHE felt, at one point, that she was a burden to everyone and tried to end her life.
So I picked up the phone and called John (name changed). The conversation seemed to go well, and he expressed that talking to me helped.
I met with John on Sunday morning for coffee so we could talk more. I offered him some advice that I hope helped. John attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and he said he struggled with being honest in the meetings. He too was accustomed to putting on a front because he didn’t want to “burden” anybody with his troubles. I encouraged him to be as honest in the meetings and therapy as he was with me.
Later Sunday night, John called me to say that he shared his honest thoughts in an AA meeting that day and he felt so much better. He also had many people approach him after the meeting to say they felt the same way and to thank him for sharing.
According to John, what I said to him helped. I’m glad that it did.
I am proud that I worked up the courage to call and meet with John. That is something I wouldn’t normally do. And it seems that I helped in my small way. So I am glad.
Day 8
My husband and I did a lot of cleaning and organizing Sunday. I am proud that I began to clean my closet and parted with many things I didn’t need. I now have a bag full of clothing that will go to those in need.
I’m also proud I didn’t lose my mind during the New England Patriots game on Saturday. Yeesh! That was a close one.