People often say that the first step is the hardest, but what they don’t tell you is that “every step is the first step.” Well maybe not, but with depression, sometimes it feels like every step is the hardest.

This week I find myself stuck in the thinking stage about things I want to do.  I have made decisions and made plans but when it is time act, to move, it is difficult to get going.

Breathe…

What motivates you?  What helps you to take that first step?  How do you move from the planning phase to implementing the plan?

It can be very difficult for me and if I am not careful it can lead to negative self-talk and feelings of worthlessness. My depression does that.  As much and I want to move, to do, to act, sometimes I am just stuck.

Plan…

It’s ok. I am allowed to change my mind.  I am allowed to just be.  I don’t have to do anything.  I am allowed to think about doing things, plan to do things and decide NOT to do them and it doesn’t make me a bad person. I can change my plans and I can make new decisions.

Sometimes I need to verify that I am truly committed to the action, for me, and not because of an arbitrary sense of obligation.  Is it MY hearts desire?  Is it something that I truly want? If the answer is no, then why am I pushing myself to do it anyway?

Do…

When I am struggling to get moving, sometimes it is because I don’t want to. So I stop struggling. When I allow myself to be, to just be, in that moment, I can let go of the struggle.  And when that moment passes, I can do.

Be gentle with yourself, and keep breathing!