Wrapping Paper and Ribbons - Choosing a New Package

On December 23, I had an appointment with Dr. K, my psychiatrist. I told him I was spending Christmas with friends, and I had no expectations. He said one shouldn't have expectations, and that there is too much hoopla ahead of time causing a great build-up. I know Dr. K. is a Christian, and I like the fact that he says there's too much hoopla because that's not the meaning of Christmas. It was the usual seven minute appointment or maybe eight minutes.

My friend drove me to the appointment and noticed there were a lot of people in the waiting room especially in the evening. I told her it was a large practice with several psychiatrists and many, many counselors. People were probably stressed due to the upcoming Christmas. I use to be that way.

On the 24th, I went to Christmas Vigil Mass. That is the real reason for Christmas. Jesus came as promised and gave us everlasting life. No reason to be bummed out about that! It was a joyous experience.

On the 25th I went to my friends' house and laughed and eat all through the day. You see, I finally got the determination and guts to not spend it with my relatives who are often gray and stormy. I decided for one year to buck tradition. I decided to celebrate with friends. All I knew was that there was going to a brunch. Not knowing what to expect, I didn't expect anything.

This Christmas was a world of difference. The people were light after darkness. So refreshed was I by the different venue, the different people (mostly my age), the different food, and different routine that I wanted to . . . well . . . sing. There was a big giant shiny bow around my shiny, merry Christmas Day. And it happened because I chose to try a new experience.

When Anti-depressents Work and Why We Need Them in America

Today a friend wanted to know why so many people in our culture take anti-depressants. She also wanted to know what it's like taking anti-depressants. She moved here from India about three years ago.

WARNING: The following paragraph in brown may bum you out: 

I think so many people in our culture take anti-depressants because we value success, gadgets, money, appearances of our front lawns, and not our humanity. People are rude and mean, and there's much hustle and bustle. We kill each other a lot, especially in urban areas. Jobs are scarce. We kill unborn babies. There are many options and choices here in the U.S. that picking out the type of Cheerios becomes a major summit meeting in the mind. Also having to drive in a community with many stoplights, cars, and idiot drivers is enough to make me want to stay in bed - sometimes. It's can be overwhelming.

PINK is Happy.

The first sign I had that my anti-depressants were taking effect for the good was wanting to dance to rock music when I heard it on the radio.  Hearing the B-52's singing Love Shack on the way over to the library got my blood flowing, made me feel youthful and lively, and made me want to dance and celebrate life.

How did you know your anti-depressants were starting to help you?

What factor of American life would you eliminate to create a happier you? Or rather, what factor of American life (if you live in America) caused you to "go over the edge?" I have to think of that answer myself.