SAD

sit in the sun without anything to do, feel the heat of the rays hit your skin, realize that this sunlight has travelled a very long way to reach you

walk around barefoot and try to feel as much of the ground under your feet as you can, notice every rock and blade of grass

sit quietly for a while and notice the touch of breath in your nostrils, feel how the air gets cooler as you inhale and warmer as you exhale

drive around aimlessly and blast some of your favorite songs, scream/sing along to them and feel the vibrations of your favorite lyrics as they change the air in your throat and around you, feel that the music is healing you from the inside out

stay away from alcohol or drugs for a few days, try to be as aware and present as you can in every moment, stop trying to numb or dull your senses

eat a few meals without any distractions, notice every bite and taste every flavor that covers your tongue, be grateful for it all

your friends, your family, the people you love — they’re flat-out not gonna care if you take a shower instead of cutting yourself, or if you get in all your meals for a day, or if you curb your spending significantly, or if you go for a walk instead of locking yourself away and crying.

to us, these are major accomplishments. they’re fucking cake-worthy victories deserving of celebration.

to everyone else, it’s just behaving kind of “normal”, and will always be compared to your other problematic behaviors — “why are you still behaving so histrionically when it comes to sex?” “why are you still so irrationally afraid of abandonment?” “why do you still get so angry?”

the fact of the matter is, they won’t be happy until you’re cured.

but don’t let that discourage you.

if you think you’ve done well, feel good about it. treat yourself. call your therapist and celebrate with them on the phone, if you have the option.

René Charles Edmond His