A few days ago I promised to talk about handling my morning depression. I thought then that I was finally going to write every day in my blog. Obviously I didn’t succeed. (Remember, there’s a rule against saying “I failed.”) I’m not sure why I didn’t manage to get that done, but I have a few suggestions. Maybe I’m getting involved in too many things; maybe it’s because I’ve reached the “I need a nap NOW” age; maybe I’m engaging in that form of putting-things-off-until-tomorrow called “productive procrastination;” maybe I’m too involved in trying to write a good query letter to find an agent/publisher who’ll be interested in my manuscript On My Way Out: A Psychologist’s Personal Tale; maybe it’s because I do stupid things like watch the presidential debates.
But enough about me. Oh yeah, that’s supposed to be my theme for this blog. What do I do about the morning depression? Well, first off, two years of excellent therapy several decades ago gave me the awareness that the morning depression I experience is best called “situational depression.” And I’ve learned that there isn’t much I can control about the situation in this crazy world, so it helps to point my neurosis toward things I can do something about. That certainly shrinks the area of concern. Then I focus my attention and emotions on the tasks ahead. Obviously that gets me to focus on the present and the nice awareness that I am, indeed, on my way out. Also, the recognition that, as my daughter puts it, “My personal problems are first-world problems” and therefore, by definition, really blessings. How’s that for thought manipulation? By that time I’m ready for the biggy – opening up the well of gratitude, joy, humor, and love that flows because of all that other stuff I’ve mentioned. How could I feel anything else? So I open my door to join the interesting, often delightful people I’ll be connecting with. Okay, is it icky to say I focus on spreading joy and love? Well, so be it. That really is my goal. You’ll have to question the people around me to evaluate my success.
monagustafsonaffinito 
I love your general thesis. You are a good “love spreader!”
HOWEVER YOU DID BURY THE LEAD!!!!——THE DEBATE——gawd awful!!!!!!!
Too far to travel, otherwise I’d love to sit together for a bit over a cup of coffee. Yes, it was awful, and I was about to jump on the dump Biden wagon when two things happened. (1) A friend sent me a link to Lawrence O’Donnell on “The Last Word,” for June 28th. Indeed, an important pick-me-up. But more important I recognized that awful feeling of heaviness in the chest and remembered feeling it a couple of times when I was teaching, and even also when I was doing private therapy. That awareness that I’d been a total flop –and deserved to flop. After the initial “poor me” — “I was a failure; I’ve always been a failure; and I’ll always be a failure,” — and the appreciation of my husband’s futile efforts to say something encouraging, I decided to learn from ti. And by my next lecture (or session) I was ready with a “brilliant” save. I’m encouraged to think that may happen by the next debate, and in between. If only I could be there when Biden practices for the next one, I would suggest he never respond to Trump. Listen attentively, then ignore, and answer the next question asked by the mediators. Maybe he could spike it occasionally with “I didn’t really understand your answer, but” before giving that good answer to highlight what you’ve really accomplished and how he’ll move on.
But then, why would they listen to me?
Anyway, having been inspired to produce this long response to you, I think I’ll copy it and put it out as my next blog entry. (No identifying you, of course.) I wouldn’t have to transport it. People could just read it here, but I’m not noted for receiving a large number of responders or readers of the responses.
Thanks for being there. It always cheers me up.
he’s
I love you just the way you are. I see a person that always compliments and encourages the people around you.
That’s because I’m good at surrounding myself with good (and pretty) people like you
I love you just the way you are. Always complimenting others and encouraging them.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
I think it is a default for 90% of people
If I notice Oh there i go again, I am halfway through -I bless myself, again and again, in my kindness toward myself, i truly want to end the suffering.
Putting arms around myself is good to – and just MAYBE we super empaths are just picking up on the common census ? This is a collective feeling for sure
much love
Leelah
I guess I’d rather be an empath, but sometimes it does seem like a heavy burden to bear. Except for the support of other empath’s like you. Thanks for the response.