Living in the “self esteem” part of Maslow’s pirimid when you are battling basic needs aka allergies, sleep, dehydration, dimentia, etc is a good way to be depressed. Focus on preservation of assets and restoring basic functions.
But not in a super depressivt way, just when I’m super bored or waiting for something or in a tight spot working on an issue I just kinda zone out and imagine myself looking back on this while relaxing.
Not really a mantra, but I try to remind myself that the only thing that seems to be certain in life is change. If you’re in a shitty spot, just wait for the change. Will it be a change for the good or a change for the bad? You can’t always predict it, but it WILL change. Often, that means when I’m in a shitty mood or scenario, I wait for the change to happen in a more positive direction.
“I’m working on it.” when I feel like things are where I want them to be, but they’re gradually getting there, it makes it seem okay, since I’m actively working towards a goal. This could be my weightloss, managing my depression, cleaning the house, or going through endless emails. It helps to know that it’s fine that it’s not perfect or great yet, but I’m working on it.
I made it through 100% of all the bad days, weeks and months in my life so far. I will also make it through the ones that have yet to come.
…and on my more cynical days, this follow-up:
And if, one day, I won’t survive a bad day, then it is not my f[%$]ng problem anymore.
I tried to have a more positive mantra, but eventually realized that sheer spite can be a powerful motivator in bad times, even more so than trying to stay “nice” to the rest of the world.
Anger is a really powerful motivator. I spent years of my life trying to shut down my anger from childhood. I had such a violent temper up to my mid-20s. Now I’m 40 and in a complete “dead-zone”. No motivation, no drive.
I’ve found I get most motivated when one of two things happen - I forget to take my anti-depressant for the day or I try to quit vaping. Both these things cause me to get irritable and both cause me to shift and do something.
P.S. Meth also motivates me but that’s not a long-term strategy worth pursuing as I’m trying to remain sober.
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