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NekoshemaParticipant
I’m guessing we’re talking about the Jewish/Christian/Islamic God and not my Gods [I believe in a male and a female] I’ve always known what I would say, basically, sorry I converted but after doing some soul searching Christianity didn’t feel like the right path for me. Please judge me by the way I lived and not who I prayed to.
If God damned me simply because I didn’t believe [and not for something like kicking puppies which is pure evil let’s be honest] I would be upset because it’s unfair to hate someone because you’re not friends and no other reason so I would probably say something mean and walk away because that’s some unfair standards imo.
NekoshemaParticipantInteresting. Kind of reminds me of the time I found out my uncle didn’t like SSL. I admire him, but as someone with SSL friends and organized many GSA events in my high school [which is a club called “Gay Straight Alliance] I was shocked. But what he said I respected. He said ‘I do not like gays, but I don’t hate them, I simply do not agree. They seem nice, just stay away.’ See, long story short, it was my cousins wedding and the reception hall had rented the room next to ours for a rainbow dance [as it was called] and her husband’s half disappeared once the dance started because they were Salvation Army [incidentally, what’s the plural of that? Armiest?] And it went against their belief and they booked it because it was sinful to be in the same building at them. My side, while most were anti-SSL, all held the same sentiment as my uncle. Basically ‘these people having fun are bothering you how?’ Actually, they said we could join them since our party was winding down at 9 lol.
Personally, I feel everyone should have equal rights [provided you’re not harming someone] and I’ve always found it hard to understand how two strangers in love could ruin your life? I’ve got enough problems I don’t need to make someone else miserable.
NekoshemaParticipantHow are they sabotaging your life exactly? If it’s a misunderstanding you could try calmly explaining your feelings and views, but be sure it’s the right time, try to be honest but not malicious, and really listen when they speak [Also, problem in my family, if there’s a tendency to cut people off, ask them to wait, or maybe try a held object, so people have to be quiet until they have said object] of course, sometimes it’s a deeper problem and you’re probably not in the best space emotionally, so if you’ve had years of negativity you might consider cutting ties for the time being. You might still love them, but they could be toxic to your recovery. I have that problem with my grandparents, I love them but they’re very hurtful on certain topics [They mean well but they belief ‘cruel to be kind’ you know?] If someone’s unwilling to change, you need to be a little selfish and heal yourself.
You could also try meditation, journaling, exercise, and doing things you love. I have depression so I know it can be difficult, but start small, put on a CD you like to dance to, or a movie that makes you smile. I keep a list with me of things I love [people, places, things, activities] and whenever I remember something I add to it. When I’m low it’s nice to read. [I don’t know if you’re the same, but it’s hard to think of something good when your on a down day. Just contradictions] mindfulness also helped me a lot, as did TinyBuddha [thanks guys btw] you might also consider cleaning out your cupboards and filling them with nutritious food. Kind of a no brainer, but the food you eat can effect your whole day. You don’t need to become vegan [unless you want to] I’ve cut out almost all ‘junk food’ and eat a lot more fruits and vegetables [I still eat meat but only for dinner] and I actually noticed a difference not just in my health but my mental too. When I was depressed I grabbed what was convent only to mentally beat myself up for eating a bag of chips [or whatever] which kept the circle going.
NekoshemaParticipantThanks. I’ve actually been feeling a lot better, I’ve been working on mindfulness and it’s really helped.
NekoshemaParticipantSpeaking of zucchini bread, have you ever had zucchini almond cake? It’s so good! Never had a moister cake. Though some find it a little too sweet but that’s from the glaze, which I’m sure you could omit [But what’s the fun in that? Lol]
NekoshemaParticipantLol I’ve added cocoa powder to stews before, cinnamon and chocolate are amazing together. I know the horrors of breathing in the powder though, I roll my truffles in the stuff. [Its also a huge mess when the powder gets everywhere then the truffles start melting from the heat of my hand.]
NekoshemaParticipantI love Churchill quotes. Always loved dry humour.
NekoshemaParticipantI like food and I enjoy cooking [went through culinary school so I kind of have to lol] I have a real talent with food, but it’s not really my passion. I am shocked when people say they hate or can’t cook. With the holidays coming up I’ve got to get started on my baking, I ship a tin of homemade truffles and chocolates to my family every year. It’s easy to make, just time consuming.
NekoshemaParticipantAnita, Wicca is a ‘new age’ religion, founded by Gerald Gardner based on older religions [and some personal stuff] it’s earth bound and we worship a God and Goddess. [And while many believe in spellcasting and magic, they’re similar to prayers and not Harry Potter] There are different branches but the basic beliefs are the Rede [basically don’t harm] and the Threefold Law [karma times three] we are also against forcing our views. If someone asks a question we will do our best to answer it, but we don’t go door to door asking ‘if you heard the word of the Goddess’ lol. there’s a lot more to it but that’s basically it.
NekoshemaParticipantThanks Anita, I’ll try that.
NekoshemaParticipantQuarter life crisis lol. When I was nearing 25 i started journaling and reflecting [and reading TinyBuddha actually] because I felt I should know something or have done something. You seem very happy, but since you don’t ‘have it all’ [aka the vision of perfection] you might be wondering if something’s wrong and this might destroy your happiness.
You’re an artist/illustrator? That’s probably why you are having trouble getting into your own work. I use to do a lot of art growing up, but I lost my inspiration so I stopped. [Slowly getting back into it] I noticed what killed my inspiration [despite how much I loved it] was making fan art of someone else’s characters. Perhaps being told what to draw for your job is draining your creativity. Perhaps you simply need a new medium? However, you seem content socializing and whatnot so perhaps that’s your hobby.
Regarding the beach, I grew up by the ocean so I know the feeling, but you could always take a few weeks off and visit. But if that’s the one thing that you feel is missing in your life, try journaling or making a list of pros and cons and figure out if moving back to the sea is the thing that will bring you untold joy. Good luck to you.
NekoshemaParticipantThanks guys. I know you shouldn’t put your happiness on outside influences but I’m sure once I move and find a new job next year I’ll be fine. [Or at least not as down]
I’ve always been called negative, so it’s hard to say. It really started to spiral a year or two ago I think. Not too sure why. I get a lot of support from my boyfriend, so I guess finally talking to someone made it explode. We were actually talking last night, he thinks the problem is I’ve bottled my emotions and they’re all coming out. I guess that could be true. But if that’s the cast I’ve got almost 20 years of bottled emotions. I say that because my negative emotions began when I was about 9 and my parents started fighting. I’m the oldest so I was told to ‘be a rock’ and I had to help everyone. My mom had depression and cancer at the time and my dad was so stressed he smoked 3 packs a day so I had to step up. People didn’t like seeing me upset, so I tried to please everyone. But I doubt that’s the problem, that was so long ago it doesn’t matter. [Or at least it shouldn’t]
Everything I seem to try only makes my depression worse. I’m not suicidal, but if I was to describe my daily emotional state it would be ‘numb’ I don’t really feel anything, just a steady medium. Oh well, perhaps I’ll try finding a hobby, that might help.
NekoshemaParticipantYour title is “Christianity works for me. How about you?” Which give me the impression you wish to hear about our own personal path and what completes us. Then you starting shouting “Jesus” and posting your personal prayers, so congratulations on the misleading title. I am thrilled you found a path that speaks to you, but by carrying on as you do will cause more people to turn against you. I am happy on my path, as people are happy on their own. Good luck on your path, but please don’t try converting me, I found my spiritual path and I am perfectly happy as a Wiccan just as you are happy as a Christian.
NekoshemaParticipantLol thanks. I just hate being in this mood. I wind up feeling better when I’m not at work, but when I’m back that’s when it starts up again. I just need to find a way to cope until I can quit.
NekoshemaParticipantYou both need healing. Two people can make each other strong and work through difficulties, but sometimes one refuses to admit to their problems, or doesn’t understand how to live with the other person which causes tension. If you get back together her problems need to be addressed and worked on.
Meditation is rather easy, you basically relax. There’s plenty of methods but the key is to relax. Some days you’ll clear your mind, others you’ll have a song stuck on repeat, or go through hurt feelings, it’s all fine so long as you don’t hold onto these thoughts. [Example, you think ‘what’s for dinner?’ Don’t start listing options. Instead, focus on your breath.] Very simple one you can do right now, turn off any music/tv, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and slowly breath in, then slowly breath out. Do this for ten deep breaths. Done. Next time try to do 20 slow deep breaths, then slowly work your way up. Poke around on this site, there’s a number of articles on meditation you might find interesting since there are so many forms.
You don’t have to worry about clearing your mind of thoughts. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t, don’t get discouraged. Focus on your breaths, repeat a phrase in your mind [peace, calm, love] or you could use soothing music, a metronome, bell, or other rhythmic sound to focus on. Again, the key is to relax, not to turn off all thoughts. Let them flow by.
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