Songs About Life

It's funny how the world works. We tend to be sensitive to what other people say and do to us, but rarely think about how what we're saying to others effects them. Part of the reason this is so hard, even with the best intentions, is because there are so many ways people may react, depending on their background and past experiences. It's impossible to foresee what someone will think. Some people don't take offense at all to a sly remark another make. Some people will let it bother them for weeks or even months.
I feel like when it comes to success and the way people value my potential, it's been like using a credit card. When I was young, everybody had a compliment. People helped me and said nice things to me when I sang. When I was a teenager, I used to get stopped by other teens who said, "You're going to be famous one day." It seemed like the entire school and my family were all 100% sure I was going to be something big. The only person who didn't believe in herself was me. 
Through college, I still had some credit to use. I was young and ambitious and beautiful. I got A's in school. Sure, I didn't have a record deal, but people still backed me up. They saw what I could potentially be. Years went by and it became harder to convince people I was still going to be successful. In fact, after two kids, a yo-yo-ing weight problem, and a divorce, the people around me pretty much gave up on that idea altogether.
I started to hear things like, "You're a dreamer." "It's okay to be happy with where you are in life." They began to speak about my future in terms of me retiring with the same job after 20 years and dying broke. My credit was used up. 
So what do you do when the world stops believing in you? You may have no money. You have tried and tried everything that you could possibly think of to get out of the rut. You keep hearing "no." 

FAILURE IS A STEPPING STONE
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It's a matter of probability that if you keep on trying, you will one day succeed. When the world gives up on you, it's God's way of reminding you that it was you in the first place who was supposed to believe in yourself. That's the only person who really matters. It's your life, not anyone else's. Keep reaching for your dream and one day you WILL succeed.

Depression can be debilitating. Almost one in five Americans will suffer from depression at some point in their lives and it can strike any age. Here are ten things you can try to reverse your depression when you're feeling blue.

1. Exercise- Exercise releases endorphins that elevate mood. Studies have shown that exercise is good for stress relief and anger management. It is also good for self-esteem.
2. Go Outside- It turns out that sunlight is really good for our mood. Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase a hormone in the brain called serotonin associated with boosting mood. People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are prone to depression when there is less light. So go outside or sit next to a window.
3. Talk to Someone- When the weight of the world is on our shoulders, talking to a close friend, family member, or professional can help let go of those negative thoughts and start to put things into place. Sometimes depression is about problem solving. Talk it out with someone.
4. Eat Healthy- When our body is healthy, there is a correlation with our mood. Sugar and too many carbs can start to make one feel sluggish. Are you dependent on caffeine? All of these factors go into that feeling of depression. Take a look at your diet and see if there is a correlation between what you eat and how you feel.
5. Get Some Sleep-Scientists are finding out more and more that sleep is really important to overall health. The CDC recommends that adults get seven or more hours of sleep per night for their best health and wellbeing. Teens need even more with between eight and ten hours.
6. Make a Routine- When you're feeling down, it may be difficult to get up and do things. A routine can force you out of bed and into the real world. As you go through your day, try thinking about those small accomplishments, even if they are as simple as eating breakfast and completing a personal hygiene routine.
7. Set a Goal-Sometimes we set our goals so high that when we don't reach them, we feel like a failure and get depressed. But having no goal can make a person feel like life is not worth living as well. Take time to set a few small achievable goals and see what effect it has on your mood.
8. Do Something New-Life can become mundane if all we do is work and sleep. Try a new activity. There are limitless options. What things do you love to do? Enjoy a walk or a trip to the park or take up a new random hobby.
9. Laugh- Watch a funny movie or a comedian. Laughter can effect dopamine and serotonin activity, and release endorphins. It enhances our intake of oxygen and is said to stimulate our organs. It's a great stress reliever as well. So laugh a little.
10. Medication-If all else fails, it may be time to consider medication. You can speak with a health profession about what is right for you. Medication may not be for everyone depending on their body and beliefs, but some people have reported feeling better.

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If you feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Hotline Number #988. Don't wait . Your life is important.