how do you keep your spirits up?

when do you do all the things you are supposed to do, how do you manage to keep your spirits up? I never curse God and ask why me? but i do get discouraged. I feel like giving up. I don't but I, too, get tired of the Lord having so much faith in me. ~kim

Hi Kim. It's not easy to keep your spirits up. It's all faith. Faith in knowing that our Heavenly Father knows us personnally and knows what we are going through and that he has a plan for us. I'm probably going through one of the toughest times in my life right now so I can totally understand your struggle to keep your spirits up. I received an e-mail just today. It's something I've heard over and over in my life but it was also something I needed reminded of right now. "If God brought you to it, God will get you through it." I'm going through my own version of depression right now. For me it's procrastinating on doing paperwork that I really should keep on top of. How am I dealing with life in general and how am I stopping that depression from spreading and overtaking my entire life? I look around me and I focus on other people. When it stops being "poor Melody" and I concentrate on doing things for others I don't feel quite so bad about myself (of course my paperwork still isn't getting done but it will still be here tommorrow, just more of it). When I was in school and someone did poorly on a test they often had to repeat that test. Heavenly Father gives me as tests and as much as I hate the tests He gives me, I want to do the very best I can so that I won't have to repeat that test again. We don't have to like the test or the situation but someday we'll be through it and we'll look back and realize that we wouldn't be where we are if we hadn't gone through that challenge. So I guess I'm saying FAITH. Just have Faith. Melody

Well Kim, I have suffered from depression for years, and a year ago I quit my Prozac and have had to find new things to keep from sinking into the blues. I have taken alot of time to develop hobbies I enjoy....sewing, crafts, painting watercolors, and I read alot of good books on subjects I enjoy. My husband thinks the books I read are stupid, because I focus on topics like Chinese history (served my mission in Taiwan) women's suffering, women's poetry, human response to tragedy, and art. I hop around depending on my mood. I don't care if my interests are stupid to him, I find it interesting. So I guess my thoughts are to find what's interesting to you in this life, both spiritually and personally. Some aspects of the gospel don't interest me at all, while others really facinate me. I love to read pioneer history and it makes me VERY thankful to have such a comfortable life. But I also recognize that the stress I have is far different than theirs...though I don't fear indian attacks, or small pox....I do fear identity theft, or my children being influenced by the media. When things seem overwhelming to me I review all the good I do. I'm not a perfect member of the church, but I'm not a horrible person either. I try really hard to say hi to several people each Sunday...I can't possibly fellowship everyone, but I do reach out to a few that might otherwise be passed over. I try to read the scriptures often and it keeps me softer and kinder. I don't think Christ expects me to be perfect. I think He wants me to keep trying and develop myself and my talents. So I do. And it helps keep me sane and I'm a better mother and wife when I'm sane. Right now I feel my main job is to be a good mom and raise the kids well. I can't also be a wiz at geneology (maybe later) or the boy scout queen (maybe later) or the nursery director ( maybe later) and a full time RN (currently working full time). I also put alot of time into being a loving wife and friend to Kevin. focus on your strengths, and I'm sure you will be happier. Best to you, Tracey