Just keep swimming

Oh Dori. That little blue fish from Finding Nemo is a character that you just can't help but love, and love quoting. One of her most oft-quoted lines in my family is when she sings her cheery little tune, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, what do we do? We swim, swim!" You know, as silly as that little song is, I think it's totally applicable.

I think with depression and just life in general it's really important to avoid obsessive perfectionism and learn your limits, and to be easy on yourself emotionally. However, I think it is just as important that when all you want to do is sleep for days and feel like you have nothing motivating you, to just keep swimming. Keep going. You don't have to go fast, but just keep moving.

Now, I don't want to sound like I'm contradicting myself from a former post about not running faster than you have strength. I think it's so important to be kind to yourself, and recognize when you need a break. However, I have found that when my intended short "break" turns into a weeklong vacation off of life, I have done nothing to help myself and feel even worse.

I also think of the story called The Little Engine that Could. What a great story! If you aren't familiar with it, go google it right now. I think we are all like the little engine, with our huge load going uphill. But, we should apply her attitude as well: "I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!" She wasn't in a race, and she didn't need to go fast. She just needed to keep going and she kept telling herself she could until she reached the top of that hill. She wasn't the strongest train by any means, but she put her mind to the task and just kept going.

So, when you feel like poop and have little energy and wonder what the point of anything is, or feel like you're lost or alone--just keep swimming, and tell yourself you can. Because you can. Never underestimate your own strength. I think most of our strength comes from just believing that we have it! You can do it! You're not in a race against anyone else. As you get up and keep moving, you will find that you are digging yourself out of those little bouts that attack you. I promise. :)