Patricia Kilbourn - Helpful Ideas

by Patricia K
(Arkansas)

I have struggled with depression for many years.

One thing I found that works for me is my bullet journal. I set monthly and weekly goals. In my notebook, on the left, I list my daily routine which includes everything I want to do every day.

I start with taking my meds, brushing my teeth, etc. and proceed to morning prayer and devotional.

Every single thing I do is listed. On the right, I have 7 columns for the days of the week. As I accomplish each item I color in the appropriate box.

I use a different color for each day. If I can't do a task, I put a dash. It is amazing how seeing the colors fill up the page motivates me to keep going.

Even on my worst days I have filled in boxes for eating my meals, drinking my water, taking my meds. I can look and know, that no matter how difficult the day, I accomplished something.

Another thing that helps is reading a poem by Max Lucado called "Today I Choose". It is based on the passage from Galatians about the fruits of the spirit.