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Depression. It’s such an ugly and nasty word to me, dark and dirty and not something I truly understood even though I’d battled fear and anxiety to some level for most of my life. Time flies by, circumstances and situations in day to day life change, life moves forward at lightning speed, and it’s all we can do to keep up sometimes… what some know and many don’t, is that for several years I didn’t keep up at all, I was fighting a losing battle.
I never in a million years would have thought it was possible for me to sink as low as I did. Nor could I have imagined what depression can truly do to your mind, body and soul – it’s literally like poison. It’s devastating beyond imagination, and the worst part is, I had no idea how bad it was, or how deep, until it was too late.
There are many different things that contributed to the depression and darkness I went through. My husband and I have spent a fair amount of time talking about it in depth recently. I am deeply analytical, and there have slowly been many pieces to the puzzle made clear to me during the healing process.
The old house was a huge factor, there was a lot more to it than that, but I believe it was one of the main triggers to set everything in motion. My husband and I refer to it as the “perfect storm”, where everything aligned in just the right way to send me spiraling into the abyss. I still cry when I think of what we were living in compared to now. I wish I could have bloomed in the old house, but in many ways I died there instead.
My usual response as I say that, would be to cringe and say that I must just not have been as good as everyone else… those who can make it work, and live, and grow, and be truly totally happy in a situation like that. But the truth is, I’m not entirely sure anyone really could have, and it’s simply just time I stop beating myself up over it.
At the time, I wasn’t aware of how very physically depleted I was, the battle that was raging within my body left my mind vulnerable. My emotions were constantly on edge, life was stressful, and I felt that I was failing in every important area of my life, especially as a parent.
I can’t fully explain the deep and destructive effects depression has on the heart, mind and soul; the absolute and utter uselessness one feels when going through it, and how unbelievably disillusioned one can be when living in that level of darkness. [Read More...]
I haven’t shared nearly as much as I would like here about my recent health journeys, but living gluten free has become a part of everyday life for me. I will be the first to admit it was (and still is) the biggest adjustment I think I have had to make my entire life. It [...]
I’m going to be honest. My daughter (who is almost 3) has a wayyyyy better wardrobe then I do. She has more shoes, almost as many accessories, and some seriously cute clothes. Thanks to to Gymboree, her wardrobe just got even better! Disclosure: As always all opinions and statements expressed are those of the author. [...]
We know it’s important to take pictures and record our children’s youth and there’s never been a time in history where it’s easier, more convenient or more beautiful than it is now. And guess what… you don’t even need a top of the line camera! Today I want to offer all of you a challenge.. [...]
Our first recipe of 2013 is simple, basic, yummy and nutritious. It’s a very fun twist for oatmeal, warm and comforting! Honestly I didn’t feel that it added any extra time to this morning’s breakfast prep (possibly 2 minutes for cutting the apples). This can be made with your choice of all ingredients, meaning that [...]
As many of you are aware, recently I have had to change my eating habits rather drastically. As a carb lover in general and huge fan of milk and breads, this was a rather big blow to my psychie, just saying! Thankfully, there are a lot of products on the market to help me in [...]
When I was at the Coca-Cola Convention last month, there was a presentation by Target who is one of their many business partners. Although I don’t tend to shop at Target often, this was definitely a very fun session with great ideas and treats and it was fun to get introduced to their Market Pantry [...]
I am currently trying to cut out drinking cows milk. As sad as this statement is to me (those who know me best understand how difficult this is for me), I have to say I have been very impressed with some of the great brands out there like Silk who offer amazing alternatives! I can [...]
Looking for something sweet, but super low in calories that’s also summery and that might just make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation? Ok, well maybe it doesn’t quite do all that, and you’d have to actually like coconut (which I LOVE, but the kids around here… not so much), but for me, [...]
Mango is such a distinct flavor and it’s a very “sunny” fruit. Around here mango is commonly used in smoothies and an ingredient in salsas and other dishes, and they are surprisingly easy to use in your favorite recipes. The flesh of a ripe mango is juicy and tastes like a peach with just a [...]
I adore making applesauce, it’s simple and so yummy. Homemade applesauce is something that my kids adore. Some of them like it while it’s still warm, some of them prefer it after it’s cooled in the fridge awhile. Either way, there’s never any complaints and since I know exactly what’s going in it (all organic [...]
I adore smoothies, they are simple, quick and not only refreshing but so very good for you. This week has been gorgeous in our area and has me feeling all summery so I wanted to feature this fabulous Sweet Citrus Smoothie with all of you. Sweet Citrus Smoothie Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla fat-free yogurt 2 [...]
As promised ladies, today you’re in for Treat 3 featuring a recipe from The Looneyspoons Collection as well as another Interview segment from the authors, Janet and Greta Podleski. Once again, I’m in love with the versatility of the recipes in their cookbook and today I’m so excited to feature their Welcome Back, ‘Cotta recipe [...]
As promised, today is Treat 2 featuring The Looneyspoons Collection by Janet & Greta Podleski. Today I will not only be featuring another Q&A from my interview with them, but I am also featuring their fabulous Corn, Black Bean and Mango Fandango (which is a yummy fresh salad) recipe straight from the book that they so graciously [...]
Welcome to A Frog In My Soup! My name is Shera and I am the mom behind the "Soup" or the "Frogs" whichever you happen to be reading about. My hubby and I have been married for 19 years. We have 6 sons that frequent these pages: CJ (17), Salesman (14), Tater (13), J-Man (9) & The TwinkyDinks (or Tweebs depending on their mood) - Bugs & Monkey (6 & 6). This blog is a little piece of my life, a large piece of my sanity with a lot of my heart thrown in. There are days I laugh and … Read more
