For the first time in my life I can finally say it

[Foggy]

I am truly happy with my life. In fact, I love it. I've felt this way for the last three months or so and I've been through a number of trials that would have normally brought me into depression, like suffering a pretty rough break up with my girlfriend of a year and a few months who I am in love with. It hurts, but I feel as though I can grieve without losing control of myself. I have been prone to depression, despair, and even occasional suicidal thoughts during the past 5 years and it feels really good to have that behind me. Can I say for sure that it will never surface in my life again - no. But I have grown so much in the last few months, and it feels good to finally be out of the emotional cycle that I was in for so long. I feel pretty confident in saying that this isn't just an extremely long "up" period. This feels different, almost surreal, and I no longer expect or fear falling back down into depression.

It's difficult to explain what lead me to this. In a way I just woke up one morning and all these ideas that I've gathered from various sources - Stevepavlina, other sites, friends and family - came together and I realized that I needed to accept myself for who I am, flaws and all. This is kind of a thank you to this community for playing a role in helping me get here, and hopefully it will give some hope to those stuck in a similar situation, unsure if it's possible to get out.

[Daffy Duck]

Originally Posted by Foggy

In a way I just woke up one morning...

I know what you mean. I've had moments in my life where suddenly everything just "clicked" as well.

I'm very glad to hear of your success. It's always nice to hear about stuff like this.

[Deergirl]

Foggy that's awesome! I'm glad to hear you feel happy and that you are able to enjoy life as it is. Keep on rocking!

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I am truly happy with my life. In fact, I love it. I've felt this way for the last three months or so and I've been through a number of trials that would have normally brought me into depression, like suffering a pretty rough break up with my girlfriend of a year and a few months who I am in love with. It hurts, but I feel as though I can grieve without losing control of myself. I have been prone to depression, despair, and even occasional suicidal thoughts during the past 5 years and it feels really good to have that behind me. Can I say for sure that it will never surface in my life again - no. But I have grown so much in the last few months, and it feels good to finally be out of the emotional cycle that I was in for so long. I feel pretty confident in saying that this isn't just an extremely long "up" period. This feels different, almost surreal, and I no longer expect or fear falling back down into depression.

It's difficult to explain what lead me to this. In a way I just woke up one morning and all these ideas that I've gathered from various sources - Stevepavlina, other sites, friends and family - came together and I realized that I needed to accept myself for who I am, flaws and all. This is kind of a thank you to this community for playing a role in helping me get here, and hopefully it will give some hope to those stuck in a similar situation, unsure if it's possible to get out.

I am so happy for you

I love it when things just work out and life feels amazing

[Aleksander Krstic]

Wow that makes two of us!

[Eric Roosevelt]

This is good news, Foggy. Looks like you're out of the fog now.

Usually it's small things that enter our consciousness at some point - a personal development article, a motivational song or piece of advice - that has cumulative effects over time, and works in our subconsciousness so that it seems like we suddenly "click" one day, when really you're just receiving the results of seeds that you planted earlier.

It's not always easy pinpointing exactly how we managed to make progress.

[Albalida]

*gives you e-hugs* Congrats!

[themaster]

Congratulations.. now on to phase 2

[Nathalie]

Way to go Foggy. I think you're onto something, self acceptance is key.

Thanks for sharing. More "success stories" help others see what's possible.