Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I really have been struggling on if I wanted to write a blog about depression. Yes, depression is a subject that most people try to avoid, but I don’t want to avoid any part of my personal story. Well, here we go. When my mother passed away in December 2015 my whole world changed. Even though I know my mother is in a better place and no longer have to suffer or be in pain, I felt so hurt and defeated. I truly felt like I could not do enough within my power to help my mother overcome her illness. Even as I write this blog, I just feel some kind of way. My eyes get full of tears and my emotions start racing all over the place. Nevertheless, I fell into a deep depression throughout my grieving process. I no longer wanted to be bothered with the outside world, but I still managed to be a wife, a mother, and work my part-time job. I felt empty inside and turned to reading God’s Word, praying, meditating, and writing in my journal for comfort. I’ve learned so much through this process, but the most important thing I learned was to express your feelings and not hold them in. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I read an inspirational book, sometimes I went for a long walk outdoors, sometimes I just screamed, sometimes I just wrote in my journal, and sometimes I just sat in silence. Through it all, God blessed me with my supportive husband, Elon Porter, who at times did not know what to do or what to say, but he never left my side. You know the old saying find something good in every situation? Well, I found the strength to start my own blog and my husband encouraged me to proceed. Believe it or not, if I would not have experienced such a low place in my life, you probably would not have the pleasure of visiting my blog and reading this one right now. Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit was created in memory of my mother, Rosalynn K. Russell and my father, James O. Russell. My parents were so supportive of everything that I did in life, all of my personal accomplishments. If I could help someone else overcome depression or any of life’s many challenges, I am up for the task. Writing this blog is a part of my personal story. No matter what life throws at you, stay committed to your task at hand, reach out to your family and friends for support, seek counseling with a licensed therapist, write your feelings in a journal, but never allow yourself to drown in the belly of depression. Remember, depression is not healthy for you or for those around you. Thank you for listening and sharing this precious time with me. Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

In Loving Memory of
Rosalynn K. Russell
November 29, 1942 – December 19, 2015

In Loving Memory of
James O. Russell
June 12, 1941 – July 9, 2003

Quote:
I have fallen, but I will get up. -Maya Angelou

Inspirational Thought:
You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, condemned, ashamed or unworthy. You were created to be victorious.

Scriptures:
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

6 Ways to Stay Positive:
• Have Faith in God’s Plan
• Put Everything in God’s Hands
• Practice Gratitude Daily
• Focus on Helping Others
• Surround Yourself with Laughter
• Write it Out & Talk it Out