In response to the comment by "The Informer", just wanted to let all interested parties know about the news show "Mosaic." I used to DVR Mosaic years ago when I was much more involved in the Middle East. Basically it provides news from different Middle Eastern countries. It is a refreshing break from CNN or whatever.
TV channels vary, but Mosaic can be viewed online here: http://www.linktv.org/mosaic/ at the following times:
Air Times on Link TV
7:30pm PT/10:30pm ET, Monday-Friday
6:30am PT/9:30am ET, Tuesday-Saturday
11:30am PT/2:30pm ET, Tuesday-Friday
Anyway, the purpose of this post is to say that this morning I woke up feeling less down, less insecure, less lonely, less tired, and more alive. I think there has been a noticeable positive trend in my mental state for a while now, although lately I had occasionally been noticeably more down and bored. But I am choosing to believe that those feelings were the last lingering suction cups of depression attempting to hang on. Not to suggest that film is reality or compare myself to a woman, but I often found myself mulling a statement by Clive Owen's character in the movie "Closer". In describing his relationship with Julia Roberts to Jude Law's character, he says "Depressives don't want to be happy. They want to be unhappy to confirm their depression. If they were happy, they couldn't be depressed anymore. They'd have to go out into the world and live, which can be depressing."
Closer is not a favorite of mine, but the line always stuck with me. Partly I find it funny, and partly true. Depression can become like a collective experience and a way of life. You want be around those to whom you can relate, which often limits your company to others who are depressed, and in turn makes depression a constant. Fashionable even.
But now I feel I'm coming to terms with myself, my life, my friends. I don't need to go out or be around people to feel good or social. I don't need to be in a relationship. I am fine on my own being myself. There is nothing to be ashamed of, no reason to be down or anxious.
I attribute the improvement to several things: increased communication and expression through blogging, music and other forms, supportive friends, exercise, and other things. Should I have talked to someone during this fairly long stretch of depression? Probably. Should I still talk to someone about it anyway despite feeling better? Probably. But I feel rejuvenated and the significant detour that the last few years have been is over.
So with that I declare an end to depression, misanthropy, cynicism, self-destructive behavior, and self-imposed pain. Out with old in and in with new, and so on.
I have been looking for this video forever! I like this show.
Greetings! Ahlan wa sahlan! Shalom!
I created this group as a place for those who are interested in the Middle East and North Africa to discuss thoughts, ideas, news, current events, books, etc. I once worked on these issues but have since moved on to another job. I remain interested in the region, its history, and U.S. policy.
As you can see from the group's icon featuring Palestine and Israel, and the group's description, this is a place where all are welcome except those who exhibit intolerance toward others. That said, feel free to join and post your thoughts and ideas. I only ask that you think before doing so!
-Zach
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very well said. :) read more
on A Reprieve