I posted this on Facebook earlier this afternoon. It felt like the best way that I could contribute as an American on the eve of Election Day:
Anger is insidious. My mental health has only been able to improve this year because I turned down the volume on self-directed, internal negativity…
Of all of the things I’ve had run through my veins- from not enough clotting factor, to hepatitis B, HIV and hep C- nothing has been a bigger threat to my health than depression has. I’m thankful for all of the love, LUCK and advances in medicine that have given me the opportunity to be 49.
To recognize the long-game that is maintaining my mental health.
A friend who works in mental health has said that there is a crisis in the United States right now on that front. And I think that’s something we can all agree on.
So love yourself.
Love others.
And make the most of your beautiful life. That light shines for the people around you who may be in a period of struggle. Basically, we are all in this together, existing in body at the same moment in time… on a planet that has always had its fair share of human dramas. We are the products of our own triumphs and tragedies as well as the environments we grew up in. The circumstances of our lives: both within as well as out of our control.
So hang in there.
Ask for help if you are struggling.
Talk to your loved ones and be honest with your doctors. My belief system and medical resume require prioritizing this. It also allows me to listen for the messages of departed loved ones. I truly believe they check in once in a while, and are pulling for us. And if that’s not what I’m hearing, then I am forever grateful to the wonderful imagination that pleasantly surprises me in those tender moments.
Keep your hearts open, look to repair them if they start feeling a little clunky.
I believe in me.
I believe in you.
I believe in us.
*sitting ovation?*
I think I hear Mom clapping in the background, yelling “GO POOKIE!” It’s support for the words, but also a reminder that I actually have some work to do today. Somehow, nothing else felt as important as sharing these thoughts. Thanks for reading, take care of your beautiful self.
Dramatic horns blare out as a silly-looking jester arrives riding a donkey. He dismounts, catching his foot in a harness before splatting on the ground. Dusting himself off, he stands and unravels a scroll that stretches 10-feet long. He clears his throat, and then reads the following:
“So sayeth Shawn Decker, the 1992 Waynesboro High School Homecoming King!”
Always gotta end on a laugh line. My King Poo days may be behind me… but I am, and shall always be, a Decker.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Shawn
