....Silence....

......Before I had a child, I could not stand the silence. Anytime I was alone, there would be some sort of background noise.....typically a television on.....to drown out the silence. Then, I became a mother.....

Several years into motherhood, I discovered the joy of silence. Not that I disliked the "noise" of a child....I in fact loved it. But I grew up and realised how much you can hear in an hour or two of silence. Just being still.....no background noise.....just yourself and your thoughts.......or sometimes not even your thoughts if you are able to turn them off.

I learned that in that time of silence and stillness I could hear the most important thoughts...I am able to discover the most creative ideas in that time of silence. Being still, being silent and listening....you hear more than you could ever possibly hear in the midst of all that noise. No distractions.

So listen to the silence.

-Depression Is Serious.-

Today we learn of the passing of Robin Williams, who suffered from depression. Death by alleged suicide. Sadly, depression is a serious illness and can take lives just as easily as a physical illness.

Sadly though, depression is not well-discussed. Many suffer alone, in silence. Depression has a stigma. Long ago, the depressed were considered "crazy" (which is not an actual medical diagnosis by any means) and were locked away in an insane asylum. Depression is treatable, it is manageable. But we have to be able to have the "depression discussion" - safely without fear of judgement.

Depression is treatable with medications as well as therapy. It's healing to share, to talk openly rather than hide away behind that fake "everything is just fine smile." You know the smile.

Ask for help. Don't try and manage it all alone. Others have been there too. Support one another, lean on each other. Be there for emotional and physical support.

Depression is real. It is serious. And it hurts many.