Internal Debate - not trans related

[butter_n_sugar]

i tried to cancel christmas this year, i'm not christian and not a believer. however, having grown up "culturally christian" i have a great fondness for the carols and the decorations and the presents and the warm cozy comforting feeling that christmas is to me. i wanted to cancel it because it felt hypocritical to participate in this event

Comments

[hhholiday]

i think depression is made of self-joy-squelching. at least it has been for me. cuz when i cannot handle feeling sad-mad-bad, i eventually stop myself from feeling anything-- and that constitues a real depression. it takes energy and (dare i say it) strength to feel at the extreme ends of the spectrum, and depression happens when i can't or won't go there with myself.

i send hugs.

[butter_n_sugar]

i feel your hugs!

xxoo

[leah_puppette]

omg of course! Depression is anger turned inward. When you are angry you do not have the space for joy. I have a special way of checking in on how im feeling. This is my barometer..... If I see a couple kissing on the street and I think to myself.."aaahhhh love!" I know Im feeling pretty good. If I see a couple kissing on the street and think to myself, "go get a room" I know I am not happy and have to figure out what is going on.
I know this seems a rather simplified way of looking at life but it is my barometer.

I had an experience of intense sadness a couple of years ago and went to a meditation workshop and worked on this sadness and brought light and forgiveness and it took it away.

Circumstantial (or reactive) depression can produce the loss of joy and chemical depression... geez... meds are your answer for sure.

Good luck honey and if you ever want to talk... im right here on the other coast!

[butter_n_sugar]

thanks puppette

xxoo

[plaid_is_best]

I think the best part of the holidays is spending time with friends, seeing sparkly lights shining in the darkness, and not being in Vegas or times square. The church and the jews stole the holidays from pagan religions, who celebrated the changing of the seasons.
I think any reason to celebrate with friends is a good reason. M thinks that any reason to redecorate is a good one. Holidays are good in and of themselves.

[butter_n_sugar]

thanks for that, plaid

your words take some of the edge off of it all

you and m are both right

[plaid_is_best]

Hugs and good wishes for a fun filled holidays! We will see you next year at Nolose....yay!

[fattest]

Hey Joe, do you and your lovely wife wanna come to this? I think it will be a great opportunity for some real holiday joy.

http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/1026

[butter_n_sugar]

i'm in

gotta check with the lovely

will get back to you

thanks

Joe

[seyewailo]

1) Merry Christmas!

2) It's a pagan holiday. Jesus came later. We can all celebrate the return of the light. Especially those with low serotonin.

3) Of course it is possible to squelch your own joy. Been doing it for years. I'm only beginning to even understand the things that bring me joy, and to pay attention to what makes me sad and what makes me happy.

4) Christmas lights. We need to go on a tour. Blast the tunes and ho ho ho around town. You up for it?

[butter_n_sugar]

That sounds great!

thanks for the bullet points.