Lifting each other up

Had a conversation with a good friend today who is suffering from the same fears, anxiety and depression I have been experiencing this past year.  The circumstances instigating it are different but I could understand exactly how they were feeling at this time.  Anxiety and depression are something I have dealt with in the past but I have never dealt with them at such a deep level before.  The depression is crippling and overwhelming.  It eats away at every part of you leaving you feeling small and worthless.  The anxiety heightens it and makes you feel like you are fighting to get out of your own skin.  One day you think you are turning a corner and the next you fell hysterical and back at square one.  I am thankful for the medication I can take to help control it.  I have realized, maybe only as of today, that I am doing the best I can.  Maybe my house isn't spotless, my laundry caught up or my house beautifully organized as the suggestions I see on Pinterest.  I may not do crafts with my children or bake them cookies everyday.  But I get up each morning and get myself to work.  My kids are progressing well in school and they are coming to terms (to some degree) with how our life is now even though their daddy is so far away.  We have food to eat, warm beds and best of all we have so much love in our home.  Weekends are the hardest for me.  I feel my most overwhelmed and sad.  Right now not much gets done around the house.  But I know it won't last forever and that feels empowering.  I have had this epiphany and maybe, just maybe, it might slowly start getting better from this point on.  But if it doesn't happen as quickly as my mind says it should I am going to lay off of myself and take it one day at a time.  I have also learned through this process to not judge others because we don't know what they're going through.  I want to show compassion to those around me.  Be a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and have arms to hold you up when you feel you can't take another step.  My village has done that for me and will continue to do so whenever I need it or my babies need it.  Maybe being a part of my friends village will allow that me to do it for her.  Friend, I love you and am here for you.  Tomorrow is a new day and a new chance.  So is each one after that. Remember you are loved by your village around you and your Father in Heaven.  Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of the church I belong to, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He is pictured below with his quote that I felt was perfect for this post.