I really love my life, but I could have chosen not to like it. I chose to like it.
—Barbara Bush
One of the most touching things I read about the Bushes was that after the death of three-year-old Robin from leukemia Barbara was severely depressed. She knew she had to change when she overheard George W. tell a friend he couldn’t come out because he had to play with his mother, she was sad. That was too big a burden to place on a child.
That’s one of the most important reasons to be happy — so you won’t be a burden to the people you love.
April 18, 2018
True.
Why make the people you love unhappy too.
And… to be happy that you have people to love.
I agree!
But I wonder if a person who is truly depressed realises they could be a burden to others? I would imagine their thoughts would be centred on themselves and the despair they are feeling.
The Golfer often talks about choosing to be happy- I wonder if there’s something wrong with me because I never give it a thought. The word happy covers so many feelings – at times I would say I’m content rather than happy.
Take care
Cathy
Content is good. Barbara was being consumed with grief until she realized the affect it had on little George. That was enough to wake her up and get her focused on something bigger than herself.
an awareness and sensitivity to others.
i read that too and thought how hard it would be to lose a little 3 year old daughter. but also how much that little 7 year old future president needed her love right then. and he was alive. she was a strong lady.
he wasn’t a favorite of mine. but that showed remarkable empathy in a little child of that age. she had already rubbed off on him!
a really remarkable lady i think.
Yes, she was remarkable, and his empathy touched my heart.
The more I learn about her, the more I respect her.
Yes. She was a cool lady.
Very true that depression can be a big burden on those around you who have to cope with your low spirits. But it’s very hard to lift yourself out of that dismal state once it’s overwhelmed you. I’m very glad I never get seriously depressed, feeling fed up for half an hour is the nearest I get.
Of course it’s hard.
lost in a bit of a downer myself right now – I went away on a retreat – came home feeling heaps “I can survive” – then a couple of issues kind of seen me fall backwards…
one to do with retreat place – invoice/s – when they didn’t explain why the 2nd invoice was so high…apparently they hadn’t noticed I had paid #1 but now say “wait and we will adjust soon”
the other this hot water outage – related to how the lines company manage a major power outage/storm damage.
I think my best option is to get on with making ART 🙂
Yes! Hurray for creative projects!