Day 3734: No one is alone

Whenever I do my groups, read your comments, or connect with other people, I know that no one is alone.

Last night, I was alone when I went to the latest production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods in Boston, which includes the song “No One Is Alone.”

Even those of us who had come to the theatre alone last night knew that no one is alone when we heard Stephen Sondheim’s beautifully unifying music and lyrics. We also knew that no one is alone as we cheered and applauded together as one, after every single song throughout the performance.

I assume that I wasn’t alone last night when I cried, again, during “No One is Alone” — performed here by the original cast of Into the Woods (which I was not alone in completely adoring):

.

Do you see evidence that no one is alone in my images for today?

.

No one is alone if they love kittens or puppies, have near misses, realize they’re OK, or talk about the weather on World Meteorological Day.

No one is alone struggling to deal with the aftermath of the pandemic. Today, I’ll know that no one is alone when, for the first time in over three years, I attend a social workers meeting in-person at the hospital where I work.

Thanks to all those who help us realize that no one is alone, including YOU!

Day 3294: Speeches

Last night, after I had listened to President Joe Biden’s excellent speech about the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I asked this question about speeches on Twitter:

.

I could make a speech about how great the answers were, including these:

Here is one of the great speeches cited above:

.

Any speeches about this or my other images for today?

Joan the cat makes speeches all the time. I don’t speak cat but I can usually catch the gist of her speeches, including this one:

If you want to make a speech about this “Speeches” post, there’s room below.

My speeches always include gratitude, so thanks to all who help me create this daily blog, including YOU.

Day 1837: SAD

What is your first association with SAD?

My first association with SAD these days is that it’s a negative and judgmental way to end a tweet. SAD.

My second association, these days, is Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is

a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), medications and psychotherapy.

Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

I’m happy to quote the Mayo Clinic, above, about SAD.  I’m sad to report that many people I know are currently dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. I may have some SADness, too, because I struggle to keep my mood and motivation steady during this time of year.

The steps I take to keep my mood and motivation steady include

• sharing my thoughts and feelings,
• helping others,
• eating healthy and comforting food,

• avoiding snow and ice,

• being inspired by others,

• seeking light wherever I can find it,

• and listening to music.

At least, Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” reminds me that summer is on the way.

Yesterday, in my therapy group, people talked about making gratitude lists to help themselves feel less sad.  My gratitude list includes all those who helped me create this SAD post and — of course! — YOU.