When in the throes of a deep depression, I would sometimes reflect on my accomplishments and how they had been rendered meaningless by my lack of productivity. Luckily, as soon as my depressions subsided, so would my negative feelings, but my awards still lay collecting dust.
When I started my current job, my boss asked me decorate my office. I had just been on medical leave from my job as a teacher and had gone through six months of shock therapy, after which I decided to resign from teaching. I was still recovering from my depression and my self-esteem was pretty low, but I thought of the "brag wall" idea and of all of my awards stacked up on top of my filing cabinet at home. It seemed like the time to finally create a "brag wall".
The next day, I took all of my most meaningful awards to work, dusted them off, and hung them up. My "brag wall" definitely attracts attention. Most first-time visitors to my office look at the wall and ask questions about the awards they find interesting. It is fun to talk about my accomplishments. I used to be shy about discussing my awards, but now, with all I have been through, thinking about how consistently productive I have been, for most of my life, motivates me to keep moving forward at times when I am feeling less than optimistic.
Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteA Brag Wall is a great idea! I scrapbook as a form of art therapy and to remember the good times, what I have worked so hard for, and why I keep fighting this illness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. Glad your brag wall brings you joy and connection with others.
Now I have moved into a new office. My new office walls are covered with original artwork, so all of my wall space is taken up. My awards are back at home, but the experience of having a "brag wall" was quite interesting. I would recommend creating one either at home or at work - at least for a while.
ReplyDeleteHi I came across your blog because I wanted a gold star image to create a t-shirt. So when I read your blog I was surprise because I suffer from Bipolarity type 1 and I know how difficult it can be when your depressed all the time. Just wanted to say your story is inspiring and things do get better with time.
ReplyDeleteI hope you found your star. I've gotten used to having ups and downs and taking medication, etc., and I've noticed that, all things considered, things have gotten better with time. It's good to hear that from you, as well.
ReplyDelete