Thanks, Kari!

Love the analogy, Kari, and the great way you have of writing it! Hope you're having a fun summer! We've been extremely smoky lately, but no fires threatening us. Looking forward to a camping/hiking trip to Yellowstone on Wednesday which should give us a respite!

Love those points, Kari. I have a history of agonizing over decisions - still struggle with it, but much better than I was. I love point #5 - that's the one I need to work on. Also, If I do #6, it's much easier to make the decision - but I don't always do #6!

I like your writing today, Kari! I thought it was great! One helpful thing to remember is that we're often our own worst critic. I wrote the questions (and gathered the Bible verses) in my latest book (The Renewing of the Mind Project) to help me when I'm having those days where I feel like my writing is terrible or can't get myself to write. They help me have conversations with God that take off the lies and put on the truth and encourage me to put my fingers to the keyboard again. I'm glad you didn't throw your computer against the wall - loved your post. :)

Same with me. It doesn't become bad until I use it in the wrong way.
My recent post 13 Questions to Ask Before You Give Advice

This a great list of what do to when you don't know what to do, Kari! I'm always happier when I do these things rather than going the escape route - not that I always do the things that make me happier!
My recent post 13 Questions to Ask Before You Give Advice

This is an interesting discussion, Kari. I'm an extrovert, and yes, I've struggled with depression on and off! I think you might not see it with extroverts as often because we're usually not depressed when we're with other people - we're energized.

When I've been depressed, it's usually because I'm not getting enough social interaction. This happened for me when my kids were young and I was homeschooling, and it sometimes happens because I'm a writer, which is a very non-social profession. One of the things I do which really helps is to write at the bakery or coffee shop where I'm surrounded by people.
My recent post 13 Questions to Ask Before You Give Advice

Congrats on making your goal, Kari - that's amazing!
My recent post 16 Help for Depression: Part 2

This sounds great, Kari - Did you make it to your goal of 50,000 words? That is a huge goal in two days! I don't think I could ever do it. I love going on retreats - mine are usually one day retreats to spend with God, praying, renewing my mind, and reading my Bible. Sometimes I go with a friend and when I do that, we include walks, lunch, and visiting about what God is teaching us during the time we're alone.

Interestingly, sometimes God seems to bring ME on retreats! This happened just last week. My daugher called at 11:30 Friday morning and said, "Mom, you should come visit me this weekend." I through a bunch of stuff in the car, took off and was there in time for dinner. (She lives 4 plus hours away."

I was thinking of how boring it would be to drive all that way by myself, but I listened to a couple of podcasts and then God started talking to me and I had a big breakthrough in the area of perfectionism. I honestly think He planned that trip because He wanted to talk to me.

And interestingly, even though I was a bit reluctant to go because I was overwhelmed with finishing up my book, the things He taught me about perfectionism along the way were far more productive than staying home writing all day Friday and Saturday. Plus my daughter and I had a great time walking on the trails all over and around town and just a fun, relaxing visit.
My recent post 16 Help for Depression: Part 2

That's interesting. I'm never hard on myself when I teach. Only when I write. I wonder why we're hard on ourselves in some areas and not in others? But I'm having some breakthroughs in that area! (After 2 1/2 years of renewing my mind a million times!)
My recent post 015 Help for Depression with Betty Mullaney