I HATE what we've done to the world

We polluted our water and air, we've compromised our food, we've killed species after species. I'm angry that we've created a world where cancer, allergies, autism, Alzheimer's, asthma and other destructive health conditions thrive.

It's easter weekend. We've allowed the sugar pedlars to prosper with all the sugary garbage everywhere, and this is the weekend where sales of sugar related goods must truly reach an annual frenzy.

Children and adults everywhere will be participating in this annual sugar fest. It's what we do ... our society has embraced the selfish sweet carnival of cavities because it's what we know. It's really amazing if you think about it ... we eat too much refined sugar (hello cancer, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, etc.), we get cavities and have to get fillings (hello mercury and with it - tremors, impaired vision and hearing, paralysis, insomnia, emotional instability, developmental deficits during fetal development, and attention deficit and developmental delays during childhood.) ... it's insane.

We have sacrificed health and nutrition for "what tastes good" (at any expense). Sugar keeps us coming back for more and more, and it's EVERYWHERE. We have become victims of an industry that preys on our weaknesses in the name of profit.

Most of us eat things these days for pleasure and convenience. Humans should be intelligent enough to make smart choices for healthy, nutritious foods to provide our bodies with healthy fuel ... instead, most of us choose eat foods that are genetically modified... full of sugar, salt, artificial colours.

Has society allowed this because we are weak or stupid? Not completely ... it's because we are profit driven. Huge greedy corporations go to ANY lengths to make sure their profits keep rolling in. They make sure their products are produces, heavily promoted, and distributed regardless of health consequences and these products have become parts of or lives.

Change is hard for most people, so we keep doing what we've been doing. We grew up with these foods ... they are what we know ... they are familiar and comforting. It's just easier to keep doing what we've been doing.  The problem with that is "If you keep doing what you've been doing, you'll keep getting what you've been getting" (Cancer, allergies, heart disease, Alzheimer's, asthma, etc.).

Now don't get me wrong ... I'm no saint either. I have substantially cut down on sugar in my diet, but I'm not perfect either.

It's just ridiculous to me friends and loved ones all around us are dying horrible deaths because our society has normalized all these unhealthy things around us. It's a huge injustice to our world and ourselves ... and yet most of us keep right on doing it.

It's SO wrong.

Temporarily Depressed

I think most people who know me would likely say that I am a positive, competent person. Well, currently those qualities within me are being overridden by clinical depression. It's just temporary ... I hope to be more like my healthier self within a few weeks hopefully.

I debated going public with this ... some people can get uncomfortable with this type of thing. Some people can't relate to it ... some people are quite familiar with it. I thought I'd share this with you for a couple of reasons ... 1) to help some of you understand and 2) to perhaps somehow help me get better, faster. This is the third time in my life I've had to battle depression, so I know the terrain. For me it's a bumpy ride right now, but it won't last forever. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

If you have never been diagnosed / treated for depression, maybe you can think of depression as a kind of flu. It is an illness that is temporary (in my case) and treatable. I am on medication and seeing (3) doctors. I currently have difficulty with many things ... am easily overwhelmed ... at times angry, tired, weak, emotionally empty, unmotivated, uncaring, sad, drained. At times I will be short on patience ... some of the time I will be on the edge of tears. I have a hard time doing pretty much anything ... getting me off the couch is a challenge ... simple things like shaving or brushing my teeth can be very hard. I know that this will all pass in time.

If you see me out and about, it means that I have forced myself to get up and away from the couch. It probably has taken considerable effort. I know that trying to stay active is important to overcome this, so I will do my best to make it it happen. As with any health condition, we have a certain amount of control ...  I want to be healthy. I want to be energetic, active and positive. I will do my best to get back on track ASAP. (but it may take a little time and patience).

By the way- I'm not suicidal ... I would never do anything to harm myself. These days I just want to get healthy. I feel the weight of the world upon me. I can't seem to get a deep breath. Stairs can be daunting. I know that exercise, sleep and a healthy diet can help speed recovery, so I am doing my best to make healthy choices when I can ... some days I don't do so well, and some days are at least tolerable.

Please don't tell me to "look on the bright side" or "cheer up". I appreciate you care, but if you can't relate, please don't try to help or suggest things. Hugs are welcome (now or anytime), but don't feel like you should try to solve anything. I know what I have to do ... it may take some time, patience and fortitude, but it will be ok.

For now, please just understand that if I am a little quiet or withdrawn, if I am unmotivated, empty and lack energy, it's only temporary. I don't have much energy, but I will do all I can to get better soon. I don't enjoy being sick ... I am grateful for supportive people around me that are helping me back to better health.

I'll be ok.     In a while.