You won’t break my soul

A few weeks ago, I walked out of a room in the gym and heard, “You won’t break my soul” and saw a woman walking out of another gym room dancing and singing while Beyonce’s song blasted over the speakers.

“I want to be like you when I grow up,” I said to her as she continued dancing and singing. Like, full on body movement and singing like she was in the shower alone.

She chuckled and said, “That song does it for me. It hits me deeply. Four months ago, I couldn’t even get out of bed because I was so depressed. Coming to the gym saved me.”

Movement is critical to getting unstuck.

For my fellow gym mate, that meant working out daily. For others, it might mean simply getting out of the bed and taking a shower.

Depression can cause a shutdown of all things not necessary for survival. Depression can consume the body and the mind.

If you don’t have the energy to get out of bed, sit up in the bed.

If you don’t have the energy to take a shower, brush your teeth or wash your face.

If you don’t have the energy to exercise, stand up and raise your hands over your head.

If you don’t have the energy to leave the house, go to a different room.

Little movements can lead to bigger ones.

The woman at the gym started with a day or two a week four months ago. Now, it’s a daily part of her routine. The depression is lifting.

Don’t let depression break your soul. If you’re feeling stuck, move.  You might be the one to motivate someone else to stick around.