Clarksville, Tn — I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I HATE the time switch. I’m a warm weather fan, so moving the clocks back an hour just tells me that the cold weather is coming and it gets darker earlier.
But I don’t want to talk about the weather or the time switch. If you’ve been following my journey then you know my story. This motorcycle changed my life.
We’re approaching the holidays filled with family get togethers, turkey and dressing, Christmas music and Santa Claus. A festive time of the year and a time to give thanks and count our blessings. But this time of the year can be a struggle for some of you and I know exactly how you feel.
If you struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD or any other issue, this time of the year can be challenging. The holidays are a struggle for a lot of people, and can be hard to handle. I’m living proof that it doesn’t have to be that way and there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m not a doctor or a therapist. I’m just an average ordinary guy who worked his way through those “dark” days and I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to accept it, and you don’t have to feel this way. I didn’t take a pill and I didn’t use a therapist. For me, it was a motorcycle.
Depression/Anxiety are personal issues and your family and friends have NO IDEA what to do. Most people around you don’t even know how you feel and if they did, they don’t have a clue what to do. It’s not their fault.
When I realized that I was falling into a “funk” I realized that I had to take action and get busy. I had to get more active, so I started walking and doing the “little” things that my wife had wanted me to do. I found if I was busy, I didn’t have time to talk myself into despair.
STAY BUSY!
When I started meeting other bikers, I realized that those relationships were real. They were genuine. Brought together through a motorcycle and a love for this lifestyle. They didn’t want or need anything from me but my company and my respect.
What you’ll find is that you ARE special and you ARE worthy and productive. Most of the problem with depression and anxiety is the people you have in your life. Not necessarily your wife, spouse, roomate or co-worker. You know who I’m talking about.
When I fell into my depression, it hit me so quick, I didn’t realize what was happening. There were days I wouldn’t get out of bed for hours. I didn’t want anything to do with anybody and I couldn’t figure out why I felt that way.
Never give up. Never give in. Never EVER think about hurting yourself or others. You CAN work your way through it and you don’t need a pill or a bottle to do it.
Feel free to email me through my website if you need to talk to someone, or share your experience. There are agencies that are ready to help you work your way through your feelings. You DON’T have to go it alone and you DON’T have to let it conquer you.
I know how you feel and I’m here for you.
To stay engaged with me and my journey, follow me on Facebook here.
2 Comments
Edie Mae Woodruff
I so feel you. Loss my 35 year old son in a house fire Dec.6,2014. So besides the holidays,I have the dreaded day coming. The phone call I received that forever changed my life. I’ve dealt with it without medication and a bunch of pills. I also ride,its my therapy. But cold time of year to ride. My life stopped that day,time stands still and I pray every year….God please let me make it thru thi
Hank Bonecutter
Thanks for sharing your story with me. Sometimes we wonder “why?” and an answer never comes. I encourage you to take stock of all that is GOOD in your life and move towards the things that interest you or that you’ve always wanted to do. For me, it was a motorcycle and the people and places it brought me. God doesn’t want you to be sad, he wants you to find joy and happiness, but it’s up to YOU to do that. The people around you don’t know what to do, I can promise you that. Be strong and forge ahead. Try some new things and stay busy. Nothing can replace your loss, life is final and there’s no other way around it. One day at a time. Be strong!