Feeling so grateful. Despite having a tough week, I’m still able to feel joy. via /r/gratitude

I've lived with depression for a long time, but it got severe for a few years. I couldn't leave my bed, my house became that of a hoarder, I ended up hospitalized. Through this last year I have been fortunate to find two amazing therapists and finally find medication that helps. Today was a very bad day. An end to a week that has thrown serious challenges my way.

I still slept. I still ate. I still went swimming. Nothing was perfect. The sadness and hurt were still present. But the sunset at the pool was beautiful. I got one night of very restful sleep. I ate enough to keep my body going.

Then today I randomly came across Lollapalooza 2025. I didn't even know this was back. KORN was tonight's headliner. Watching them was fun and nostalgic. I felt happy for the people who were there in person and genuinely hoped that they were having a good time. I posted in the Lollapalooza sub and had some fun little exchanges. The camera panned out several times where you could see the whole stage against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline at sunset. It was magnificent.

Earlier, I was watching Community. I needed a laugh, but was afraid it wouldn't hold up. Troy and Abed are still my spirit friends. I belly laughed. I threw my head back. I might have slapped my thigh.

About a year ago I was discharged from the hospital. I have been in intensive therapy for the better part of the year. It's been hard. Frustrating at times. There are times where I did not feel grateful for anything. But I kept going. I kept jotting down little things or saying them out loud or doing it because Finch reminded me to. Throughout this whole week, even when the bad stuff happened, I found myself going back to the good things. I'm proud of how much progress I've made. I'm excited for the things I get to do. I'm feeling happiness for the first time in so long.

I am grateful for getting to this place where I can see the joy even when the bad things come.