I belong to a Toastmasters club in Canada. Been 3 years since our local club chartered. This year I was talked into being President. Now that is a big challenge for an introvert with depression. I have found it hard work. Sometimes I feel like I am pretending to be someone else. Have to be brave and welcome guests. Organize meetings and get others to take on roles has been tough for me. Encourage others to work on their goals and sometimes being let down when members do not pull their weight. I have to learn that they are not really meaning to hurt me, they are just not taking responsibility for what they said they do.
Toastmasters has really given me the opportunity to try things that I never would have done on my own. I never imagined that I could chair a meeting, much less become club president.
This great frame of mind is not permanent, I still have occasions where I feel hopeless, but fortunately I learned more or less to put them in a different perspective.
Regarding joy in my life, I am having joy with my work, doing the best I can, even if salary and promotion opportunities are very limited. It would be nice to find another job but this involves to relocate and possible being an ex-pat, and the people I know who are an ex-pat I do not think they are very happy with the situation which doesn't give me much motivation to look for another job opportunities.
I still go to my local Toastmasters sessions every week. This is amazing for helping with my mood.
I also practice yoga everyday because I enjoy it so much, and it is so good for relaxation.
What I would need to improve now is my loving relationship, but there is always something to work on, right?
Just checking the site. Maintaining control of depression and anxiety is an ongoing battle but it is possible to live a satisfactory life. But it requires work, doing activities that help with mood and relaxation, challenge negative thoughts, making decisions while at the same time trying not to be perfect and allow space for errors and learning.
frame of mind is not permanent, I still have occasions where I feel hopeless, but fortunately I learned more or less to put them in a different perspective.
