I love being active.

I know that this may be one of those generic statements at which people tend to be puzzled. But, I really do mean it when I say I love being active.

Exercise can be difficult for me, mostly because I often find myself unmotivated to get up and go. As a graduate student, I also have a hectic schedule. I work part-time, take graduate level classes, conduct psychology and communication research projects, and teach introduction courses in both basic and interpersonal communication.

When do I have the time to work out the way I want to?

This summer, I actually took my dusty bike off the racks in my parents' garage and brought it with me when I moved for graduate school. I was excited that I was going to finally take up biking again. As a kid, I spent many, many hours riding around the neighborhood. I had such an enthusiasm for biking.

I have not been on my bike for seven years. Seven years. That's a very long time. I tried picking it up a few years ago, but I just did not have the endurance to go for a long ride.

After several years of working out in college, I have better endurance. I love to walk and go for long hikes. But, I was still afraid that I'd be unable to ride very far and that it would take a few months to build up my endurance on my bike.

I woke up smiling today. It was the first time in months I felt a grin that big. The sun was shinning, a breeze tickled my face as I stepped outside on my balcony.

It was almost like the sun and sky were smiling back at me, redeeming itself from the dark, cold, and grey months it put me through.   

It smelled like spring, hope, a new beginning, and a time for growth.  My heart felt lighter and I began crying, as I knew the worst was over. I made it through another winter.  

Depression. 

It's such a simple, three-syllable word, yet its power is confined to those who've fully experienced it. Those like me. 

It’s extremely personal, but I know writing has the ability to affect some sort of change, whether it’s small or large. I also know writing and reading others' personal stories of overcoming this mental illness has saved my life.