I Shaved My Legs – Day 1

flower

I shaved my legs today.

Yeah. In the grand scheme of life, that’s not something to brag about, but for Blue Brandi, it’s an accomplishment. Over the last few months I’ve been teetering on the brink of extreme sadness, and more often than I’d like to admit, I’ve stumbled through days pushing with every inch of my life to just.get.through.it. Earlier this year, a switch flipped in my brain, flooding my mind with terrible memories that have been working overtime to remind me that  I don’t deserve love, I am ruined, broken, and otherwise not worthy.

Lies.

Depression is a dirty, filthy liar.

Except that, sometimes though, depression is convincing. And like a possessive lover that uses mind tricks to control, depression has had me questioning every move I make, scared to bare myself, anxious about going out and being around people because I’m  ruined, broken, and otherwise not worthy. Everything from the clothes that I’ve been wearing to the way I’ve been styling my hair have been dictated by the deception of depression, low self-esteem, and an overall sense of blue.

Your legs are too fat to wear those shorts.

Everyone can see your bald spot when you wear your hair like that.

No one thinks you’re interesting. Why don’t you just stop talking?

That mom is way more fun than you.

That guy’s wife is probably normal. 

You’re not smart enough.

What have you actually succeeded at? 

Today, though, I did my hair, ate breakfast and lunch, went to the coffee shop to work, unplugged to watch Ayva dance for an hour, and started dinner.

I prayed for my family, and for my friends.

And I shaved my legs.

Day 1.

14 responses to “I Shaved My Legs – Day 1”

  1. Lori Latimer Avatar

    Man, Brandi. I can really relate. I’ve been wanting to write about how torn up I feel, how scared and out of control with sadness I feel lately, but I can’t face it. I go to work. I train. I see my friends and family. I look outside myself and see all this happiness, all this greatness. But I can’t feel it inside.

    For me, my version of shaving my legs is these past two weeks when I could actually get up early enough to do my strength conditioning before work. It shows me I still care. I have to tell myself little things like that are the ways that I will love myself. Easier said than done, right?

    You have a presence in my mind and spirit. I will continue to send out love and good vibes your way.

    1. Patricia Cook Avatar
      Patricia Cook

      Beautiful girl, I wish you could see what the rest of the world sees. Every encounter with you through SF has left me feeling your lovely spirit and grace. About a year ago, I read your blog from the very beginning, and was so truly impressed by how far you have come. You are doing the right thing by talking about your depression. I’m saying a prayer for you and will keep you in my thoughts.

  2. Ann Imig Avatar
    Ann Imig

    I wish you could see what I see. Be gentle with you. Hugs.

  3. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    Good for you! Not just for taking a step toward healing, but for being transparent! This post just proves we never know what others are going through! You are such an encouragement to me every time we talk online or through google chat! Praying for you today!!!

  4. MommyPowers! Avatar
    MommyPowers!

    Yes! One day at a time, Mama! You are an amazing person, don’t let those lies tell you otherwise. Love you, my friend. ❤️

  5. Bernetta Avatar
    Bernetta

    I am with Ann, I wish you could see what I see… the thing is, my husband me tells me the same thing (I wish you could see what I see). Keep doing the good you are doing, you are an inspiration!

  6. Arelis Cintron Avatar

    Wrapping you in a big embrace right now love. So many things have been going on this year that I don’t have time to hear the voices. But they are the reason why I don’t own a pair of shorts. But you know they are lies … lies … lies. One day at a time is great. Let me know if there’s anything you need. Just a text away! Thank God for Terrence! Praying for you and your family. It is hard to face and hard to explain, but you openly speaking about it helps us all! Thank you for that! Thank you for being you! Tell those lies to hush!

  7. Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz Avatar
    Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

    Sending you lots of love my friend. I’ve been there. Depression is a sneaky and convincing liar. You are beautiful, intelligent and amazing and I admire you greatly. Give yourself permission to be happy and to love yourself like others love you. Take it one day at a time and keep up being your wonderful self. Depression will have no option than go back to that black hole from where it came. A big hug!!

  8. Mallery Schuplin Avatar
    Mallery Schuplin

    Day 1: I am here for you.

  9. maryanne @ mama smiles Avatar

    {hugs} – and congratulations! Depression is tough.

  10. beverly spell Avatar
    beverly spell

    I just found your blog through disqus and I’m so glad I did. I read about your depression and send you prayers and thanks for actually writing about your struggle. Ive been wanting to somehow include it in my blog and reading yours I feel the strength to somehow talk about it. I have had depression and anxiety since my teens but worsened after the death of my dad, mom, and grandparents. I have since gotten help and am on meds but still have those same kind of days you are talking about. You are not alone! If you ever feel that way reach out, i’m here and I don’t know your beliefs but so is the Lord. My favorite bible scripture gives me and hopefully you strength. It says,” I can do ALL things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength”. Give him your cares and worries , he is the one thing that gets me through each day. No, I’m not perfect or even close but somehow he still loves us!! Even with all our “flaws”. Hold on hunny do not give up and keep moving forward, you’ve got alot going for you and I feel privilaged to have found you and your blog! Thanks so very much! beverly spell

    1. beverly spell Avatar

      P.s. That scripture is found in philippians chapter 4 verse 13 thanks again and God bless you!

      1. brandijeter Avatar

        Thank you so much, Beverly!

    2. brandijeter Avatar

      Beverly, you have no idea how much this sweet message means to me right now. I appreciate you taking the time to write, and I LOVE that verse. You’ve just reminded me to meditate on it for awhile. Thank YOU so much!

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