What keeps you going?

When times are hard, and I mean really hard, what keeps you guys going?

The fact that, my darkest moments is where I seem to always find the light. Every time I have hit the bottom, something wonderful has happened to me. I hold on to the idea that if I gave up in those moments, I'd never have known what was possible.

Like recently...I spent a few months in late 2015 only able to think about jumping off a bridge. And right when it seemed to hit the bottom, I met my amazing girlfriend. I had no idea the impact this woman could have on my life, but she helped me get back on track. And things are better now than they were. I have a job with a cool boss, it is chill work too. We're even moving in together soon and I can't wait to get out of this place I am currently in! lol.

I could go on about the darker times but you get the idea. I just keep reminding myself that if you give up, you may never know how close you really are. I hold on to that idea, and the times I have lived that, so often and it keeps me going. This picture means a lot to me:

Ignorant, relentless stubbornness and pride. I don't think, I get $#%^ done.

coffee
lots of coffee
and porn
lots of porn

listening to sad songs helps. i accept the pain and let it pass. but it doesnt go at times n of late its getting worse.

I echo Witches and Lusid
Holding on to the small happy stuff and remembering things will get better given a chance.
Most of us have been at rock bottom too and its hard to think there is anything positive to be happy about but start with the small stuff ..

Nice weather allowing you to do that walk you wanted months ago when you couldn't
Bitting that nice cream cake and thinking OMG that was so good
Seeing a old friend for coffee and a chat

you get the idea
be grateful of the small things ...and then big things will appear like what happened for Witches

Im also stubborn and wont stay down for long, my survival instincts kick in when im low

Looking after my father (he is old and getting less able to do things now), and the hope of getting back together with my wife (however unlikely it may be). When those inevitably come to an end, I have no desire to keep going. Looking forward to what will be (and I know what it will be) I'd simply rather not be there to see it.

Echinacea wrote:Holding on to the small happy stuff and remembering things will get better given a chance.
Most of us have been at rock bottom too and its hard to think there is anything positive to be happy about but start with the small stuff ..

Nice weather allowing you to do that walk you wanted months ago when you couldn't
Bitting that nice cream cake and thinking OMG that was so good
Seeing a old friend for coffee and a chat

I'm actually getting better at appreciating the small things, which I didn't think I was able to. It's not enough as such and I'm still understimulated as hell, but it helps with the day-to-day monotony. +1 human point to me.

My son. I have to be there for him. I have to make sure he doesn't experience being abandoned from a parent like I did. And I owe to myself to have a better life, so the idea that my bad day is only a day, only a phase, and that it will be over, that it can't last forever.