Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

Dean6805 says,

I'll go first: tendency toward addictive behaviors. It's been a stumbling block in the past and something that I constantly have to monitor. For me it's not necessarily substance abuse; there are far more addictive things out there.

accidentaltourist says,

This will surprise you, maybe...the tendency to let people walk all over and often take advantage of me. I get it from my mother, who was the quintessential doormat.

Dragonflower says,

Two things. One is similar to Dean's. Addictive behavior, not related to substances. The other is a leaning towards despondency and worry. Although to put a positive spin on it, they have taught me I can overcome (day by day, though) my inherited traits and I'm stronger for it.

Dean6805 says,

So AT, my mom was a classic co-dependent through 5 marriages. Talk about doormat...

Autumn, thanks for your willingness to share. Day by day is exactly how it's done!

marymc says,

Depression
Addiction
Large calves

Dragonflower says,

Thanks Dean. We bring our message to others. Hard to admit sometimes, I know. Thanks for asking the hard questions. (not to be all mutual admiration society on ya) I mean it!

If we include physical traits then I have to say my jiggly upper arms! And there' s no positive spin I can add to those! My German grandmothers, including all the greats-- even when they were skinny!! --had them, my mother, me..... I hate to break it to my daughter....

maryjane31 says,

A tendency towards depression and anxiety. All of the women on my mother's side suffered from it. Also nearsightedness.

StephanieTor says,

Anxiety and depression from both sides.

Dean6805 says,

It's remarkable how many folks deal with depression and anxiety. You guys inspire me. Stephanie, your Sixes are nearly always upbeat and optimistic. You're apparently coping well!

marymc says,

Depression is insidious. I found the medication's side effects worse than the condition. I am trying to cope, but this has been a really bad 4 years.

maryjane31 says,

Because of my history of migraine/cluster headaches I am unable to take meds for any depression. However my doctor prescribes some anxiety medication and it helps a great deal. Also sitting in the sun helps a great deal. Since I moved to Florida I feel much better than when I lived in the gloomy north.

Dean6805 says,

Here's a follow-up question: for those of you who deal with depression and anxiety, do you exercise regularly? If so, what benefits do you enjoy from it - specifically related to your depression and anxiety. I am much more able to focus when I run or work out regularly.

Wench says,

Depression, addictive behavior and anxiety.

I don't exercise regularly, but I do spend most of my day chasing a toddler around. I've found that even though I still have moments of deep depression, my baseline winter mood has been much better since he came along. He makes me smile and feel love where normally I struggle to feel anything at all.

maryjane31 says,

@Dean; I find that exercise every morning helps me a great deal. I go twice around the long block and feel great when I am done. You have to stay on top of the depression/anxiety. My doctor is the one who suggested I walk every day for at least 30 minutes. I do more. You have to get the juices flowing. In the evening I take my dog twice around. It benefits me and the dog. Can't get hubby to walk so he will die before me!

ctgoods2 says,

an awful mean streak

Dean6805 says,

One would never guess that from your Sixes, CT.

ctgoods2 says,

I try to channel it productively :)

DynamicDbytheC says,

Marymc has me laughing at the large calves. Ditto to most of the above, addiction, depression and F$@&ing cancer.

marymc says,

Exercise helps everything. Getting that exercise by swinging a sledgehammer and bashing down a wall is the best mental/physical/emotional release I know. I know I need to continue exercising more civilly in between projects. Having had my meniscus removed from one knee can make running impossible, but I need to lift weights and walk long distances. I gave up finding cute boots, so what the hell, my calves can get bigger.

Dragonflower says,

I am not athletic at all, so exercise is a catch 22 for me. I'm not using that phrase right,but I'll explain what I mean. When I exercise by walking, I feel great. Then I start to think I'm "cured" so I get a little overconfident about stuff and stop exercising, maybe take on some projects and exercise gets completely dropped by the wayside. Don't have time for that, I say. I'm busy (underscored). Then I get depressed and feel vulnerable to go outside (the anxiety part kicking in).

At this moment in time, I have a new plan. Take yoga class at 7:45 am, away from home (to get me out and among health-minded people). Go to breakfast afterward as reward (NOT donuts, nice breakfast). Twice a week. Walk to beach other days like usual.

My goal this year is to feel strong physically and centered mentally. I have my nutritionist as my support person as good nutrition is another key for me to fight the depression and anxiety. I don't care for any meds, side effects trouble me more than dealing with the problem. I also have accupunture lady who is in my corner. And all of you. Thank you.

Dragonflower says,

I was just thinking that it's interesting to me that on an anonymous site, on the internet, where I could make up anything I wanted, I tell my real story! Hope it is helpful. I sometimes talk to people in real life, who make things sound so easy to do (just go for a walk, they tell me) and its not that easy sometimes. Dealing with addictions, depression, anxiety is challenging work that is day to day. One solution today might not hold up tomorrow. So many factors. Only thing is to keep on keeping on. And smile like you mean it.

unknown116 says,

Well, I inherited putting other's before myself from my mom. It's a good and bad thing, but over the years it has become increasingly difficult to do things for myself. It's a terrible feeling when you are proud of who you are but you still have to strive to make others appreciate it.
And about the depression, working out helps, but I don't think it's for everyone. Sometimes when I run it brings up a lot of hidden emotions and I get more depressed. Running definitely helps when I'm upset, though.
I would have said that depression is my least favorite trait, but it has become slightly comforting over the years. It's a dark yet warm place that is ever present. The only problem is when you dwell in it for too long.

Dean6805 says,

Autumn and Unknown, thanks for your willingness to share. It truly is a community here, and we largely share our true selves with the members here even when we wouldn't in our "real" lives (although for me, Six is very much a part of my real life). I like what you said about putting others first, Unknown. It's a good thing to do, but if we do it to our own detriment it becomes unhealthy. Finding a balance of selflessness and self-care is a tricky thing, indeed - especially for the moms out there, but for any caring person in general, too.

ba_miracle says,

A tendency towards reacting violently, that took me years and much effort to overcome. Depression and I am reluctant to medicate (though have in extreme circumstances). I have seen the potential for depression in my daughter but she is generally a lighthearted/sweet person. Bad teeth, some type of bone spur irregularity with a long name (also something my daughter inherited).
One of the reasons I am careful regarding medicating is a past struggle with addiction, though I am not certain where I got that particular trait from.

One thing my daughter and I have seemed to escape was my mother's paranoid schizophrenia and even though it is said with tongue in cheek, I am wholeheartedly grateful for that.

My last foster mom was incredibly co-dependent ...she just loved hard. Lucky for me because she wasn’t going to ever let me (escape ;-) go. I learned some of the good parts of love from her.

As for exercise? I used to be very active, Martial Arts, Yoga but over the last couple years I find those things to be painful for now but I may be heading back to doing those things again…it’s just that…once I get down on the floor, it’s hard to get back up these days ;-)

I’m with Marymc on demolition. There is a certain release and satisfaction when taking a room down to frame/studs. I will do that again someday, just not likely to be in a house I’m occupying…again

Dhani says,

MAFIA....but it's been neutralized....

Dieverdog says,

Perfectionism - it's a heavy cross! There are others, but it seems this is only asking for one... this is my perfectionism creeping out, ai!

Dean6805 says,

It's not necessarily limited to one; I just figured I'd ask for the least favorite just to keep it manageable and not seem too intrusive. I've been impressed by the answers. I kind of expected complaints about big feet or male pattern balding, but Six writers tend to be a more soul-baring lot.

unknown116 says,

Dean, you and me both. I half expected to click on your memoir and see some confessions about uncomfortable physical features. I greatly enjoy watching how these conversations take unexpected turns.

Believe says,

Inability to say no.
Holding a grudge.

lillybrook says,

@marymc - oh, yes the calves. Worst genetic trait from my dad's site of the family.

@accidentaltourist - I am often told I am "too nice." That can be a very fine quality, but can also be a dangerous quality if it's exploited by the wrong person.

Mourningdove says,

Depression for me, the rest of my family self medicated with alcohol, I do not. I take a Rx that is surprisingly effective. It took awhile to find the right one for me. The saddest thing for me was seeing how the others in my family refused to admit they had a problem.
Thank you all for sharing! It's nice to see you are not alone. : )

catsmeow says,

Laziness.
Genetic inability to ignore typos, misspellings and poor grammar.
Unfounded sense of superiority.

Dean6805 says,

Awesome, Cats. And thank you, everyone, for sharing of yourselves.