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The benefits of gardening
TheHappyGrower
Posts: 181
in Talkback
I ask this because of my own personal experiences & because of gardeners like Monty Don & Christ beardshaw who have been helped a lot in their own lives with depression & arthritis respectively. It`s helped me a lot & has made me a more chilled out person & if you pardon the pun allowed me to be more focused with my photography/art So garden lovers how has gardening helped you in different areas of your life don't feel you have to divulge your innermost secrets but just the small things if you feel that`s ok to talk about. 
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Posts
Well as I`m sure you know gardening does help enormously in so many ways
from people with depression to soldiers coming home suffering with battle fatigue & the psychological issues that follow with war & during a recent discussion I had with people that work with a charity that helps with emotional issues it does obviously have lots of benefits.
But I can understand how it makes you feel & how much you love gardening but the love for it is outweighed by the negativity of the pain it cause you
when you say the sprit is willing but the body groans I understand completely where your coming from. but do you have good days when you are able to venture out a little in the grassy moorlands?
If so enjoy those moments little by little & no matter how long a job takes days weeks the slow progression of success is better than no progression which I`m sure you agree with & the beautiful part is that your spirit soars & you feel refreshed & that`s something for you to hold onto no matter what
how about setting yourself small little goals in the garden from a few simple jobs of potting up to maybe planting a few border plants.
I don't know you medical history know would I claim to know the emotional side & how it makes you feel but from experience I realise that putting up a good fight is better than not fighting at all but I`m sure you already know this
Hedgehogs have that sweet innocence don't they? nice & slow slowly does it
it may take time but eventually they get to where they want to go.
I shall keep you in my thoughts with your condition
glad you have that fighting spirit GG.