A quick tip to anyone out there who checked out when she said to take a walk because you're like me and spend about 50 hours on your feet at work in one week and the idea of going for a 15 minute walk sounds painful, try sitting outside for 15 minutes and staring at trees and little birds and squirrels.
Hey again Caroline ❤ I am sitting here crying like a lil baby. You really went above and beyond in helping me find a way to help myself out and therefore help my Mom. Each tip was so thoughtful and dare I say genius. I didn’t even think to “shop” around her place to move the colours from one room to another. I can’t wait to go for a walk and come back feeling ready to organize at least 5 things. It’s much less scary when you break it down into bite sizes. This video genuinely made my heart happy for the first time in a while. Through the tears, I felt a burst of energy that I haven’t felt for the past month of loss. Your humour and compassion throughout the video were like a hug from an old friend, tbh. Thank you, sincerely, with all my heart. For your time, effort and empathy. Even though we’re all strangers, I feel so connected and supported ❤ Happy new year Caroline, thank you times a million & I hope you’re doing well! Edit: Your sweet video brought me up from a shitty 2/10 to a precious 8/10 and for that I am thankful 🤗
Ah man I didn’t even know if you were still on RU-vid🥲I had no idea if this video would get to you, I’m so glad that it did. Thank you for putting it in motion. I’d like to call out that you reached out, when it felt hardest, and said “this is what would help”. That’s the hardest step. It doesn’t guarantee the results we expect, but eventually, I think it gets to a safe place. Thank you for opening up as you did. I really have been thinking about you and your message for weeks. I hope you are being kind to yourself in an unknown time. Love to you friend ❤️
This is my second viewing of this video and I had no idea until the end, like the rest of the viewers that this was specifically to answer and be helpful to you… and I cried like a baby. I lost my dad and the months during the diagnosis and loss was a vacuum like no other. I send you so much love and hope that you find the memories of good times when you feel the unbearable quiet hits. Can’t stress it enough… you’ve got an entire community sending you love and are praying for your heart to find peace as the moments come when you need it. 💜🙏🏻💜 ~N
15:35 I was expecting her to say “what’s coming next is better” but I love how she said “what’s coming next is unknown and full of possibilities”… it was a nice reminder to myself that I don’t always have to keep outgoing myself…
I had the same thought. It was so honest. We don't have to pretend it's going to be better, but we can say that it's got potential. The fact that it's a chance, that it's not pre-ordained... and we're not filling that space with false platitudes. It was perfect.
Sharing in case this helps others in the comments. I realized **SCENT** can make a big difference. Yesterday I realized that I associate the scent in my apartment with depression. I put the diffuser outside and felt a noticeable difference. It was a great scent but it has been with me in some low times recently, so getting rid of it helped me separate out of that feeling a teeny tiny bit.
This is a great tip. Powerful advice. I always think about the positive memories and feelings that a scent can evoke but I never saw the connection to the negative that can occur.
Totally agree.. I recently started to associate happy memories with some scents, so whenever I am in a state of drawning myself into the black hole of sadness (happen quite often), I try to pull up those 'happy scents' to simply remind that I am actually capable of feeling happiness
I know this is an older video and you probably won't even see this comment, but I just wanna say I'm grateful you take the emotional component of desgning your space into consideration. A few months ago my dad passed away and I inherited my family home and I am preparing to move in next year. It is such a wild mix of feelings dealing with this. This place is so familiar to me, but it also feels strange. I am really sad about the reasons why I own this place now, but I am also very excited to have the opportunity to design a whole new home. Sometimes I feel like I want to get rid of everything and the next moment I wanna keep everything as is. It's such a roller coaster... and that's okay. I am watching a bunch of your videos and they help me a lot and I wanna say thank you for that 💕
@@cb5284 That is very sweet of you. It's going okay, I'm taking my time with it. I've sold some stuff, donated a few things. I got help from my partner calling the donation place, because if made me feel bad and I dreaded doing it myself. There's a few items I definitely want to keep as a family heirloom and some I still can't decide on, but taking off the pressure of myself to decide right away is helping a lot. Also decided to take my time finding new items so I make sure I'm buying them because I'm actually in love with them and not just because I need them right away. Yesterday I finally found dining room chairs that I adore and can now replace the old ones from my dad. It's still a process, but not as much of a roller coaster anymore :)
@cb5284 I think I replied to this like a week ago, but it seems my answer didn't post for some reason. Thanks for your kind words. I've sold some things, donated some and am keeping some that I either love and wanna keep as a family heirloom and there's also stuff I'm not sure about yet. Taking off the pressure of having to do and decide on everything all at once is a big relieve. Sometimes it's still emotional, but it's becoming less of a roller coaster I think.
@choupette_44 I'm sorry for your loss. If you can do that at all, best advice I can give is to take your time. You don't need to do everything at once or decide everything right away. If things get emotional it's okay to take a break or do something different for a while, even if it seems random. You got this!
My dad passed away at the beggining of the pandemic….it was such a traumatic event that I experienced panic attacks and felt dead inside. I moved with my mom cause she was alone and what saved me was the rearrangement and redecoration of spaces I did in her house. Beautiful video you made! ❤️
When our neighbour/family friend passed away from cancer, his wife and children started renovating the whole house, doing A LOT of hard labour by themselves. They also made him a frame with all his memorabilia to be hung in the hallway. I think this renovation is what kept them sane, even though it took a lot of time
Literally here out of desperation. I'm not sure if I'm depressed or on the verge of an anxiety attack, but I know I need to get up and clean, and just thinking about it is overwhelming. Hoping this video gives me the boost I need.
Caroline, I just gotta say: you’ve made this-the internet, the world-a better place to be. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and time with those of us you don’t even know. Appreciate you!
I watch decorating channels all the time. I also watch several therapists on RU-vid, and yet somehow this video broke through my wall of numb and made me cry, when nothing else did. I finally felt totally appropriate emotions, but inspired by a channel I've never watched before (don't know why) and in a way I totally did not expect. Thank you from a new subscriber.
I commented initially before I saw the whole video and I just had to come back to say what a gem you are and how generous it was to share your gifts with a grieving subscriber. It brought me to tears and it’s such a beautiful example of alchemizing your experiences with depression and turning them into light. So beautiful.
Another good thing about adding lamps; they don't all have to be electric. You can have one or two battery or chargeable types mixed in for those unexpected power outages.
Kindness is easy but not always shared. Today's video took me by surprise at the end. Your kindness toward a hurting viewer who randomly left you a comment of her pain shot through me. Thank you Caroline for reminding me that even a small thing can be a big thing to someone. Wishing you a happy and adventurous New Year!!
I never post comments on youtube but this was such a kind, compassionate and straightforward video. Like your best friend sitting you down and talking you through a difficult period. Have watched twice through immediately but will come back to thia video many times in the future.
Caroline, I'm blown away by you. You spread kindness, acceptance and share raw emotions. I love that you are teaching us to give ourselves permission to be creatively free and gentle on ourselves. I'm currently recovering from brain surgery and I spend a lot of time talking to myself with encouraging words, humour and love - it's necessary. Redesigning my small place is such great therapy. Thank you for your humour and creativity which are so infectious :) Sending you love xo
For depression which I’ve struggled with for years, I have low sugar dark chocolate in morning, not a cure but helps. I found a reproduction canvas painting of 2 zebras running, I got for 15 bucks at thrift shop. Makes me happy every time. I call them the 2 Henry’s dad and son running.
I like having an audiobook on while I’m doing some chore. It keeps me from spiraling, I think. Another tiny buy would be a scent. Something that feels fresh and maybe a bit indulgent but can be a good way to pivot your attention for a moment here and there. Washing your bedding and including like a scented fabric softener that you love can be a good way to do this as well. Or, like a new scent of deodorant, bath soap, hand soap. You know how your laundry doesn’t “smell” to you? Yet, you can smell other peoples laundry when going past their house or whatever. Like their dryer vents. Just changing your scented products or adding one in (if you’re not allergic) can make you take notice of it. And this last one could just be me, but hanging up one of the little crystal suncatchers in a sunny window in your home can put a smile on your face whenever it produces rainbows inside.
Hey Caroline, Ttown native here. When I found your channel I felt at home and I greatly appreciate your realistic approach to life. I feel like I can connect to you from a genuine place within myself and love love love your advice!
I live in a small studio space that's very simple. I come from a family that cleans a lot and likes everything tidy. Cleaning and rearranging is like therapy to me and it's very fitting that YT recommended me this video because this weekend I'm taking all the stuff outside and doing a "spring clraning" that I do every other month when I hit a low-low and the sun is shining.
Caroline!!! I NEEDED this video! I get overwhelmed and down so easily! These are GREAT tips!!! Omg, THANK YOU! (Also, glad you left in the upstairs neighbor flushing the toilet-cracked me up, and it’s very real. That’s life- inserting absurdity while we are trying to do something important (recording videos, etc) 😂
There is so much love and compassion in this 16 minute video. I am consistently blown away by this space you've created (I mean gosh, just reading through the comments and everyone is so kind and grateful), and I feel so lucky to have your content to enrich my life. It brought me to tears to hear this entire video was made for one person who was grieving; the impact goes way beyond that. Also gotta give you props for moving your entire dining room table just for thumbnail - haha you nailed it!
Caroline, you are so wise. I'm 66 and wish I had half that wisdom when I was your age many years ago. Today, watching this video has given me several wonderful suggestions to get me moving and organizing and out in the fresh air to enjoy the sunshine and spring temps.
It was an emotional video for me too and I didn’t see that coming. It was a really beautiful and gentle video and you’re probably helping more people on all different levels than you’ll ever know. ❤
0/10 crap fest were my last few days. I’m feeling so much better today and this video just gives me so much hope. Thank you so much for being vulnerable about your struggles. Helps me feel seen and understood. 🙏🏼
Girl these tips are amazing! I've been slowly remodeling our home the last month and I realize I've done ALL these things you recommend and each DOES feel so rewarding in each moment. The 5 item purge, great! The fancy knobs, freaking LOVE them EVERY time I touch them or see them, soooo rewarding. New bedding, hell yessss, feels so good!!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you for this. Battling depression truly is a BATTLE. Not everyone can understand that, but it’s clear that you can (and do). Your advice is wonderful and I won’t forget it.
i really needed this video. my grandma who raised me like a mother passed away in june and i just havent gotten over it, and i know i never will. ive started doing the type of things youve described already, but it feels SO good to be affirmed and have confirmation that im on the right path. thank you for this. thank you.
You know much more about depression than me - a therapist 😅 You could be one! You are just so lovely thx for gifting us with your creative funny yet moving videos!
ah babe. im sorry. i hope there are some helpful tips in here. the best thing i can say is just letting the waves pass. if you can trust that the feeling will change even just slightly in a matter of hours, it lightens the load of "this is forever" quite a bit
Just as in your "everybody's lonely" video, there is so much compassion and kindness here! So wonderful that you could respond with such warmth and such excellent advice to someone hurting. Thank you for doing this!
Thank you! I'm crying now, I'm deeply emotional right now because I've just broken up with my husband ... I just want to redecorate my home, we've lived here for 10 years, and I'm ready to refresh a little. You are the best, Caroline, thank you!!!!!
Thank you so much for this video. My depression is deeply tied to my space due to some trauma related to it growing up. My parents did not make it a fun experience for me and I ended up having a negative connection to it to the point where it sends me in a depression/anxiety spiral with negative self-talk. I’m going to go back to this video and take notes. Thank you so much!
Again, you’ve nailed it!! This was SO good and applicable to anyone!… by the way, I have so many nail holes that I had to turn an area into a gallery wall to conceal them all!😄
Yesterday I went to the store and bought a big basket and a trash can without a lid. Two items I really need. Then i came home and cleaned half of my living room. Your channel has helped me so much
I don’t normally post comments but this video was so moving. I think it was your genuine desire to help, and offering everything you could with your time, effort, talent and empathy. Your tips were so practical on so many dimensions. Thank you 🙏
Caroline…. Girl, your heart is so pure 🧡 I love how much you care for your subscribers, and are so raw about things. I love you and thank you for being here on this platform.💚💚💚
What an incredibly important vlog for people to hear! In less than 15 minutes, you have normalized depression and reminded us that it's not a permanent state. If we could all hear and know this, it could change the trajectory of many lives xxx. Nice to see you, Caroline!
This is THE GREATEST video I have ever watched!! I do all of these things -- and I have learned that I need to when I get those low spells. I take 10 minute naps in between. You're the bomb!
Oh, Caroline! I can't even explain. Thank you so much. I've read and listened through tons of advice. And nothing made me feel better and hopeful as much as this intro did. Everyone is talking about being kind to yourself but I could never understand what the hack do they mean. And recently as my life is on the rocks or down the toilet, whatever, I am afraid of the depression coming. Cause I'm holding on right now and I am high functioning and keep my head up but was terrified of the future apathetic me at the same time. Thank you so much.
CANNOT express how much I freaking love this and YOU! This is the content we need! You're hilarious, authentic, relatable... Thank you for existing and sharing yourself and your expertise with us. You're a treasure!
this video is a gem and i am saving it. great ideas! i would add - get pillows! get soft, fuzzy pillows and maybe a throw blanket bc that makes any space feel cozy. also, colored smart lightbulbs. that way you can change the color of the mood lighting and make the room feel a certain way.
When I first saw your videos last year or so I was a toxic mess and projected my own insecurities as a girl onto you like a freak lol. Now I’m a healing mess instead of a toxic mess and I’m bingeing your content and loving all of it. It’s so profoundly helpful and I’m really happy I’ve made enough progress to be able to receive your inspiring and loving videos. Thanks ❤
Doh im glad you’re enjoying them now, and most importantly that you’re feeling a bit better!! What was the original “toxic” impression you had of me or of the videos? So helpful for me to hear and consider!
@@Caroline_Winkler haha whoa you replied! It had nothing to do with you, so I don’t know how helpful this would be for you but I was jealous of your thinness and what I assumed before was privilege. I couldn’t recognize my own biased projection because I held all other women above me and then felt threatened by them. You in particular are someone I actually do admire and I’m glad I can let myself feel inspired by you instead of envious. Regretting my initial comment ❤️
Thank you for making this your first video of 2023, Caroline. The start of the year can always seem so arbitrarily cheerful and positive, it helps to see there’s still people who struggle. More importantly, that those who do are there for one another (like this comment section)! A big hug right back to you and everyone who needs it 💜
This is one of the best videos I have ever seen. This is what humans are supposed to do for one another....give each other honest and compassionate attention when they are struggling with a mental health issue. Bravo Caroline !! Those of us who live with recurrent depression often feel that others do not understand them or cannot relate to the issues they are dealing with. This video is genius !! Thank you Caroline for your honesty, your insight and your skill at conveying a message that can ultimately throw some of us a life line !! This was amazing.
Hello Caroline, thank you for this vlog. I very much needed this tonight. It got me up from my poor seated posture hunched over my phone and mindless scrolling at my cluttered dining room table to take 15 minutes to reorganize a few things (huge accomplishment today!) and most importantly reengage with my sons. Step by step. You are a bright light for me!
I feel heard after watching this. I can tell that you know the depths. Also, the end of the video was beautiful and nearly made me cry. To that subscriber, I hope you are doing well and finding some peace each day. To Caroline, thank you for sharing yourself with us, you wildly beautiful human. 🙂❤
Great video, thank you. I love the micro journal idea, I start semi retirement in two weeks and I’m having anxiety about the unknown. I bought a day planner to help organize my day and to keep projects in the forefront, these ideas will help keep.
Do you already have hobbies? If so lean into them, if not, this is your chance to explore things & find something you enjoy, knitting, painting, playing with dogs, Hiking… but you need something you love to fill your new hours 🫶🥰
Thank you SOOO much for this. Self-compassion and allowing myself to feel proud of myself for seemingly small things has been revolutionary for my depression recovery.
I just love you. As a mother of five grown children I wish I could send them your videos, but always worry about overstepping. Who knows maybe I will, they can only benefit & surely learn a thing or much. Hugs dear girl!
I think, this is my new favorite video of yours. I hope many people will watch it, who are not even interested in interior design. Because your home is your home outside of your body. There is care to be done there, too. They both affect each other. Thank you for the helpful tips and inspo!
Such a beautiful heartfelt video. Thank you, as someone who deals with depression these bite size tips are so helpful. I love how you went above and beyond to share your gift with us.
I love you Caroline! One thing I do when I’m depressed is watch your videos. In fact, I sometimes “save” your videos and wait for a bad day to indulge.
Absolutely loving this and the reason behind this video made me tear a bit. You are the most amazing person and I'm grateful you've decided to share your personality and your wisdom with us ♥️ This should definitely go viral as hell cause so many people need to see this!
This is exactly what I needed today. I was literally telling my husband through tears yesterday how I feel like I’m drowning. I have small improvements I want to make around the house because things are not functional or ugly. I’m depressed and drowning. The kids and I cannot function in this space. You just validated all my feelings and the the ideas you mentioned are literally the exact small changes I told him I want to do yesterday (paint a wall, move lamps, purge). I appreciate your mood journaling suggestion, I’m going to try that. I love hearing your stories and tips to improve our home and lifestyle. When I approach a space to organize it, I think of your videos and ask myself, how can I make this space stop making me mad when I try to use it? Thank you for all the encouragement and knowledge you share here. 😊
Thank you for this video Caroline. This past year has been paralyzing at times. This was great advice. I always look forward to your videos as I find them funny, real and uplifting. Thank you for your kindness. ❤
Thank you for making this video. I decided to reorganize my home starting this year, but damage from a natural disaster on͏ New Years Eve delayed that process. Now that I’ve been in full swing, our dog, we love like a child, crossed the rainbow bridge, so the pain of losing her and the depression of just not having her here has really set in. I will try the suggestions in your video. Thank you again!
Thanks for this video! As someone in the middle of a rebuild, who was suddenly told their job was on the line, I found the best way to plough through is to not beat myself up for doing things that are not a priority, or for starting a new job before finishing the old one. Your video helps me to be kinder to myself!
Oh, thank you for being so kind to that person who shared her hurting heart… I’m so much older than you, honey, but you are going to make everyones life a little better for having met or known you!! What’s special young lady you are and I know your parents are so proud ❤ I’m glad you are on RU-vid and I am so grateful this video popped up. I’m not depressed but I’m always ready for a smiling heart. You gave 2❤’s today Blessings, Nancy Rolfe
RU-vid video don't usually make me cry but this touched my heart in a way I can't describe. I'm here at work and it just occurred to me that this feeling of hopelessness is I'm experiencing is depression. Spent my whole like denying it and now, I guess everything bottled just decided to come out.... Thanks for this!
Needed this! I’ve been sick and so depressed about my health and just getting back to self care (again!). ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you miss Caroline! Ashwaganda tea has helped my hair stop falling out, shocked! Walking is soooo healing. I have two dogs and have been delaying this month and walked today and felt sooo great again.
I have enjoyed you fun and humor, and now another dimension of your personality. Thank you for being so raw and sweet. Hugs to you in your sadness and joy.
I cant even explain how much i love this video. 1) its so real and SO useful, but just so… compassionate and very much heartfelt - to someone you dont even know, esp. which makes it all the more better on top of everything else. If humanity were to be wiped out and there was one single remnant salvaged (by whichever population far down in the future) that would singularly speak to them and convey the best aspects of our humanity/ existence, i would vote this to be it.
Wow. This is officially my favorite of your videos (and I'm pretty sure I've watched all of them). Love you so much. I struggle with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) this time EVERY year, and I never know quite how to deal with it. Thank you for breaking down some very practical and do-able and TRULY HELPFUL steps. I cleaned my toilet and wiped down sinks today. Just that alone made me feel better about my space. This is real self-care. So many people think it's materialistic and/or shallow to be so concerned about decorating, but for many of us feeling happy with our space is CRUCIAL to our mental health. My house just underwent (is that a word?) major restoration after water damage, and I've spent the past 6 months refurnishing, unpacking, purging, you name it. My brain is exhausted from all the decisions and most days I can barely make a decision on what to wear much less what to eat or which piece of furniture to shop for next. THANK YOU for this heartfelt video. It was a massive blessing for me as I know it was for many others.
Hi Caroline. I have ever seen your videos before, but I'm glad I found you today, if only to hear and see how compassionate you are. Your tips for "those" days or seasons are very practical and easy to manage. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for this video ❤ my heart goes to everyone experiencing loneliness and just having a low point in life. Visual clutter is very important to address. But also you can immidiately change a mood by listening to good music or your podcasts. You can definitely do that while also refreshing and cleaning your space 😊 Getting excited just thinking about it❤☺️
This is an amazing video. Thank you I've been diagnozed with moderate depression (not sure if I translated correctly) back in November and rearaging and taking time to make my room a better place for myself really helped. Your tip about coraling on trays (from another video) really changed the way I have my staff around and even showed me that I'm not that big of a slob, I just didn't like the way things were organized
have been feeling really low and this was the first video that i clicked on without even realising the theme of it. Has brightened my mood a lot. Thank you
