Being Kind to Myself- Act of Kindness #2

I have had a pretty trying 365 days.
I have generally been a positive person. I have always had faith in a power bigger than myself and that the power of my thoughts were able to materialize things in my life. I know it sounds a bit new-agey, but I remember when I was about to be evicted many years ago, with no money and no family to rely on, these thoughts kept me going.
But then, all of a sudden, they were gone. My faith was gone. My positive attitude was gone. I was taken over by an uncontrollable fear and a sadness that was bigger than anything I had ever felt.
I cried constantly. I had a hard time falling asleep and a hard time getting up in the morning. I had no desire to brush my hair and all I wanted was to be cooped up in bed.
I went to therapy for almost a year. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and advised to see a psychiatrist. I was put on an antidepressant. It helped, but I was still not myself.
Then it occurred to me to be kind to myself. It occurred to me I do not have to be perfect all the time, as I  have always demanded of myself.
And it occurred to me I need to slow down and smell the roses.
I know it sounds simplistic for such a serious condition, but I believe I was a huge source of my own unhappiness.
I have been off the medication for about a month now. There are days I feel very tired and only want to sleep, like today.
But today, I decided to be kind to myself. I got up and met my good friend for a walk. I never exercise and I always feel lazy about it. I walked with her for 3 miles. I almost gave up half way, but I forced myself to continue. My body thanked me.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost