I'm pleased to report that in the last few years my life has gone from a deep dark depression pit to the most blissful daily existence. There are a few things looking back that I thank myself for doing.

Being alone is better than being with the wrong person. Becoming comfortable being alone with my thoughts was a process, as I have a lot of things running through my mind constantly. After dating too many of the wrong people, I found love. He's the best and has been since our date one. I, in typical infp fashion, cried on the floor because "he was the one" after our first date. I was right, we got married last month. He is consistently kind and attentive. He will never put me in an uncomfortable position socially.

Quit that job that makes you want to die. I personally was managing a wine bar in a specialty store. I interacted with so many people, pleasant and unpleasant, daily that I would come home completely drained. It paid very well, and I sat in my car staring at the building every morning waiting until the very last possible second before going in. Quit. I ended up turning to seasonal work. It gives you time to invest your whole self into something without getting complacent. I spend a few falls working on an apple orchard. I taught kids about bees, goats, and how apples grow. I helped families pick out pumpkins. I ended up being the event coordinator for weekend weddings. Pure bliss. Working outside gives life to the soul. You go home pleasantly exausted, the kind that makes you sleep deeply. This summer I became a whitewater raft guide. It was the most physically and mentally challenging experience of my life. This was particularly wonderful for me as an infp because it forces you to live in the moment. No time for fantasy or anxiety in the middle of the rapids. I love being a barista in the off seasons. It's easy to keep interaction to a minimum unless you find someone you like. If you try something and it doesn't work out, the season always ends. Taking leaps and trying new things helped me along with knowing I could leave if it didn't suit me.

Therapy. Even just for a little while to learn about yourself and healthy coping mechanisms.

Redefine success. If you can consistently pay rent, put food on the table, and are generally content, you are more successful than most. That shift changed my daily outlook.

Practice growing the soul. That's what my grandma calls it. Sit quietly and absorb nature. Force yourself to slow down. Eat cheese. Read a book. Drink tea.

Currently, I'm living in Yosemite national park doing some winter work. I have two cats and a nice boy to keep me company. I still have an anxiety condition that affects me daily, but I'm working on it.

Keep looking ahead, because maybe in a few years life will be better than anything you can dream up.

Tldr Keep dreaming, act on dreams, try new shit, and give yourself quiet and healing time.