Summertime and RVing is easy

Title of this post used words of a song from this

 

I have taken a long break from this blog and now that it's summertime, it's time to get started again.  It is now past Memorial Day weekend, which, according to the National Parks and Recreation Association, is officially the beginning of summer.

I figured I could start the summer reminding us all of some great websites that can help with our summer RV plans (or dreaming of summer RV plans as the case may be).

RV Camping with Woodalls.com - WOW!  This has a lot of great information, including (there is much more, so don't think this is all - I'm just including some highlights): RV Camping, Tent Camping, Family Camping, Tips for RVing, Places and Parks RVers must see this month, their own blog, Browse RV Camps by state.  Go check it out - I'm sure you'll find something you're wanting.

Campgrounds from Woodalls.com - Same as above and also a place you can enter a sweepstakes for voting for your favorite North American Campground as well as register for their Diamond Club which gives you many benefits for free.   I also noticed a Rally - The "Greatest RV Event in the World."  If you're interested in socializing with RVers, why not check out this RV event?!

RV Parks from TrailerLifeDirectory.com -This is Woodall's partner site. It is also the Official Directory of the Good Sam Club, which means that you can find many RV Parks that are featured as well as top rated Good Sam RV Parks across the nation.  For those of you who may not know what the Good Sam Club is, there is also an explanation on the website.  You can also make online reservations as well as take virtual tours.  You can learn about what's happening in RV news.  There are plenty other things you might be interested in on the site, and it's definitely worth a look (if not a bookmark, tweet or post on Facebook).


Sorry it's so short, I've gotta get back into the swing of things.  Let me know what else you'd like to know information about this summer.

Reserve America

Many thousands of people each month are looking for this website, and there aren't many searches comparitively, so I thought this deserved a mention.  The website is: http://www.reserveamerica.com/

I can see why many people are looking for this website in particular.  It has a lot of good information about where to go when camping.  There isn't just RV camping, there is also: tent camping, trailer, group sites, day sites, boat sites, horse sites.  You can choose any state of the continental USA plus Alaska.  You can also choose a park name or zip code/city near which you want to stay.   You can even choose the dates you want to stay to find out if that place is available when you want it.  OH MY!  It even gives you the option to choose what size site you want, with certain hookups, whether you need a pet-friendly place, if you want to be near a water, near hiking/biking/fishing/hunting, winter activities, equipment rental places, golf, horse-back riding.  Unfortunately, I didn't see an option for Wi-Fi camping spots.  Overall, however, this part of the site is the most extensive of all I've researched.   

WOW!  The map is also more extensive than the other websites I've researched as well.  There are little green dots where on the map the campsites of which they have information are located.  That's quite a nice feature - then if you know roughly where in each state on the map you are staying, you can see how many campsites are nearby.

The next blue tab at the top of the screen has spotlights, and it looks like most states are included.  There is a little blurb and picture of all of the campsites recommended.  I thought I'd just see a few sites included, but, no, there are many campsites all around the nation included.  I can tell that many hours went into research (or maybe these places are where the website staff have stayed and enjoyed).

The next tab is where you can find outdoor gear, and also some jobs through Monster.  That's nice and handy if you forgot some important gear.

In the next tab, it takes you to links for Hunting and Fishing Licences in each state.  That's very useful and informational.  It's sortof like they thought of everything needed to have a good camping trip and included it into their site.

The last tab is where you can include an account and reserve campspots.  Again, the URL is: http://www.reserveamerica.com/

I highly urge you to go to this site the next time you want to look for any type of camp spot.  
 

Solar Panels for RVs????

Click HERE

What are solar panels?  They are basically flat material that is generally put on the roof of a house (or might work for an RV - why not try?) to save money on electricity bills.  From what I've learned about RVs, they take a LOT of electricity. 

Why not?  Solar Panels can be made for homes.  Why not check out this website and see if it would work for your RV?  Wouldn't you like to save money on electricity?  Also, some of you aren't full-time RVers, so you could use this on your house.  Why not use the natural renewable energy source called the sun that we receive (and many bask in whenever possible) each day to use for something that helps save money and helps the environment as well?!

So, looking at the photo above, if you use solar energy, you aren't CREATING man-made energy.  As we all know, natural energy is better for the environment.  The more natural, the better.  Not only will solar panels help your electricity bill and save the environment, making your own is a LOT cheaper than buying one.

I heard a couple of quotes that a retail solar panel can run between about $600-800 or, if installed, can be upwards of $20,000.  Why not save that money by doing it by yourself.  It could be a bonding experience with a child or spouse, or, some needed alone time. 

Let me know if I can help in any way of if you have any questions about this information.

RV Park Reviews - take two

I already posted about one website a few months ago RVParkReviews.com, but I wanted to include some other websites that are similar, so to give you more options.

• http://www.campgroundreport.com/ This website lets you choose a certain area in the United States to find an RV Park review and also lets you submit your own critiques of an RV Park at which you've stayed.  It has a simple, yet useful, design.  It also includes tent campground reviews.
• http://rvbuddy.com/ This site also has tent camping as well as RV Park Reviews.  You can also rate the RV Parks at which you've stayed.  It is in blog form, with the posts about the RV Park sites reviewed on the left and the states to choose from on the right.  I like how it lets you just browse through the last sites reviewed or go to a certain state if you want.  You can also comment on the reviews if you agree or disagree to give other RVers your opinion.  
• http://www.rvparking.com/ You can rate RV Parks, read reviews, find an RV Park and also read their blog.  This seems to be a website which has it all.
• http://www.americaonwheels.com/ This site has an RV Park directory, place to review (rate) RV Parks, articles about full-timing/industry resources/trip planning and directions of how to get from point A to point B (trip planning).
• http://www.rvshark.com/ This site has a very simple design, but basically has information about RV Parks and reviews for USA.  It advertises it also has reviews for RV Parks in Mexico and Canada, though I couldn't find that information.
• http://www.gocampingamerica.com WOW!  This website appears to have it all.  It has RV Park Directory, Reviews, tent camping, stuff for kids to do, RV rental, park highlights, park events, photo gallery, products to buy, information for park owners and even a few destinations where they went. 

Happy hunting and hope that helped!

Money making while RVing

I just started a new website that talks about affiliate marketing (read next paragraph for more information) and also might help in finding what to get for those who are hard to buy for on your Christmas list.  There are many products to buy and some you can sign up to sell.  If you have access to the internet, or can find some at the RV Parks at which you stay, you can make money.

I explain more of it on my website (on the first page- right hand side - third blue box down "Navigation" - second article down called "selling products you didn't create"), but many companies will pay affiliates to advertise their products.  Clickbank is the biggest company I know that you can just pick a product you'd be interested in telling others about (of course it's always best to buy the product first and test it out for yourself, but it's not necessary), sign up and start promoting.  Recently, I've been getting e-mails from some people who have been able to pull in 6-figures (I'm talking upwords of $200,000) a month by reviewing and promoting products.  I don't make that much - yet.

However, if you're interested in learning more about it, I also have some articles throughout the website that you can learn more about it.  Feel free to comment on this blog post, or ask me questions through my e-mail (lpstarr@gmail.com) for more information.  If you would like to be a full-time RVer, or be able to STAY a full-time RVer, this is the simplest (not easiest - that would be the lottery) way I know of to make money where you don't have to go to school to learn and you can make money as you earn.

The URL for my website (or you can click on the word "website" above) is: http://www.gincomes.com/7689
Like I said before, feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Guest Blogger - I was on her blog

Me a few years ago

   
     I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I just wanted to give another community more of me - what I feel I can give.  I wanted to reach out to another RV community who has a certain perspective and give them another perspective.  If any of you would like to be a guest blogger on my post to give this community a different perspective, I welcome that.      

    
     The last blog post "Gratitude and RVing" was posted on Levonne Gaddy's blog.   The URL to this post is:  http://acamphosthousewifesmeanderings.blogspot.com/2010/11/gratitude-by-lisa-starr-guest-poster.html
 Levonne, like it says in the URL, is a RV Park host's wife.  She has such a different take on life than I do (and many other RVing blogs of those who are going RVing and blogging about their travels) because she's living the lifestyle of running the RV Park.  She discusses what she discovers and she just seems happy and enjoying her life.  Sure, sometimes she has struggles, but so do all of us.  The main point is that she shares from her heart something that she feels will benefit others.  She tells you in the moment what's going on and how her life is each day.  It's fun to get that different perspective.
    Please visit her blog at: http://acamphosthousewifesmeanderings.blogspot.com to enjoy the beauty of differences in this world.

Gratitude and RVing

     On Thanksgiving Day, I feel that this is very appropriate to discuss.  First of all, I think Gratitude and RVing go hand in hand because gratitude is what you have before you go RVing (first and hopefully every time), get to the point you can go full-time if that is your goal and to help things work properly.  I'm going to mention these and explain them.

    Think back to the first time you went RVing (if you haven't gone yet, check out my blog post on the subject to prepare)- FEEL that excitement again.  What were you excited about?  Finally living your dream?  Discovering a new way to travel?  Saving money on a rental car and hotel room?  The sites you would see?  Being on a vacation with the love or loves of your life?  Or, maybe it was simply the opportunity to go on a long-needed vacation to someplace special.  RVing is such a special lifestyle, or vacation tactic; I hope you enjoy every trip you take and are grateful for the experiences.

    If RVing full-time is a realized dream, when did you start having this dream?  When did you achieve the seemingly impossible dream?  What steps did you take and obstacles did you overcome to get there?  Where have you been since then?  Explain the experience, either in your mind or as a comment.  Are you still grateful for this lifestyle?  What can you do to be more grateful for this wonderful opportunity?

    When you're grateful, more things come to be grateful for - it's called the Law of Attraction (The Secret is the best book I've seen on this topic if you want to know more).  Basically, what this means in RVing is, if you are grateful for your RV working properly when it does, you'll bring more times of the RV working properly.  It's weird, but inanimate objects like an RV can feel when you're giving it positive (or negative, as the case may be) energy.  Sure, you still may need to make repairs, but I dare you to try me on this one and see if your RV works better for longer.  You can just say "Thank you" either out loud or silently directed toward the RV.

     Basically, gratitude is just great for everything, from life to RVing.  It can help you enjoy RVing more, dream higher of obtaining and RV (or better RV) sooner, and can also help your RV work better.  I know these may sound strange, but I'd like to hear your stories in relation to this post.  I'd like to know what happens and how gratitude helps you.

Whatever you do or don't do, just remember to be grateful.

KOA RV Park debate

    

 
In the news on 11-18-10: In one of the KOA RV Parks, the judge was listening to reasons the RV Park should or should not be re-zoned.

If you don't know what KOA RV Parks are, or want a reminder, visit my blog post about it.

It must be hard to be a Judge to try to decide things that you may or may not care about.  Then, to judge based on the law, even if it varies from what is right and true.

To read the full article, click here.

Texas RV Parks

As I'm sure you've noticed in the other posts, for the most part, I stick to websites that are more directories for all of the parks in the state.  I think this post will be a little different.  I will mention some directories, and some individual RV Campgrounds.

A Few Directories
http://www.texascampgrounds.com/  You can search for an RV Park, check out local attractions, Blog, Sales and Services and more links as well.

http://www.rv-clubs.us/texas_rv_campgrounds.html You can search an RV Park in different regions, as well as books, magazines, videos.  Another cool think about this site is you can become a part of a Texas RV Club, to meet others who go RVing as well. 


http://www.texasrvdirectory.com/ This also has RV Products and Services, Trip Planning, and you can also search RV Parks anywhere in the USA.

Individual Websites 
http://www.chimneyparkresort.com/ There are many options and many spots in this RV resort.  This is right along the coast in South Texas.  WOW!  There are many amenities.  It's very near Mexico. 

http://www.txrvpark.com/ This is cartoony, but I think it is a fun website.  It's a Pet-Friendly RV Park that includes breakfast in West Texas.  There is also an indoor pool and spa.  It looks like a fun place if you are in the area. 

http://www.lazylonghornrv.com/  They have free wi-fi and Good Sam rates this RV Park very highly.  Nearby is golfing, fishing, dining and entertainment is nearby.  The site is very aesthetically pleasing.  This is also in South Texas.

http://www.fredericksburgtexasrvpark.com/ There is free wi-fi.  Nearby is swimming, fishing, wineries, German restaraunts, shopping and other attractions.


http://www.sunsetrvparktexas.com/  This is an RV Park in North Texas.  You can buy and sell an RV here as well.  Some of the amenities include: Free showers, free laundry, free wi-fi, and you can also stay weekly/daily/monthly.  


http://www.easttexasrvpark.com/  This is a simple, yet adequate, website.  Large Class A RVs are welcome.  It also has free cable TV and free wi-fi.  Location and rates are also mentioned.

Free RV Campgrounds ... Who likes free?

We have discussed RV Parks many times, but, thinking back to it, we have not discussed FREE RV Campgrounds.  I know that many are wanting to RV, but staying at a campground can take up much of the money desired for other stuff (like sightseeing and food).  I have an ad for other Free Campgrounds for RVs - if this isn't enough.


http://www.freecampgrounds.com/ It is VERY simple, but complex enough.  It has a map of the states, and you can click on which state to which you are traveling to find a ($10 or less) FREE campground there.  You can also add another free campsite you know of if not included.


http://freecampsites.net/ This is a very similar site, except you click on the states on links to the right side of the map.  It also has a way you can add sites.  This is probably more free than just less than $10.  In addition to the site above, however, this also includes Canada and a Forum as well as a Blog.

http://www.wififreespot.com/rv.html OK, so this isn't exactly a FREE campground, but if you are looking for FREE Wi-Fi campgrounds, here's the site to check out.


http://www.gypsyjournal.net/free_campgrounds.htm There are a few states where you can find free or almost free campsites.  You can purchase the rest of the states.  It appears the Gypsy Journal is related to Veterans.  Also, if you're a veteran, you can purchase a book about free camping spots for VFW.  There are also tips, reviews, and other helpful links on the left side of the site.


http://www.vandelaydemos.com/rvtravelinfo/ There are two links on the red bar below the picture - "find a park" and "outdoor gear."  This site is simple, but useful.

RV History

Have you ever wondered why we even have RVs?  Where did they come from?  What is the RV lifestyle?  I know I talk more about RV Parks than RVs, but this blog seems very informative and this post specifically was very interesting to me.  I didn't know that information and rather than summarize, I'd rather let you read the post yourself.

http://www.springfieldwebblog.com/what-about-motorhome-rvs.html

State Park Camping

There are many ways to find state parks in each state. You could always look in the local phone book or go to www.dexknows.com to find individual states, but I will be focusing on websites that will help us look up all states at the same time.  There are many state parks in each state and many of them are very specific to what you are looking to see.

http://www.reserveamerica.com/ This site not only lets you choose in which state you want to look for a state park, but it also gives choices of how you want to camp.  You can go tent camping, RV Camping, cabin, trailer, boat/horse camping.  You can choose how long you want to stay as well as zip code if you know it.

http://www.preservationnation.org This site specifically talks about endangered historic places - the top 11 in USA, to be exact.  These historic places are endangered because of budget cuts.

http://www.recreation.gov/ This site reminds me a lot of the first site, but there are some additions.  In addition to looking at state parks in any state you want and any type of camping you want, it also has links to recreational activities to do and other topics you might be interested in. 

http://camping.about.com This is a site about reviews of RV Parks in all the states.  If you've had a good experience at a state park, or a bad one, here's a place to find out about it.  You can also look at some campgrounds outside of USA.

http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com This is a cool site about RV resources, campgrounds, cooking, camp store, outdoor blog and so much more.  Definitely worth a tour.

I went through 10 pages when I did a google search, so this is the best of the best on the internet of State Park Camping.  Hope you have a great time at state parks!

Directory of RV Parks lists

Many of my posts, of course, are websites so you can find RV Parks.  These are informational and intended to help find places to stay while RVing.  I also included Campervan and Caravan Camping as well, so as to be worldwide support for RV Parks.  Some of the posts are simply lists and some of the posts have description of the websites and services offered.  Feel free to use these lists whenever you need to find someplace to stay for an evening or more.

• Camper-Parks

• Caravan-and-Camping

• Campervan-Parks

• Camping-Holidays

• RV Parks-in-UT

• RV-Parks-in-CO

• Yosemite-RV-Parks

• KOA-Campgrounds

• National-Parks-RV-Parks

• Florida-RV-Parks

• RV Parks-in-NV

Directory of Fun Article Links to this blog

There are a few blog posts that may be useless in terms of information, but I think have been profound and I personally have had the most fun and passion in writing them.  Many of these lists are comparing RVs, RV Parks or RVing to something else.  These are not intended to be sac-religious or poking fun, but are meant to be thought-provoking and perhaps life-changing.  I wrote them in hopes to help out the RV community and people therein.

•  RVing-and-God 
•  RVing-and-life
•  Depression
•  RV-parks-are-like-dating
•  Attitude-how-does-this-relate-to-rving
•  RVing-and-passion
•  Top-10-reasons-to-rent-or-buy-RV

RVing and Passion

     I know how important PASSION is in every aspect of life.  Just so we're both on the same page, to me passion means the intense love for whatever you're doing and the intense desire to share it with others.  Passion is, of course, important for RVing.  Though there are many problems on the road with traffic, parking, repairs, hookups, cooking, sleeping, etc., I'm assuming the reason you want to go RVing in the first place is because of your passion (whether it be with the outdoors, traveling, family, business, freedom or whatever).
     I hope you are still passionate about RVing because, life is too short to not live with passion.  It's like a dinner without dessert or a day without gratitude.  Maybe, if you've lost passion with RVing, or your life, you have forgotten what's good about it.  What is RIGHT with your life?  What do you have?  For me, simple things I think of is I have the use of both hands/feet/eyes/ears, nose, mouth, MIND, ability to choose (the only thing that we're all equal in is that we all have 24 hours a day), my faith in God, my husband, my baby, food, clothing, shelter, family, friends, health, strength.  These are simple things that I like to remind myself of when things aren't all going my way.
    Life is too short not to be grateful.  Say thank you to those who mean the most of you today.

Caravan and Camping

There are many varied sites when I search this topic, so I will have three categories in this post: caravan and camping sites (mostly other countries than we've explored in previous posts), caravan and camping clubs and camping and caravan shows (like an RV show).

If you'd like to visit some of the websites in my previous post, here they are:
For different sites in different places, here are some more sites:

• http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-find-caravan-camping-sites.html The URL says it all.
• http://www.caravanandcamping.com.au/ This Caravan Camping website is for Western Australia.
• http://caravan-camping.com.au/ Going Caravan Camping in New South Whales.
• http://www.caravanandcampingsa.com.au/ Southern Australian Caravan camping.
• http://www.enjoyengland.com From Glamping to dog and teenager-friendly campsites in England.

Camping and Caravan Clubs or organizations for one to join:

• http://caravanandcamping.british-naturism.org.uk/ A group intended to promote British Naturism.
• Campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/ An organization to help RVers make the most of their hobby.
• http://www.iccc.ie/ Camper and Caravanners Club in Ireland.
• http://www.gocaravanning.com/clubs/clubs.htm Guide to Caravan Clubs all over the world.
• http://www.atcmcc.org.au/ Caravanners in Australia and New Zealand have a club too.

 Caravan and Camping Shows:

• http://www.caravanshow.com.au/ Large Australian Supershow next March.
• http://www.tradeshows-biz.com Upcoming Shows in Germany, the UK, India and the USA.
• www.365campingcaravanning.com Jan-Oct 2011 RV Shows around England.
• http://www.holidayworldshow.com/ A worldwide RV Show in Dublin, Ireland in Jan 2011.
• http://caravanshowscotland.com/ The URL says it all.

Camper Parks

Camper Parks are another term for RV Parks.  Because they have a different name, I thought they deserved their own post, to give you more RV Parks from which to choose.

http://www.campertrails.com This site has a wealth of information.  There are a list of Camper Parks in Canada, USA and Europe.  There are also links for insurance, news, trip planner, travel checklist, outdoor cooking, RV rentals, buying used RVs and more.  There are also ads that may be useful.


http://www.newrver.comThis site mostly just has some ads and RV Parks.  However, there are RV Parks for every state in USA and some in Canada.  Definitely a wealth of locations to stay.  It is also a club similar to Good Sam Club.

http://www.campercorral.net/ If in Northern California, this is an RV Park to visit.  They have some awards mentioned, a list of amenities (including: Recreation Hall, Fitness Center, free cable TV hookups, swimming pool, convenience store, fishing - to name a few).  This almost seems more like an RV Resort to me.


http://talkeetnacamper.com/ If heading to Alaska (near Denali National Park), check out this Camper Park.  There are laundry facilities and a gift shop, as well as a dump, hookups and showers.  There is a link that lists activities nearby, as well as Chamber of Commerce, Fly Fishing, Air Taxi (and more) information.

www.ehow.com If heading to Minnesota, there are a few different parks listed here.  There are also links to Airstream Parks,Winter Camping and other RV Park locations in Minnesota.

Campervan Parks

While I'm at it, I might as well mention Campervan Parks in Australia as well.  Just as a note, if you Google "campervan parks" the only sites that actually talk about them are blog/forum style.  In fact, from one of the forums is where I got the idea for these specific Campervan Parks.  You can view that forum post at: http://www.fodors.com  For other ideas of places to stay, I'd recommend asking others' advice (like contacting the web hosts of the below parks and asking for their advice based on your specific needs/situation) rather than searching online, unless you have specific names to look for online.

Click to view my post on:  camping holidays

The first site is in a "council caravan park" and has many accommodations.  There are: hotels, apartments, holiday homes and resorts.  There are links to other destinations on the left hand side.  There are many photos and discounts on the site.  I also like the fact that it mentions the local weather, so you know what to wear or pack.  The website is: http://www.palmcoveaustralia.com/

There are many Australian National Parks on this site, one of which is Davies Creek.  It has a simple outlook, but has a wealth of information, including: contact information, what makes this place a tourist spot, directions to get there and how to navigate once you get there.  The website is: http://www.australiannationalparks.com

There are beautiful photos on this next website, links to what might interest you, and don't forget to look at the bottom for other locations similar to this one.  The website is: http://www.touringaustralia.de

This website is very useful in finding other Campervan locations like this one.  There is an Overview, Directions how to get there, when during the year is best to visit, amenities of this park and what to see in the area.  Make sure to check out the "before you visit" links on the right hand side about half way down the page, especially the part about being "Crocwise."  The website is: http://www.nt.gov.au

I couldn't find any books about Austrailian State or National Parks, so here's one you might like about US State Parks: Recreational vehicle: Travel trailer, RV park, List of U. S. state parks, Family Motor Coach Association, Ladder Golf, Good Sam Club, Campervan, Camping, Trailer park, Mobile home

I hope this gives you enough information to start from and let me know if there are campervan parks you would either recommend or not recommend.  I'd love to hear your feedback.

Camping Holidays

I mostly tailor to USA, but I figured since this is being broadcast worldwide, I may as well tailor at least a few posts to RVers of other countries.  A "camping holiday" could also be referred to as to go RVing or to go on a vacation in an RV or motorhome. These are RV Parks or RV Resorts in other countries.

http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/ This website talks about, what sounds to me like, RV resorts.  There are many different accommodations ( RV, tent, chalet, bungalow, apartment resorts) in many places around the world (like France, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg for starters).   The site definitely makes me want to Eurocamp!

http://www.keycamp.co.uk/ This website is very similar to the one above in terms of accommodations and locations for your holiday.  Both have a wealth of information to make your holiday, well, a holiday.  There are many repeat visitors, as the intro video mentions.

http://www.zedaway.com/ Have you ever wanted to go on safari/holiday to Africa?  Well, here's your chance.  The site mentions different locations in Africa and what can be seen/experienced there.  It also talks about places you can volunteer as part or all of your holiday.  There's also a form that you can simply "enquire" about a holiday that might interest you.

 http://luxurycampingholiday.com/ This looks more like a blog to me.  It has a lot of good information in articles about preparing for your holiday - what to remember and what to forget.  It's definitely worth a look.

Costa Rica This is specifically this area of the world.   This is also a blog with a lot of useful information about going on holiday in Costa Rica and generally anywhere in the world.  This blog not only mentions past posts but all of the most popular posts.

If you'd like to check out any products (there are so many) on Amazon, click here: Search Amazon.com for camping holiday

Depression

Depression is a serious thing.  I saw a billboard once that says, "You don't tell someone who has Diabetes to just 'get over it.' "  The reason I bring this up is, as a full-time RVer, or not being able to go RVing as often as you want to, it might be easy to get depressed.  I've heard depression described as a sad feeling that doesn't go away and affects your daily life.  With problems with certain communities or economy, it's easy to feel hopeless.  There IS help and hope for everyone, no matter your circumstances.

If you need help, PLEASE don't hesitate to get it!  There are plenty of resources in every community - whether church counseling, community counseling, friend counseling, group therapy, hypnotherapy - most LCSWs (Licenced Clinical Social Workers) can help.  Going to the phone book or websites related (like DexKnows, White Pages) are good places to start.

Here are some online resources that may help:

• To take a test to find out if you are depressed (versus sad or hopeless), look up symptomfind.com

•  If you have gotten a prescription for depression from a licensed professional that can legally give you that prescription, go to www.yourdepressionsavings.com

•  If you'd like to find out more of the technical of what depression is and does to your brain, look at 1on1health

• Maybe you have BiPolar Disorder instead.  Find out with quiz and information.

• Find out more about what Depression is and what to do about it.

 If you need medications or counseling, the below advice is after and while you're taking care of what you need to with medical personnel.

Not to over simplify it, but one thing that helped me is to think positively about my life and focus on the best.  With my clinical depression in the past, which was very minor, focusing on what I DID have and what was RIGHT with my life, I didn't need medication.  Of course, be sure you talk with your counselor before you discontinue any medication. 

There are many things wrong with this world, but there are also many things RIGHT with this world.  There are probably many things wrong with your life/spouse/house/RV...., but why focus on that?!  What is RIGHT with your health, your RV, your spouse, your body/weight?  If you are feeling depressed about ANYTHING  in life, I challenge you to turn it around and write a list of 10 or more things (you don't have to show anyone if you don't want to).  There is POWER in positive thinking.  There is POWER in being grateful for what you DO have.  There is POWER in letting others know how much they mean to you and why.  There is POWER in daydreaming.

On that note, it's COMPLETELY free to daydream.  What's the harm in imagining your life the way you want it?!  NOTHING!  In fact, over and over again I read/hear/see, if you focus on what you want long and passionate enough, feeling as though you already HAVE it, YOU WILL HAVE IT!  It's as true of a law as the law of gravity and called the Law of Attraction.  In fact, if you want to purchase an AMAZING audio program (which, at least when I did it, there was a free trial period) about this, click here: http://lstarr1.thelaws.hop.clickbank.net  

My personal opinion about depression is, sometimes it IS all in your head, and you need to just figure out what is wrong and fix it (possibly with the Law of Attraction working FOR you).  Yet, other times, it IS chemical and needs the use of medications to help you cope with life.  Yet, other times, it is a combination of both, and medication/counseling in conjunction with positive thinking will be your best perscription.

My above suggestions have worked for me and I can promise you that if you learn the Law of Attraction and use it properly, it WILL work for you.  It may not rid you of depression, but then again, it might.  Please learn about the Law of Attraction in conjunction with, not instead of, working with trained and licensed professionals.