A Full Range of Emotions

ISN'T IT A BLESSING???

DEPRESSION

        It's a word that hangs in the air like smog. It slowly suffocates the one who lives in it's haze and sends fear to surround those who watch. But today I have to ask, "Why do we give our power and our joy away so easily." 

       Many years ago, I was talking with my dad. He, like many in our family (including myself) have battled depression. Once, a friend told him, "Isn't it a blessing that you can feel ALL of your emotions?"  

ISN'T IT A BLESSING???

      Indeed, living life fully means we will experience a wide variety of emotions. When we truly love another person, that relationship will bring an intensity of joy and, at times,  seemingly unbearable sadness; moments of anger and moments of heart-warming compassion. These emotions are what move us from a simple existence to a meaningful life. 
     We give power to depression when we feed it with attention, worry, and hopelessness. We let depression "trick" us into believing we should live in fear and despair. The black hole of depression wants us to hide and to believe that it will never lift or change and that it definitely will not empower us. 
      So, if depression is interrupting your life or ruling your world, I challenge you to sit back, take a breath and embrace the feeling. Give yourself permission to stop, close your eyes and breathe. Slow down; listen to music you like; accept a hug and laugh out loud. Be content and at peace knowing that this "bad" feeling is not going to last forever. It is just one of many that will come and go. 
     The human brain is an absolutely miraculous organ and we have the power to program it. The most frequent message you send to your brain is the one it will believe and act upon. When the world seems to be crashing down around me, the phrase I repeat hundreds and hundreds of times is, "I am lovable and capable." I might be sad or angry or depressed. Or, I might be happy and energetic. Regardless of the emotions, I need to TELL MY BRAIN what I want it to know and believe. I am able to love others deeply AND I can also receive love. I am capable of experiencing a wide array of emotions and capable of creating an incredible and full life.