Learning from Depression

Everything in life can be used to learn and grow from, even negative experiences like depression. I certainly do not seek out painful experiences just because I want to be a better person. But the fact is, when I made the decision several years ago to better my life and become
the best person I can be and to to live authentically,I had no idea what
this decision meant. In my ignorant bliss I simply thought alright....I am
on the way to happiness. I never thought that depression would be a huge
part of the journey. After much reading, listening and soul searching I
have learned that deciding to CHANGE from who I was "trained" to be, to who I really am, my authentic self (the self I knew as a child who could do anything) involves tons of unlearning. Repatterning a brain is a booger! Lots happens in that ever producing chemical factory!


Depression was a biggie. As Dr. David Viscott pointed out in his book, "Emotionally Free,"http://www.amazon.com/Best-David-Viscott/dp/1559273291 depression can be a clear sign that you can't afford to ignore the yearnings of your heart any longer. You wouldn't be depressed unless something is going on that is very important to you - usually a loss of some kind - so even though you may not like it, you have a special opportunity telling you to pay attention and make some changes.

If you are feeling depressed, ask yourself, "What did I lose, and how was it important?" Then ask, "What could I have done to change things?" Don't waste time blaming yourself - just see if or how you neglected to take responsibility for your actions or feelings. "Lou Tice"



Look at how you may have allowed your feelings to build up over time. If you "sold out" to something that doesn't make you happy,like I did over and over again. Begin to look more closely at these areas and begin to imagine exactly what your life would look like if you had followed your heart. This is a challenge! If you are anything like me (we love our relatives, our teachers,etc.. remember that, no blame!) I resisted the seeds planted in my garden (my brain) for as long as I payed attention and those little buggers waited till I was not paying attention to take root and before I knew it I began to lie to myself to ease the pressure and in reality I was creating more pressure than I could deal with and depression
set up house.



Here is the good stuff.Depression can be a time of mental housecleaning. Now I am rembering how unstoppable I was as a child. I am a creative force, always drawing, painting, singing, laughing, making doll clothes because the ones they came with were awful, selling Strawberries out of my Dad's garden, learning to work with what I had to accomplish what I wanted.

I have chosen to believe what I KNEW as a child. Woooo-Hooo! Karen