Just as there are two sides to every
coin, two sides to every argument, so there is with depression. Except that the
sides are more like the edges found on a double-edged sword, with depression
being the shaft. With each edge of the depression sword being both distinct and
sharp.
On the one side, which many of us know
so well, including myself. Is the edge of the sword that I call, “Negative
Existence”. The negative is the way in which we perceive the world and
ourselves. It is those things such as: lack of self worth, feeling of
hopelessness, isolation, feeling unlovable and so much more. It is the energy
we project and the energy that we attract. For whatever is negative in the
world seems to be automatically drawn towards us in our daily life. The
“existence” is the state in which many of us find ourselves. It’s as if we have
the capability to view life not only from within, but also outside of our self
at the same time. This sense of duality can create a mental war within us. On
the one side, we recognize our situation but on the other side, we feel
powerless to do anything about it, because we lack the oneness that we need to
fight. In the end, we are left with the sensation of mere existence.
On the other edge of the sword is what
I call “Positive Living”. This edge sees oneself as a whole complete person. It
sees oneself has having value. It is the side that recognizes the challenges
that come with life and accepts them head-on. This side sees oneself as a
loving person, a happy person, a person of importance, and a person that has
much to offer the world. This side is engaged in living. It recognizes that not
all times will be good times, but keeps moving forward. It is the side that says,
“Yes, I have depression but I will not let it limit Me or control Me”. It sees
depression not as an enemy, but as an ally that can make one stronger. It
accepts everything in balance. This is the side of “Positive Living”.
The edge of the sword by which you
choose to live your life is your decision and your decision alone. There is no
magic wand, potion, or pill that can do it for you. However, should you decide
one day that the “Positive Living” edge of the sword is more preferable to the
“Negative Existence” edge. Then be assured that there are countless resources
in the world that can help you realize this conscious choice. From that time
forward you will begin to realize that all of your previous conceptions about
yourself and others will fall away. That the energy that was used to keep and
maintain you on the “Negative Existence” edge will be transferred to the
“Positive Living” edge of the sword. Since we know from Physics that energy
cannot be created or destroyed only transferred. Therefore, no new energy is
required
As you become more comfortable with
your new choice. You will begin to notice that people once considered strangers
will now be drawn towards your “Positive Living” personality. That events of a
positive nature will begin to occur much more frequently and life will
generally take on a much easier feel to it. Work will still have to be put in,
but the achievements that come with work will be greater. As to why this will
occur, rests on the simple premise that, “Like attracts Like”. Meaning, that if
you project a “Positive Living” attitude then those things that are positive
around you, people or events, will automatically be drawn towards you. Also,
the more positive you are the stronger the attraction will be towards you.
Yet, there will be challenges that you
must face. There will be times when you wonder if it is worth all the work that
you are putting in. It is during these moments when you must say to yourself
that the negative energies you are experiencing will pass and in time, the
duration and intensity of these negative energies will diminish. As the
“Positive Living” becomes a greater part of your life and a more powerful part
of your life as well. Yet, the greatest challenge may not come from within but
from those closest to you. For if, those closest to you face their own personal
challenges they may turn on you because of the perceived threat that they see
you to be. They may try to diminish your successes in a way that may cause you
to switch back to other side of the sword. What you must do is not allow these
people to keep you from choosing and maintaining the path of “Positive Living”.
Instead of being sucked back into the old ways with their negative projections.
Transfer that negative energy into positive energy by telling yourself that the
changes you have made have indeed been noticed. That these people are
exhibiting frustration in their inability to achieve what you yourself have
achieved. In time, your success may encourage them to make the same changes
that you yourself have made. If not, it may be time to move away and seek an
environment that suits your “Positive Living” choice.
If any of you should wonder about some
of the things I’ve said, especially the “Positive Living” statements, then be
assured that it is very much TRUE! Since, making the switch to “Positive
Living”, people I’ve never would have spoken to in the past I now speak to.
People who would never have an interest in me before now are interested in me.
Finally, positive events or occurrences now happen more regularly to me. Yet,
through all of this I have never forgotten that I suffer from depression. All
that has changed is which edge of the depression sword I’ve chosen to live on.
The choice that I made is also available to you…
IF
YOU CHOOSE, TOO MAKE IT!