Daily Word Tuesday January 20, 2010

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." - Denis Waitley -

I found this an interesting quote, as I have been pondering on the question of depression. Now I know that certain types of depression are caused by hormonal or chemical imbalances and therefore are physical illnesses, and that trauma can cause depression too, but I have come to realize that a large amount of depression is caused by general discontent.

So why do we live in a world where a large portion of people feel constantly discontented? The answer that occurred to me was basically simple, we are being brainwashed by a media that tells us that our lives without --- the best car, the best holiday, the best house, the best body and physical appearance, the most exciting activities etc, is boring.

And so gradually we start to believe that our lives lack the excitement we witness on the TV and in the magazines, and start to live seeking one exciting experience after another, feeling discontent and ultimately depressed with normal day to day life.

So what is the answer? Again simple, we need to change what we expose our minds to and we need to change our focus from an inward (what can I have and do next to please me) to and outward focus (what can I do to reach and bless others)

Now I am not saying we can never do fun things for ourselves, but when this is all we end up living for, we will ultimately become discontented and depressed.

When we embrace every day with Gods Word in our hearts and his love and grace in our actions, we will end the day contented and happy, no matter where we are or what we are doing that day.

So what is your focus point today?

Stay fervently focused

Much love

Chrissy