In episode 490 of the podcast, I talked about the power of enthusiasm and my past struggles with darkness & depresion. I came back to the topics in episode 492, specifically because of two comments I got in response to episode 490.
The listeners reached out to express that depression is not a choice. I agree. Interestingly, I did not say in the episode that depression was a choice. Of course I didn’t, because I don’t believe it to be true. But, I have no control over what others feel I implied. That’s dangerous business, for any of us: thinking we know what someone meant to say.
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So, for the sake of clarity, here is what I believe: we can change.
No matter what we are facing, we have the power to change, heal, improve and grow.
You can be different today. Change is available to you. Today.
You can avoid past patterns, today.
You can find the good in your day today.
You can be happier today.
Sure, there are things in life that can make change harder. We all have those things. Some of them are circumstantial. Some of them are hormonal. Some of them are biochemical. Some historical.
None of them take away our power to choose incremental improvements.
You have the power to eat a little better today, or smile a little more. You have the power to move with more intention or take a pause for gratitude and prayer. You have the power to get to bed earlier or stay off social media. You have the power to ask for help or read a book for support & encouragement.
I refuse to accept that we are powerless because we aren’t.