Self-empowerment...

One of the most important things that depression has robbed me of is the belief that I am capable of influencing the direction of my life.  Underneath the depression is the conviction that when things are less than optimum in my life, somehow I deserve that.  However, through much therapy and medication support…I have learned differently.  While finding what you want in life is sometimes difficult, it is possible.  And it is something that we are all entitled to.  I have noticed this change in my attitude as the lessons have sunk in.  I KNOW I am entitled to find peace in my life.  I know that when I act as though my desires are justified, and I am capable of making the changes necessary to achieve them, it is more likely to happen.  In other words, my effort and willingness to believe in myself makes a huge difference.

In Landmark, there is a wonderful focus on possibility.  It has made me aware of how I sabotage myself by expecting life to happen in the same old negative ways.  When I expect it to be negative, that is precisely what happens.  So, how do I ensure that my life meets my desires?  By being willing to look at options for making what I want possible.  Does that mean that I am going to get everything I want?  I really don’t think so.  Landmark hasn’t made me believe that my million dollar payout is waiting for me just because I want it.  But it has changed my attitude about creating what I want in life.  I know now that having a resigned mindset doesn’t do me a whole lot of good.  I need to actively work towards making my desires possible.  

I have become more aware of that in recent days because I am actively looking at the quality of my life.  I am looking at goals.  I am looking at what steps I have to take to make those goals reality.  And I am recognizing that the only person who really can create my possibility in life is ME!  It isn’t something that someone else can give me.  I have to be willing to put in the work to create it.  Whether that is a job that I find interesting and fun…or a place that is my own.  There are always certain realities.  Like the availability of affordable and comfortable housing in my community.  But I can be proactive and recognize that I don’t have to settle.  I can do the research.  I can look at the options.  I can explore which options best meet my needs.  And while I am doing all that, I can remember that I am worthy of the type of housing I want to find.  Life really is what you make of it.  

Now, there are a variety of ways that I can sabotage my own possibility.  One of the ways that I can do that is by not putting in the work.  If I stay in the negativity and assume that what I want and need is not out there, than I won’t be able to achieve it.  And I know that I do that by not doing the work.  I hide out sometimes when something seems overwhelming.  Or when I think that it is impossible.  So, here is what I have pledged to do. I have pledged to make every effort to have medication so that I can see the positive and have the ability to create possibility.  I can ask for ideas from other people on how to achieve my goals.  I can also be willing to give what people suggest a try.  Will I always get everything I want?  Possibly not.  But the recognition of how my attitude influences my ability to achieve is an important step in making things move in my life.  What do you see about your life in what I have shared with you today?