Truly listening helps depression.

Take time out to listen to others. I mean really listen.
When people are talking do you think of an opinion? Do you think of what you want to say next? Maybe you can't even wait for them to finish before you have to add something? This is so common now a days. People are so wrapped up in their lives that they have lost the ability to truly listen.
When you're depressed, one of the things is that you become very wrapped up in yourself and your emotions. It is at this time that you often fnd yourself not really listening to others unless you can relate to what they are saying. A way to help yourself with this is to become aware first of all that you are doing this.
Next, try to listen to someone, preferably a friend, talking. When they are talking, focus totally on what they are saying. When you do this, don't think of your own opinion. It is actually quite difficult. What this does is help you to focus your attention away from yourself. It's not only great for your friend because you are paying such great attention, but it is excellent for you!
To help yourself in not forming opinions, ask pertinent questions and actively participate in the conversation. Try to remain positive and non- judgemental.
During this next week, make it your mission to focus on what others are saying, without feeling the need to explain anything of yourself. Don't worry if no one asks you about yourself either. It actually helps you to remain focused on your task! Let go of expecting others to ask you about your well being!
I hope the week ahead is filled with great conversations and fabulous listening on your part!
Take care
Deb
xx

Sharing love , Joy and peace.

Happy New Year ! I hope your year has begun with good things flowing your way. I have decided that I will choose a word for the year. I have chosen: ABUNDANCE. I feel it encapsulates all that I want to achieve. I wish to be an abundant person in realizing that I am enough, just the way I am.
I am constantly working on myself to improve how I view my life and the lives of those around me.
I've learned that when people get angry with me, it's usually because something didn't go the way they wanted it to go, it's usually them that has the problem, not me.
I've learned that I deserve to be loved.
I"ve learned that I have a lot to share with others and that it's not for me to judge whether it's benefitting someone or not, but to just give and let it go.
I"ve learned that our purpose in life is to share love, joy and peace with others in whatever job we do.

In the last declaration I have made, I recently realized that if we focus on just giving love and joy and peace in whatever we are doing, it makes such a difference to how  we do things. It might be something as mundane as housework, or finding the right product for a person so that it suits all their needs. No matter what we do, if it is done with these values, we will change ourselves and those around us, one step at a time.
A real help to depression and our desire to overcome it, is to look outside of ourselves and decide to improve others lives, not by providing them with a materialistic item, but by sharing our love, joy and peace with them. I have seen people visibly relax when I share these values with them, just by being me. You could try it and watch the love grow. It really does help you to get out of your head and into the world.
I hope your week ahead is one filled with love, joy and peace.
Take care
Deb