We can create joy within our own hearts when we know how! There is no need to be depressed when that depression is caused by thoughts we choose to dwell on.
Our thoughts are powerful! It has been said that what we think is who we are.
There is so much truth in that statement.
If we allow our thoughts to remain focused on our dislike of someone for instance, then we are creating a negative energy that grows within our hearts and emits from our physical body.
Apparently, according to the Law of the Universe, this will also cause negative energy to be drawn into our proximity.
It will create darkness within our hearts which may develop into depression as it evolves.
We can change our own environment--our world.
When we are aware that negative thoughts are entering into our mind, we can choose to bring positive thoughts into our mind instead.
We can do this but we must make the actual decision to do so, and then act on it.
If we blindly choose to act on any thought that randomly enters into our mind, then we are likely going to exist in a darker and darker place.
This certainly may cause depression.
We can choose to do other things also to help relieve depression.
We can think about helping someone.
There is so much need for physical and spiritual uplifting in our world that it is not very hard to find someone we can help in some way.
Even a smile or sending some kind of positive energy to someone helps uplift our own spirits as well as theirs, and the more love and positive energy we can bring into our own hearts, the less depression, or darkness, will remain.
We can change our atmosphere from an aura of "Hell" into an aura of "Heaven".
One way we can create joy in our hearts is through the act of giving.
Once when Cherokee elder John Red Hat and I were traveling from New Mexico east, I realized that I had lost my feeling of joy, and I wanted it back.
Creator "heard my thoughts" and helped me.
I saw an exit to a rest area.
I decided to pull off and take my dog, Chewy, for a walk.
While I was opening the back of the truck to let Chewy out, I saw a man digging in a trash bin.
I felt badly for him.
A little while later I glanced up and saw him at the next trash bin to my left and he was digging in that one.
Again I felt compassion for him.
A little while later as I was putting my dog back into the back of the truck, I saw the same man sitting at another picnic area chewing on a head of lettuce.
I felt a strong desire to help the man.
So, I looked at the food I had in the truck and found an unopened package of oatmeal raisin cookies and thought that at least that would give him some cereal and fruit.
Then I took what money I had in my purse and brought these items to the man.
As I approached I told him, "I hope this will help you a little on your journey.
" The man had a round, happy face and beautiful, blue eyes.
He accepted my gift, smiled and said, "God bless you.
" As I climbed back into my truck, I realized I had my joy back and I smiled.
I realized my Father had not just given me back my joy, but had allowed me to earn it.
I was bubbling over with joy and happiness! It may be possible for us to change our environment from one of depression to one of joy if we choose to do so.