‘ I wish that I had let myself be happier’.
In a study on people facing death, this regret was surprisingly common. Many of the elderly in the study did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. Happiness comes from within, not from what happens to you.
Happiness all starts with your thoughts, your interpretation about the situation. Just think about it. Sad thoughts lead to a sad mood, even depression. Maybe even wanting to stay in bed all day, hidden under the duvet! A happy person with sad thoughts just doesn’t make sense, does it? A happy person has happy thoughts which results in ‘happy’ behavior! So if you’re working on overcoming depression, ask yourself exactly what you are thinking that is making you depressed. Changing your thoughts, or getting a more realistic perspective on your thoughts could lift your depression. In psychological terms it’s called cognitive therapy, or therapy of the thoughts.
I remember clearly when my son decided to emigrate. As he left I felt sad and tearful because I’d miss him. Then I consciously decided to change my thoughts. This was his life and he was heading out into the future full of anticipation and excitement! There’s nothing sad about that and as I changed my thoughts happiness overtook me again!
If you’re prone to depression, try to look at your underlying thoughts. Try and change the way you view a particular situation. Look at the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. For every negative thought, try to find the opposite positive one.
What’s your greatest regret so far? Don’t end your life with the regret that you didn’t allow yourself to be happier. Be happy, laugh and be silly! Enjoy life, you really have only one chance!
To learn more about how to change the way your think, please click here for some more very helpful information.
