Last week in my blog, I talked about how you know if you’re depressed. Whether you’re clinically depressed or feeling really sad, I know it’s not where you or someone you know wants to be. This week I’m going to help you create an image of the way you would like your life to be when sadness or depression have packed their bags and gone away.
Take a deep breath…and another one. Get in a comfortable position. If it helps, put on some comfortable clothes and go someplace that helps you feel relaxed–somewhere quiet outside or inside–that you can let your imagination flow. Have you gone to that place? When you’re ready, read on below…
When sadness or depression is no longer a part of your life, what will be different? What will you be doing when your life is going the way you want it to go?
See it.
Take a moment to close your eyes and visualize. What do you see? Are you inside, outside, alone, with friends, co-workers, or family? What is it that you’re doing? What colours, shapes, and textures do you see? Are you in a calming environment, a fast-paced and energetic one, or someplace in between? Imagine going throughout a day when life is going exactly the way you want it to go… Create a detailed snapshot of it.
Hear it.
What do you hear when life is going the way you want it to go? Do you hear a voice, a few voices, or many people? Is there a buzz of excitement in the air, do you hear traffic, machinery, music, silence, or the sounds of nature–loud crashing waves, the wind blowing, or birds calling? There is no right or wrong to these sounds. They’re exactly what you’ll be hearing when sadness or depression are no longer a part of your life.
Feel it.
What do you feel to have been able to successfully leave sadness behind? Accomplishment? Pride? Relief? Contentment? Satisfaction? Energy? Something else?
What will someone from your present or past notice you doing when sadness is gone? What will someone else notice? What would a family member notice? How about a co-worker? What about somebody whose played a significant positive role in your life, whether s/he’s currently in your life, or someone who used to be? What would s/he see you doing that would tell him or her that you’re really happy? What else would she/he/they notice you doing? Think of as many details as you can.
Capture it.
What will you be doing in your personal life, your work life, or with other people when you’ve moved past sadness or depression? Take as much time as you need to create a vivid picture of what life will be like when you’re feeling good, happy, and content.
If it helps, draw, paint, or create a collage of your vision. Write a song, journal, create a story, or write a poem. Do what helps you really capture what your life is going to be like when sadness or depression no longer play a role.
Next week I’ll talk about some things you might do to make this vision happen.
Renée Meggs is a Registered Psychologist who works with adults and children to help them do what works, both in counselling and coaching. If you’d like to book an appointment or inquire about my services, please e-mail me at reneemeggs@focusedsolutionscounselling.com and/or go to my website at https://reneemeggs.com. I can meet with you in person, on the phone, or on-line.
