It seems like depression is an increasing problem in our world. I know I have struggled with it many times, as have many of you. The problem stems from many things. One main reason I believe our society struggles, is because of the focus we have on "having fun", vacations, doing what we want to, being lazy, etc. It is so ironic how our search for ease and enjoyment brings unhappiness, and doing things we should be doing bring us happiness. And yet, knowing this, I seem to never really learn it. I still try and do things my way, or the easy way, fall in depression, finally come out of it as I try to do what I should, only to get lazy again and follow the same pattern. I have once again broken out of my funk, with a slightly different understanding. You see, we are told if we follow the gospel, we will have peace and happiness. I thought I was following it, and I was still unhappy. But there is more than the commandments. I reviewed the Word of Wisdom, and part of section 88. The counsel there is for our physical bodies. I always put all my focus on trying to increase spiritually, but everything is connected and needs to be balanced. If we take care of our bodies, we will be able to have the strength to do what we need. We will have a clear mind to focus on increasing our spirituality. The counsel to go to bed early and rise early is something I know is vital for me if I want to be happy. When Ryan and I started doing this, I no longer was exhausted all day. I had a clearer mind, and it was easier to be happy about my situation. When we started eating more healthy, I felt better about myself. After a few months, I no longer even desired junk. And exercise. I hate exercise. But when I do it, I love myself. And funny thing, even though I hate it, my body craves it, and the more I do it, the more it wants me to keep doing it. Hmmm, maybe I should listen to my body sometimes.
Then there is the mind. We have to take care of it. In President Uchtdorf's talk "Happiness, Your Heritage" he says we need to create. Do we not feel so much happier and better about ourselves when we create? When we use our talents, use our brains?
If only I can keep this motivation, and knowledge, and stop fighting against myself. This week is my experiment week. I am going to balance all three things: Mind Body and Spirit, and see how it goes. So far today, I am feeling really great.
