If you've ever struggled with depression, you know exactly what that means. Because when you have depression, its hard to find joy or happiness in anything. Even the things you used to love just seem meaningless. You feel unmotivated, sad, and broken; and no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to make a difference. Depression can take over in an instant and you find yourself searching for something to make the pain go away. Depression steals your zeal for life.
I've gone through times like this before. It's so easy to fall into these patterns and pessimistic way of thinking. It's so easy to look around you and see all the pain and wonder why we press on. And it's so, so easy to let depression steal your joy. But I want to tell you to fight it.
Everyone has something they love, and when depression hits, we oftentimes forget those things. We stop those activities that used to bring us so much joy and we let it fade. We stop reading or writing or dancing or taking pictures, or sketching. But I want to encourage you. I want you to fall in love with your passions again. Each and every one of you has a purpose and a talent or skill that can be used for God's glory, for healing, and for the benefit of those around you. Use that! Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. It might take a bit of a push to get back into it, but I promise you it's worth it. Do more of what makes you happy. And if you don't know what your thing is, I encourage you to go out and find it. Explore. Try new things. It's okay to be scared too, but don't let the fear stop you from living or pursuing your goals and dreams.
Your life is worth living and your life matters. You may never know the effect you can have on this world, but I know you can do more than you ever thought possible. Even by simply doing the things you love. Did you know that? When you feel small or insignificant, remember that God can use you in the strangest ways. He has given you passions for a reason, and He doesn't want depression to take them away from you. You're stronger than depression. Take your joy back.
You know what makes me happy? Seeing someone who is truly invested in something. Have you ever noticed the way a person' eye light up when they talk about something they love? Or to see the fire in their soul when they're in their element? Those people make my heart sing. It's contagious too. So start a chain of happiness. Don't give up on your dreams and don't give up on your passions.
Of course, there will always be days when you don't feel like getting out of bed or don't feel like participating in life in a general. And that's okay. You don't need to pretend to be okay all the time. Give yourself a break when you need one. Life is all about balance and wisdom. It all comes with maturity.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope you pursue life to the fullest. No matter how sad you feel and no matter what your life looks like around you. I have found that the saddest people are oftentimes the happiest. I wish I could explain that but I don't think I know how quite yet. The people most broken by life are the ones that bring the most life to others.
Fight for your joy. You're worth it.
~Faith