Depression is a small word but those who suffer from depression hate the very feeling. The life becomes a living hell for a depressed person. Nothing feels good. Nothing gives joy. One thinks of negatives. Anxieties attack from time to time and many times a depressed person stops caring about anything including life. It is indeed a very bad problem and with modernization, it is increasing. Doctors try their best to treat a depressed person with counseling and medicines, but what can a depressed person do to help himself or herself? Goals in life can help them. Let us examine.

A human being is a goal-oriented animal. The mind needs a focus to target. Without a focus, the mind wanders around. Achieving goals gives a sense of self-esteem and satisfaction. This cannot be obtained anywhere else. To feel good because we have done something creditworthy is a great medicine. It elevates our mind. It gives us new vigor and new joy. When we feel good about ourselves and get assured about our abilities, it removes negativities from the mind. That helps fight depression to a great extent.

One of the causes of depression is less self-respect. A depressed person generally thinks of himself or herself as useless. When the same person begins setting goals and achieves them, that sense of low self-respect goes away. This gives rise to self-esteem, which is important in fighting depression. The question is how to set goals that help?

Do not set very high goals. If you fail to achieve them, you will feel worse. Try to set small goals that are achievable. After setting these goals, write them and keep the paper with you most of the times. From time to time, read the goals again and keep planning and implementing strategies to achieve the goals. As you begin achieving the goals, you will begin feeling good.

Fall is in the air! The dog days of Summer are long gone. The leaves are changing and falling, football is in full swing and pumpkins and gourds abound. Houses and tables are decorated with lovely fall colors. It is a season of beauty, energy and a time of change.

As I was walking around the block today I was struck by all the vibrant colors of the leaves and the crunching sound they made under my feet. It brought back childhood memories. I remembered as a kid running full blast into a giant pile of leaves and picking them up and trying to throw them. There is also a nip in the air during this time of year that energizes and awakens the senses and renews the spirit.

The change in seasons is a good time to reflect on what changes we want to make in our lives. So now that you have changed the clocks back in your home think about what other changes you may want to make as you strive to give it your “all” this Fall.

Here are some things to think about:

1. What can you do to show your vibrant self this Fall? What do you want right now? How can you be more true to yourself? How can you surround yourself with more beauty?

2. What routine would you like to fall back into? Any old habits or hobbies you should bring back into your life? What do you miss?

3. What is getting in your way? What do you keep tripping over or is making you fall? What out dated beliefs are you holding on to? What clutter can be cleared?

4. What are you ready to jump into this Fall? What changes have you been putting off? What steps can you take towards greater fulfillment? Harness your childhood energy to start something new.

5. What do you need to start saying “no” to? What is zapping your energy? What do you want to stop doing?

Start giving it your “all” this fall by reflecting and making changes in your life. Get yourself in a relax state. Look out your window or close your eyes. What color are the leaves? Are they red, yellow? How long does it take them to drop to the ground? Can you see them blowing around? Take a breath.

Next grab a pen and a piece of paper and start writing down your thoughts.

Do not edit yourself. By pondering the above questions you are taking the first step towards change and getting closer to something you want. Big or small strides it doesn’t matter. What is jumping out at you?

A greater awareness of what we want, what we miss and what we are tolerating is a start. Celebrate this new season by identifying changes you would like to see in your everyday life. Here’s to: getting energized, living a more fulfilling life and to new beginnings. Give it your “all” to get the most out of this Fall.
Go for it! You deserve it all.

How many of us were told as children “It is better to Give than to Receive”? And many of us grew up believing and thinking that the virtue was always in the giving.

Yet the Universe always has a balance. If there is an up there is an equal and equivalent down. The left is balanced with the right. True North is the exact opposite of True South. Everything in the Universe has an equal and equivalent opposite. Yet it is true that some things are more preferable than their opposite. For instance, most people would much rather be happy than sad and most people would much prefer health over sickness.

Yet when one strives to live with an Attitude of Gratitude, the concept of giving and receiving take on new meaning. Being truly grateful for all of the gifts of an abundant Universe means being open to receiving. The true gifts of the Universe are very often not of a material nature but they are more of a more joyous and spiritual nature. The love of our families and friends, the beauty of nature, the joys we find in our work are some of the sweetest gifts we can receive and they are all far from being material items.

Even in our giving of gifts to others we can receive back the gifts of the Universe. Seeing someone else’s happiness when they open up the gift we chose especially for them is our gift to be grateful for. Watching the enjoyment of our families and friends as they partake in the holiday we prepared for them is a gift from the Universe to be grateful for. Enjoying the excitement as the children wait for Santa is a gift to be grateful for.

So Giving is a wonderful thing. Receiving is an equally wonderful thing. Be open to give and be open to receive. Giving and Receiving can be the perfect balance-which is also another gift from the Universe.

When you give of yourself, you can’t help but receive Joy back. That Joy is your gift.