“That’s it. I’m done!” That’s what I want to say about the depression symptoms I deal with.

If you have clinical depression, you may have heard a therapist say that “depression is defined as a low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. This is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life.”

However, one day, an idea, like a bright light, bloomed in my mind.

“My depression symptoms give me compassion for others. When someone is going through pain, I can understand. Because I go through that every day.”

I experience suffering, and I can empathize with and understand some form of how others feel. This means that I often listen well to people who express their feelings.

Each person’s journey is different. And yet, we all go through some versions of pain.

I have three insights for you.

1. The power is in the question.

If you’re stuck in a rigid mindset, you may miss out.

So, what is the question that illuminates your life?

This question is: How are you not honoring the divinity the Gods placed in you?

Depression symptoms want me to stay in bed and suffer.

But that would not honor the Gods, my husband, my parents, or my friends. So, I get out of bed.

And, sometimes earlier because my cat, Magick, swats me on the forehead. “Get Up!”

He needs his insulin shot and food. But that’s not his order of priority.

How can you honor the Gods by choosing different actions to take?

2. Honoring is to use the gifts you have been given.

What gifts have the Gods given you?
Perhaps, you’re suffering right now. Blessings to you.

And…

You’re likely reading this. So, you can see.
How can you honor the gift of seeing?
See something beautiful.
Visit with a friend. See their face.

You can think. Honor the Gods by thinking of something kind you can do for another human being…or pet…

How can you act to fulfill your gifts given by the Gods?

3. Ask the Goddess for insight and energy.

Here is a prayer you can use.

Lovely Lady,
Give me the Element Fire’s energy and passion,
Give me the wisdom of Air, to know who I am.
Wrap me in the flow of Water’s intuition,
With Earth’s strong foundation of Your grace.
So Mote It Be.

May these insights support your path.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater