Depression is the result of our thoughts. Depression first begins with a negative thought, which causes negative emotions that leads to anxiety, and soon after, developed into depression.

To become depressed, means that we would have to spend a lot of time and energy thinking negative, self-defeating thoughts about ourselves. In the same breath, we could use the same time and energy to think positive and pleasant thoughts about our selves.

To become happy only takes a decision. Yes we can make the decision to be happy by thinking pleasant thouhts, and acting as if we were happy. Then, we would inturn become happy. Everyone has the ability to use their creative imagination to conjure up a pleasant thought, such as, a place in nature where the trees blow in the wind and the birds sing endless happy songs.

This is what you should say to your self when you talk to yourself, I am kind and compassionate to myself and others. I free myself from worried thoughts, because Worry takes away my peace of mind and happiness. I am getting better and better, every day.

Build your self-esteem. Contrary to what some people say, self-esteem does not come from outside forces such as, the approval or dissaproval of others, or material things. It comes from within us. Therefore, it is living conciously, living with integrity, responsibility, and accountability.

Use emotions creatively and cognitively. Stave off negative emotions such as anger, envy, jealousy, worry, and hate. In the same beath, encourage postive emotions such as love, enthusiasm, faith, and peace of mind. 

Become self-aware. Self awareness is been able to stand apart from your script, habits, and thoughts and examine them from a distance.

Use emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is mastering the creative use of emotions. It is also understanding your emotions and other peoples emotions. Each person was given a script while growing up. Sometimes, it is a negative, unhappy script,  which causes us to become  prone to depression. Living the 'Values Pursue Life' gives each person the ability to examine his or her script, to rely on the creative imagination, independent will, and vision to carve out a path to our destiny instead.

I am Gary Gordon, author of The Values Pursued Life at www.amazon.com