Expressed Vs Depressed

I heard an interesting contrast recently that I never quite put together, which is the relationship that being 'expressed' and 'depressed' have. The words only have two letters different and there’s a clear connection here. Let me first say that I don’t mean to be insensitive if you’ve been depressed recently, but I do think today’s message will help us all better relate with ourselves and our emotions.

You’re probably more familiar with what it means to be depressed than expressed, so let’s start there. Being depressed is characterized by having little energy, motivation, desire, being closed off, and feeling a sense of low self-worth. It can be crippling and extremely limiting. Being expressed is the complete opposite. You’re full of energy and confidence, living on your terms and feeling great about it. You are unapologetically you, you’re owning it, and you're open to what the world has to offer.

What’s interesting is being both expressed or depressed attracts more of the same because it dictates the things you do, which then affects the way you feel. So what should be emphasized here is that we should play to win. Instead of trying to avoid depression, our focus should be on pursuing expression. But what does that mean and how would you do that?

Being self-expressed is about living an honest life, with others and yourself. You can not fine-tune where you fit if you don’t know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Basically you need to know who you are so that you can live in integrity with that person. It’s also about knowing your values so that you can act in ways that align with them. You’ll feel more like yourself when you do the things you want to do in the ways you want to do them. It doesn’t need to be rude or inappropriate, it just needs to come from the deepest essence of who you are.

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