Emotional level: 6

Mental level: 6

TODAY I LEARNED: Christmas was illegal in the U.S. until 1836 as it was considered an Ancient Pagan Holiday.

Recently, I visited a casino! I had seen inside but never participated. I have to say, the experience was surreal! It felt like stepping into an entirely different reality; one where the machines never sleep, and the building never shuts down.

It was like the world existed only in that large space. You have a vast floor filled with machines to entertain you for days, lights, lights, and more lights, food locations that will cater to your needs, free beverages, and of course, bathrooms. What more could you need?

You have it all, granted you have enough money to keep you there.

The entire experience sparked a realization. Something about being cut off from the world and distracted from time, made me see just how often we trap ourselves in our own worlds.

The world of the mind.

We often make our lives as comfortable as possible…but as soon as something goes horribly wrong, we retreat to a safe part of our minds…and that helps us get through the rough patches.

It’s healthy to feel what you’re meant to, and it’s ideal to process your feelings and make it out on the other side. Unfortunately, it’s terribly easy to get caught in that little world of misery and despair.

Just as the appealing lights of the casino pull us in to stay awhile, so too does the want to wallow in what we feel. Although, there is a huge difference between a casino and the mind.

The casino is meant to be enjoyed, while the dark places we recede to will only hurt us if we stay for too long. We can tell ourselves over and over that lingering within the dark rooms of our brains will be fine, but the need to move forward and out is essential.

It’s important to let go and let flow. That darkness is only there to remind you of the light and to help you move on. We’re not meant to remain in the dark.

It can seem appealing, because after a certain point, it all starts to seem comforting. You grow used to those melancholy thoughts and feelings. But the longer you stay, the harder it is to leave.

It will be horrible. You will be forced out of your comfort zone. But you have to force yourself back into the light. It won’t feel great for awhile, but you will get to a better place. I promise. Trust that. Trust yourself.

All that being said, I’ve struggled with the darkness all my life, but lately, things have been easier when it comes to my depression. I’m trying new techniques that cater to the empath life and learning new things about myself. For years things have been getting better, even if, at times, it doesn’t seem that way.

It was hard at first because good energy feels different when you’ve felt so much bad for so long.

The happiness process has become a part of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You learn that things even out as you continue to better yourself. And that is a very good thing.

Maybe you’re afraid to be happy. The want to be better can be scary…but it’s worth it. If you just keep pushing through, you will end up where you’re supposed to be.

Blessed Be )O(