Everything in life can be used to learn and grow from. Negative things like depression can be used as springboards to a new outlook.  Now, no one seeks out painful experiences just because they want to be a better person, but the fact is that even difficult times have a bright side that can be used to our future benefit. 

Depression is one example. I will bet that each of you knows of someone who has been through some form of depression. As Dr. David Viscott points out in his book, "Emotionally Free," depression can be a clear sign that you can't afford to ignore the yearnings of your heart any longer. You wouldn't be depressed unless something is going on that is very important to you - usually a loss of some kind - so even though you may not like it, you have a special opportunity telling you to pay attention and make some changes. 

If you're feeling depressed, ask yourself, "What did I lose, and how was it important?" Then ask, "What could I have done to change things?" Don't waste time blaming yourself - just see how you may have neglected to take responsibility for your actions or feelings. 

Look at how you may have allowed your feelings to build up over time. If you sold out to something that doesn't make you happy, you need to look more closely at that and begin to imagine exactly what your life would look like if you felt really fulfilled.

You see, if you can look at your depression as a time of mental housecleaning, and if you can remember the strengths that have pulled you through tough times in the past, you may emerge better equipped to create a good life for yourself and to value it more.