The energy of depression can be endemic. But we have the power to flip the switch.

The dishes aren’t done, the laundry needs folding, dinner needs to be cooked and the baby won’t go down for a nap. Oh, and that long list of things I needed to get done three days ago for my business, well, forget about that, at this rate, I don’t think I’ll ever get it done.

The laundry list continues: husband is too busy with his own work and play, I feel ignored, undervalued, and am so overworked taking care of everyone else, that I’m fraying at the seams. I’m coming undone, and there’s nobody else who is going to take care of me. The longing for someone else to swoop in and take care of everything will go unanswered and unheard - there is nobody else to turn to.

And yet…the tomatoes are ripening, the carrots are chopped and the herbs are ready to grace the roasting chicken.

And yet…I am okay. In the midst of it all, I am okay!

Why? Because the sky is gorgeous with sunset colors, the high clouds curving through the scenery and illuminating trees that frame the meadow. My husband loves me, and even after 15 years, I still need to remember that he demonstrates it instead of saying it. My baby finally is asleep and the dishes will be done.

But even deeper than that, I am okay because I am alive. I draw breath and can dance, my body healthy, full if not fit, strong if not cute. I am on the earth, surrounded by trees and wind and sky. The subtle power and strength of my heart is true and on cue, rising up to remind me of my primordial okayness.

I breathe again, and can feel joy begin to surge. For no reason whatsoever.

I have flipped the switch.

No longer, in this moment, will I be drowned with sorrow and unanswered emails, laundry and floors to sweep. No longer, in this moment, will I feel unloved and unworthy. Because I am.

I am loved, I am worthy, and I am alive in myself, full and strong, powerful, beautiful, and frankly, unstoppable.

If others around me feel their limitations and believe them - I do not need to take that on for them. What I can do instead, is draw that deep breath, feel the earth beneath me and remember that I know how to dance this powerful, majestic dance of simply living. My role is to invite others to dance as well.

The more we remember to flip the switch, the lighter we will become.