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Juliana said:

One of the things that has helped me the most is reminding myself that it's okay to WANT things. I spent such a long time trying to stave off depression by focusing on gratitude all the time. Gratitude is a wonderful thing, but I took it to an extreme. I was afraid to strive for anything more than what I already had because I thought that would be an ungrateful thing to do.

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I struggle with that balance too, but for a different reason. I have not achieved so many goals (wants) that I feel that not to have any is the best way to keep from getting hurt. Also many forms of spirituality seem to counsel detachment -- but one of my counselors also pointed out that this can be an escape from being engaged in life.

Then, too, as I've gotten older, I've found it more challenging to believe that I have what it takes to achieve my goals.