CAUSE

Sadness, depression, and even a general feeling of malaise emanate from only three sources: 

1. Wishing things were different than they are.
   

2. Wanting things you don't have.
   

3. Thinking about the past or future.

Just knowing this fact will begin to give you some level of relief.

EXPLANATION

When you wish things were different than they are, which is a very common malady, you are focusing on lack. Lack is a negative state of mind which will, as you run the thoughts around over and over in your mind, bring you nothing but misery -- and yet solve nothing.

When you want things you don't have, which is a subset of the previous issue, you ignore what you do have. Imagine, for a moment, a wealthy man who's just purchased an exotic sports car for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, the exact color and model he wanted was not available. For anyone else, the car he is currently driving is a fantasy come true, but for him it is an empty experience because it isn't exactly the model he wanted. Many of us spoil our current "good" situation by wasting our time and energy wishing it was different or "better".

The mind loves to replay the past, and project the future. This is part of it's strategy for taking you over and keeping you from living in the present moment (which is where you are free).

All, I repeat ALL, thoughts about the future and past are a complete and utter waste of your time and energy, and they can cause quite a bit of misery. The mind is very clever and seductive, but it is also very limited. See this list and you'll begin to see the limited and destructive effects excessive past and future can have on you Now.

SOLUTION

1. Learn to practice Acceptance.
   

2. Learn to practice Gratitude. Realize how abundant your life is already, and be grateful for what you now have.
   

3. Begin to understand your mind and begin to disassociate from it. Avoid letting it send you into endless thoughts of past and future.