Life in math.

[thepnutgallery]

Looking at my life, I basically see it as a not-terribly complex equation: a+b+c…= Unhappy. You’ll notice in the above equation that there are lots of variables, but the end result is a constant. The Boy offered this tidbit of advice:
It’s possible that unhappiness and anger are default settings on your feelings because they are the only emotions you feel comfortable allowing yourself to experience. When we’re angry over a situation or dissatisfied, we’re in full control of that. It’s not an emotional response that equals a weakness in your mind. You can feel something and not feel like you’ve manipulated by it. Misery allows you to feel something and still remain in full control.

I don’t disagree with this, but maybe modify it, or add to it that if you’re unhappy or dissatisfied with a situation, it enables you to more easily disassociate from it, look from the outside in and analyze than say, being happy and “in the moment”. Of course, when you lose your temper, you’re in just as bad a place, control-wise, but we’re talking about dissatisfaction, disdain, a slow-burn, not crazy-rage.

Comments

[cikevin.livejournal.com]

If I'd have to guess which of my friends were chronically unhappy, it would take me a long time to get down to you. Maybe you just put on a cheerful facade for Rocky, parties, and other times when I see you. Then again, when I got depressed enough to require medication, most people at Rocky seemed unaware of it too. I think Rocky is a special world. :)

As I'm sure other people will point out, if things change but you remain unhappy, the constant there is you. Dan Gilbert is one of many people who's been pointing out recently some scientific evidence behind the old idea about manufacturing your own happiness. The basic point is that how you react to things has a lot more to do with your happiness than what's actually been happening. The idea of being the master of your own reactions is also a big part of Psycho-Cybernetics, which has a silly-sounding name but is pretty much the basis of a lot of the modern self-help stuff.

The post refers to "today's post" and "the above," but this one is the only post I see from you today. I presume the other one is filtered and this one is not? It's just a bit confusing.

[skatert.livejournal.com]

It seems to me that happiness is the default emotion for humanity, as it's what we know in the simplest terms as children. Anger and unhappiness seem to be learned out of social contexts.

I think The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman might be a book you would really like. It might shed some light on that equation you're working on.

<3.14

[gltrdiva00.livejournal.com]

hi honey! long time no see. i'm going to add you if thats alright. are you doing okay?