We
all have ups and downs in our lives on an ongoing basis. Some of us choose
to view life positively and have an attitude of gratitude while some can’t stop
moaning about the cards they’re dealt in life. While it’s better to be in the
company of someone who refuses to let life trials to bring him down and it’s
tiring and exhausting to listen to someone who can’t stop complaining about not
being given enough break in life, life is not a bed of roses either and s**t
happens. So why aren’t we giving enough due to the fact that we can’t be happy
all the time? As Sarah Steckler mentions here, true happiness isn’t the act of
choosing to be happy, it’s the art and allowance of accepting human emotions,
observing them and being okay with them being a part of our lives.
Susan David mentions the tyranny of positivity. We’re encouraged to feel bad about being negative. But why? Why should we be denied from acknowledging that not everything goes the way we plan and want? Why should we deny ourselves from being comfortable and from dealing with the full range of our emotions?
It’s time we recognise we should acknowledge and deal with our feelings and emotions. If life sucks, we should all write an Ingratitude List. We should stop trying to pretend we’re not in pain when we are. Count our blessings of course and at the same time acknowledge that ignoring our anger and sadness with gratitude lists doesn’t make them disappear. If anything, an ingratitude list gives direction, focus and helps one move away from shame towards acceptance and action.
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