| I've been thinking today about how a person's mind can really fuck them up if they let it. I know from experience, it's the underlying premise behind everything I've authored on this page. But a friend of mine recently brought to my attention how she was going through the same stuff I've already experienced, so I've been thinking about how the human brain is both our greatest asset and our worst enemy. Thinking about things too much creates havoc. And when you're alone, it's hard not to analyze things and wonder and obsess and the like. Your mind creates situations that aren't there, distorts ones that actually are there, and generally creates confusion. The results from this undue pressure can be disastrous. You can miss things that are right in front of you, and see things from a distance that aren't really there. But you convince yourself they're there, and that where you are is not where you're supposed to be. So you make changes, push away people or make other decisions that try to get you where you want to be. Only when you get there, it's never like you imagined it would be. So unhappiness sets in. And more changes need to be made to get you someplace else where you think life might be happier. I've questioned what happiness is before, and all I've come up with is this: whatever happiness really is, you'll never find it if you continue to look for it. All you can do is deal with what is right in front of you. You can't deal with the past- whether it's a decision you made or someone who won't let you move on. All you can ask of yourself is to go with the flow. Real problems can be overcome, imaginary ones are unconquerable. You're not happy where you are? What exactly is it that is making you unhappy? Figure it out, and then make a plan to fix it. If you claim you don't know what it is exactly, well, when you want to you will. Only you can make yourself ready. Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they're real. But not being able to recognize unhealthy feelings will inevitably lead to trouble. And the regret that comes with those consequences are twice as terrible. So my answer to this syndrome is to stop "trying" and start "being". Your life will take you where you're meant to be, just keep your eyes on the road. Let me know what you think The Rain King |