If the first thought you had after reading the title was “… must come to an end,” then you’re a pessimist and already I’m feeling better about myself.
Just kidding. ;) Sort of… (Yep… there she goes with her “half jokes” again…)
Good things coming to an end is not what this post is about at all. It’s just about good things. Why is it, though, that so many of the expressions we’re familiar with concerning good things often turn toward pessimism? All good things must come to an end, too much of a good thing is bad, and only the good die young.
Everyone loves a good thing, of this I have no doubt, but what does it mean when we feel plagued by the good things in our lives? What is it that thing that happens when there are so many good things at once that it’s overwhelming? And why does it make one (read: me) feel so freaking guilty?
Point in case: My life has been filled with love, friends, great opportunities at every turn, and good fortune. So when I actually say aloud that I’m overwhelmed by the purchase of a new home, the start of a new job, and having too many people to keep in contact with, what does that say about me?
I don’t consider myself particularly pessimistic, though I know I do create a lot of unnecessary anxiety for myself because my vision of life requires me to at least make an attempt at making everything fit very nicely and neatly into this chaotic existence. Try that some time… it’s actually impossible and will make you crazy…
Now you get me.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate the good things. I really, really, really do. I actually love my life, which makes those feelings of being overwhelmed with goodness just that much more confusing to me.
Sometimes when I’m writing, I can sort of lead myself to a conclusion… piece it all together so that it kind of begins to make sense – at least in my own mind. Here, though, I have no answer, no conclusion. This is just what is. The best I can do, I suppose, is just try to check myself and consciously curb my thinking toward just appreciating the positive side of things, rather than focusing on the challenges each brings. Easier said than done, and I’ll need reminding, but it’s a good thing. ;) So here goes…
Everyone loves a good thing, of this I have no doubt, but what does it mean when we feel plagued by the good things in our lives? What is it that thing that happens when there are so many good things at once that it’s overwhelming? And why does it make one (read: me) feel so freaking guilty?
Point in case: My life has been filled with love, friends, great opportunities at every turn, and good fortune. So when I actually say aloud that I’m overwhelmed by the purchase of a new home, the start of a new job, and having too many people to keep in contact with, what does that say about me?
I don’t consider myself particularly pessimistic, though I know I do create a lot of unnecessary anxiety for myself because my vision of life requires me to at least make an attempt at making everything fit very nicely and neatly into this chaotic existence. Try that some time… it’s actually impossible and will make you crazy…
Now you get me.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate the good things. I really, really, really do. I actually love my life, which makes those feelings of being overwhelmed with goodness just that much more confusing to me.
Sometimes when I’m writing, I can sort of lead myself to a conclusion… piece it all together so that it kind of begins to make sense – at least in my own mind. Here, though, I have no answer, no conclusion. This is just what is. The best I can do, I suppose, is just try to check myself and consciously curb my thinking toward just appreciating the positive side of things, rather than focusing on the challenges each brings. Easier said than done, and I’ll need reminding, but it’s a good thing. ;) So here goes…
Life is beautiful, you remind me of that everyday. This was an awesome blog. Je t'aime. Keep writing. :)
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