If I have to use one word to describe sentiment dominating this year, then it has to be disillusionment. There is no particular reason for it...my life is going on well and I am happy and enjoying it.
But still i do feel a sense of disillusionment with almost everything. I did some soul searching and realised that one big and particular reason for that is we are brought up to expect idealism, perfection in everything. Thus we have an idealistic expectation of everything and we all know that perfection in life, though possible is not always sustainable. And when we are unable to find or create an ideal life for ourselves, we tend to become disillusioned with ourselves as well as our surroundings. Not sure if this is called mid-life crisis but sure sounds like one.
More often than not disillusionment is accompanied by cynicism. I do so want to guard against becoming a cynic. Might sound hilarious but I have actually devised a strategy to fight this. It has been working so far for me.
To begin with I have identified some trigger factors--talking to a friend who is going through a particularly bad phase or is a negative person per se who would just add to your sense of disillusionment; reading a depressing book written by a disillusioned author (that is why i appreciate chiclit writers who are always able to see the bright side of life) etc etc. So it works something like this. I try to stay away from triggers as much as possible. Sometimes totally unavoidable like a long lost friend might call up to say hello and also pile you with her long list of woes. Part 1 of the firefighting strategy--talk to another friend and tell her exactly what is ailing your life (this way you become a negative person you have been avoiding but this if done properly does work). Usually avoid this because i strongly believe that one owes it to people around to be as cheerful and happy as possible. The next thing is to talk to a sensible person who will make you see reason and will help you count your blessings. Sometimes even this doesnt work then the next best thing is to go for a long walk, dance to peppy music or to do some physical activity which would get the adrenalin flowing. Sometimes it is not about a day or two but a phase and then self-help books come to the rescue. I swear by Rhonda Byrne's Secret...have already read it twice now.
Let me be honest here...sometimes nothing but a slab of chocolate/brownie with ice cream/hot chocolate fudge/drinking session would make you see the bright side of life...
2 comments:
Rhonda Byrnes works for me. A lot of what she says is obvious but we still dont do it. What i like is that she acknowledges that you will get -ve thoughs and tells you how to counter them. other books just talk about the benefits of +ve thinking.
But yes, sometimes what she says is downright silly. lol. My favorite is start behaving as if you've already got what you have been hankering for. She sets out an example of this--telling her sister to pack her bags, start selling the things in the house, even though she was unsuccessful in getting clearance to emmigrate to the US...kinda takes the cake.
Reading `Gita' is a good idea...weekend mission to purchase Gita.
Hi anonymous, still to purchase Gita. Think will do tomorrow from a bookshop near my office...thanks for reminding me...
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