After going through a major event, like a stabbing, building a house, getting a promotion, losing a job… you constantly find yourself flipping back and forth between pretty dark thoughts and very positive ones.
You’re happy the cops got the guy; you’re angry he got to plead guilty before being able to tell your side of the story to get a lighter sentence. You’re happy that the whole thing is over and you can get back to a “normal” life; you’re angry that the whole thing happened because of something so stupid as a few dollars. You’re happy you get to continue living your great life…
It’s really a question of extremes — from really dark to really light.
It happens to you everyday
The thing is, you’re exposed to similar thoughts each day.
- You’re happy for her, because she got the promotion she deserved — you’re jealous they didn’t pick you
- You love your job — you’re jealous of her’s because the pay is higher
- You’re happy for her, she got the courage to quit her job to do something she loves — you’re angry you can’t get yourself to do the same
- You have the perfect house — you wish it was more like the one on TV
- You’re happy for him, he got the top grade in the class, he studied so hard — You wish you had the top grade, you studied too
- You’re ecstatic you lost the 10 lbs. — you’re upset you celebrated with a few doughnuts
- You’re happy about your New Years resolutions — you’re upset you haven’t done anything about it yet
- You’re happy for him, he got a public speaking gig — You’re angry you didn’t get it because you know much more about the topic
It’s what you do that matters
What I’m trying to say is that we’re all struggling with darker and lighter thoughts. It’s normal. What comes next — the most important part — is action. What you decide to act on is what’s going to set you apart. It’s not a matter of ignoring one thought or the other, it’s a matter of acting on what will make you better and stronger. Your move.
What are you going to choose to act on? The dark or the light?
(Photo credit: Mariano Kamp)
