Ever feel like they just can't be happy? I mean, life isn't really bad, there's just this feeling inside that makes you feel overwhelmed by sadness?
2007-02-15 05:26:01 · 5 answers · asked by socmum16 ♪ 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I used to feel that way. Then I read Richard Carlson's book "You Can Be Happy No Matter What." Richard Carlson also wrote "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff."
According to Carlson, most people think happiness is conditional and outside of themselves or expect that it is a fleeting feeling based on the events in their lives or their circumstances. They don't realize that their happiness is inside of them IN THE MOMENT.
According to Carlson, most people are unhappy because most of their thinking is negative. Negative thinking leads to a negative feeling in the moment which leads to a negative mood. Then the negative mood leads to a negative feeling in the moment which leads to more negative thinking. The reverse is also true. Positive thinking leads to positive feelings in the moment which leads to a positive mood.
The trick is not to try to feel better or think positively, the trick is to think positive thoughts. When I feel down, I don't try to change what I'm feeling, I just DELIBERATELY start thinking about things I like. For example, when upset, I make myself think "I liked the movie Babel, Brad Pitt looked good in that movie. I like Oreo cookies, they taste good. I like Bette Midler's song The Rose, its pretty." It sounds stupid, BUT IT WORKS. Within a couple of minutes my mood is lifted and I FEEL BETTER.
2007-02-15 05:44:50 · answer #1 · answered by dragonsong 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I ever get to the point where I should be happy and I'm not then maybe. For now I keep thinking I just need to fix a lot of stuff and then I'll be happy.
2007-02-15 13:32:53 · answer #2 · answered by Gustav 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and it is called depression. If you just wander around doing nothing about it, it will not get better. Seek help, talk to someone you trust but get to the root of why you feel that way. You will see, you will begin to heal
2007-02-15 13:34:49 · answer #3 · answered by grannypamrox 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's called depression. There is medication for that or you can always believe in God & think positively.
2007-02-15 13:34:59 · answer #4 · answered by princessfoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blesse are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
2007-02-15 13:52:12 · answer #5 · answered by Idiot with moles and red hair 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋