We usually think happiness is an emotion that just happens inside of us. When we adopt this view, it may seem like emotions (happiness, sadness, boredom, anger, love, frustration, etc.) are things outside our control. The truth is we, through our mental, spiritual and physical/physiological powers, are intended to control our emotions. We control them, they do not control us! Or at least that is the truth of the matter, even tough many people teach and act as if we can't help how we feel and our actions are simply dictated by our emotions. Rubbish! That violates the principles of agency much less the realities of science and human experience.
Sure, emotions are powerful. When we accidentally slam our finger in the door, it hurts, we scream and our biological reaction is to cry... all powerful and sometimes related to involuntary reactions BUT our mind, our will and our spirit is stronger than our emotions and our bodies. At the center of this tension is choice! It is our choice to be happy regardless of what is happening around or to you. It is our choice to say a swear word when we slam our finger in the door. It is our choice to wallow in boredom. What you choose and how you act (including what emotions you allow to entertain and display) affects others and your future happiness... Yes, your choices contribute to your own happiness. Enjoy this video:
Assignment: think of times or situations when you have been unhappy. What choices can you make to move from unhappiness to happiness? Post your answers on this site.
I could have had a smile and have been more nice. I couldn't not called them names or been rude. ~Morgan Bunch.
ReplyDeleteI could have had a smile and have been more nice. I couldn't not called them names or been rude. ~Morgan Bunch.
ReplyDeleteOne time, when my mom told me that I could not go somewhere like to a friends house or go to a store with a friend etc. I got all mad and threw a stack of papers on the ground and got in trouble. If i did not get mad I could have not gotten in trouble and got grounded for a whole week or so. Do you see where it go's on? If i didn't throw those papers on the ground I could played with that friend the next day.
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