Posts by mistybison

Maria Parker77 said:Oh, you’re such a little princess, aren't you? 🙂

Look, if you actually get that this perfection hasn't gone anywhere—it's still right there waiting—then the quickest way to experience it all over again is through cutting.

It is possible that this perspective is still hidden somewhere; I just haven't figured out how to reach it again. 🤷

I have vivid memories of seeing the world through that lens, but a memory is certainly not the same as the actual experience in the present moment.

I am unsure if there are any specific techniques that could pull that perspective back up from the depths of the subconscious. 🤔

Meditation and similar practices seem to have the opposite effect on me—they detach and nullify—whereas magic tends to strengthen the ego. This, however, feels like something else entirely...

Elizabeth Castillo87 said:Look, we’ve all heard the chatter by now—there are endless studies out there showing that you can actually trigger these intense "spiritual" experiences just by poking at specific centers in the brain. It’s everywhere. You’ve got astronauts floating in the void having these profound moments, people tripping on psychedelics, near-death experiences... it's a whole spectrum of weirdness.
The typical scientific take? They argue that if you can just flip a switch in the brain to make these things happen, then it’s all just neurochemistry. To them, it’s proof there’s nothing "out there," just neurons firing in the dark. Naturally, religious folks look at those kinds of experiments with a massive amount of skepticism.
But honestly? I see it differently. To me, the fact that we can even induce these states suggests we’re sitting on a mountain of knowledge we aren't even aware of—stuff that's buried incredibly deep. If you look at it through the lens of biological evolution, there’s zero survival reason for us to carry around those kinds of heavy, ancient memories, no matter how deep they go.
People who get hit with these induced experiences usually end up totally lost, not knowing what to do with themselves. And let's be real, even when these things hit you out of nowhere, it’s a hell of a thing to process. It isn't easy to carry.
But seriously, since anyone can basically be triggered into this state, how does that prove it's somehow meaningless? How does being able to replicate it mean it doesn't matter?

It really depends on the experience. 🙂

During my childhood, up until about age 12 or 13, I regularly had what I wouldn't necessarily call a "spiritual experience," but rather very fascinating perceptions of reality. They usually lasted for a few hours—ebbing and flowing—and I could actually summon them myself if I wanted to. 🙂

It felt like this:

Suddenly, I would become aware of the "perfection" of everything. Everything was exactly where it belonged—a stone on the path, a falling leaf, someone’s hand gesture, an insect flying by... Everything inside and outside of me seemed to be exactly where it should be. At the same time, everything felt incredibly significant, the most important thing imaginable. Every blade of grass, every speck of dust, every spoken word, every single thought of mine—it was all perfectly meaningful, the most vital thing in the world. Everything was perfect, and everything was paramount. 🙂

No matter where I looked, I saw beauty. I remember being unable to tear my eyes away from people's faces; everyone, young and old, seemed stunningly beautiful. 🙂 And while talking to someone, I would occasionally think, "I was once YOU, and now I am ME, and everything is wonderful. It is so lovely to be ME," and I would be overcome by this boundless joy of existence. 🙂 There were moments when I had flashes of memory regarding what it felt like to be that other person, but they were fleeting, and I would quickly return to MYSELF and enjoy the sheer joy of being. 🙂

Unfortunately, I was too young to grasp the value of these experiences. To me, they were just normal, and as I grew up, other experiences began to feel more interesting. This unique perception of self and the world appeared less and less frequently until it eventually faded away entirely.

I don't know if I will ever be able to see reality that way again, but I hope that perspective returns to me someday. 🙂 It is likely tucked away somewhere, waiting for the right moment to resurface. 🙂 (At least, that's what I like to believe.)

But how does the fact that it can be induced in anyone serve as proof that it isn't worth mentioning?

I'm not certain if every "spiritual experience" can be induced, especially the ones where a person has control—meaning they can repeat them and summon them at will.

Harold Anderson3 said:I actually ended up quoting myself because of this specific thought.
It just occurred to me that this might be the underlying logic behind my relationships with others.
It feels like someone—whether it's a partner, a friend, or just an acquaintance—views me as if I were that car. If I can't be "fixed" to meet their needs, they just swap me out for someone else who fits better.

While I obviously can't just replace my entire existence with a new person, others can certainly replace me with someone who suits them more easily, which is exactly what happens.

And because of that, I struggle to accept myself, which creates this cycle where I end up feeling rejected by everyone else.

I honestly don't even know what I should be using as a foundation for my self-esteem.

Do you all base yours on your career, your profession, a degree, or maybe your family ties?

Personally, I feel like I don't have a single solid thing to hold onto in my life right now.

I realize I'm probably just rambling here, since these kinds of deep-seated issues aren't going to be solved overnight through an internet forum. But I really don't know who to turn to or even where to begin?

Real confidence comes from mastering a specific skill. For instance, imagine you work in construction. You study the trade, put in the hours, gain experience, and eventually, you become a true expert. Because you know you can handle any task thrown your way and that you are constantly improving, you feel steady and capable in your profession. 🙂

As for general self-confidence, I'm not quite sure what that entails... Is it the feeling of inherent worth just by being alive? Learning to accept all your traits, both good and bad? Simply feeling comfortable in your own skin?

Even if someone is perfectly at peace with themselves, it doesn't guarantee universal acceptance. We won't be loved by everyone, nor can we possibly love everyone—including ourselves 😁—and we certainly won't fit into every social circle or be the life of every party.

Confidence built on physical looks, bank accounts, status, or career success is incredibly fragile. What happens when the very things that define a person's "worth" suddenly disappear?

I don't have a single redeeming quality to hold onto in my life.

You write interesting and coherent posts here, which is more than most people can say 😁. Isn't that a quality in itself? 🙂 I am certain you possess many positive traits and perhaps even undiscovered talents waiting to be developed.

It might be best to start by building small, practical areas of confidence—focusing on acquiring specific skills or knowledge. As you see progress in any area, your sense of self will naturally improve, which will eventually bolster your overall self-esteem. 🙂

Joseph Bailey41 said:I actually liked her when she was posting about her grandmother on a different subforum. She sounded like such a lovely woman—tiny, but full of fire (though I'm talking about the grandma, I don't really know Cherie. 😳 )

The whole idea of humility just doesn't sit right with me. To be honest, I find the entire concept repulsive. I tried to wrap my head around it because I thought it might help me on my spiritual journey, but I just can't do it. It actually makes me feel physically uneasy when people start pushing those kinds of ideals. Other things high on my "nope" list include the idea of forgiveness and following your heart instead of your head. I usually just scroll past stuff like that.

To me, that sounds like slavery.

But hey, I get that everyone perceives things differently. There was once a user whose signature was incredibly tacky (something about glorifying service), yet her actual posts were wonderful.

I believe humility often carries negative connotations because it’s frequently equated with being submissive or stripped of one's dignity. In our Western society, where Christianity has lost much of its influence, the ideas of "Christian humility" and "serving God" are often unfairly linked to serving religious institutions, which triggers resistance and even contempt in many people. However, there is absolutely nothing derogatory or ugly about being humble before God.🙂

I don't think feelings like that can be forced—just like forgiveness. It is an internal process that happens within a person; you can't manufacture it through sheer will. That said, certain experiences can certainly shift how we perceive these things. My time spent around a Japanese man changed my entire perspective on humility (which, up until then, had been quite negative, much like yours). I realized that true humility isn't a sign of weakness.🙂

Jamie Davis9 said:Why on earth would anyone call this a beautiful post?

It’s actually terrible. 🤷 And I’m being completely serious when I say that progress simply doesn't happen without a little bit of friction and conflict.
I honestly can't wrap my head around this delusional mindset where you try to convince yourself—and everyone else around you—that you have absolutely nothing to offer and that they have nothing either. 🤔

It's useless; it looks like I'll have to go back and borrow some wisdom from Hunter S. Thompson, since he managed to articulate this perfectly so I don't have to.

🤷

There, I'm being dead serious now. 🙂

Once we realize that everything we possess and everything we are is a gift—something that could be taken away at any moment—we understand that we don't truly own ourselves. We belong to something much greater. Our role is simply to be grateful for the goodness within us and around us, rather than taking pride in thinking we earned it.

This doesn't mean a person should stop living their life. They will continue forward, enjoying their existence, their talents, and their experiences, but from an entirely different perspective.

Even our conversation here is part of that. This is an exchange of thoughts and insights. We have been given the ability to express ourselves, to share who we are, to expand our knowledge, and to gain new experiences... but all of that can be lost in an instant, perhaps through illness. Being aware of this allows a person to truly value what they have and, by remembering they aren't the masters of their own fate, prevents ego from taking over. 😁

I believe that is where true humility lies. 🙂

Sandra Morgan2 said:Humility—defined as being modest, unobtrusive, and seeing oneself as insignificant compared to others and God—has to come from a deep realization of how reality actually works. Otherwise, it’s just acting. It’s just a programmed behavior.

To me, that insight is captured perfectly by the Sanskrit term *nirmama*. In a loose translation, it means: nothing is mine, I own nothing, nothing belongs to me.

Only someone who truly understands that everything they have—their parents, spouse, children, all their property, everything they’ve built, everything they know, those diplomas hanging on the wall, everything they’ve acquired, including their very body and identity—is a gift, is not truly theirs, is temporary, and will eventually be taken away... only then can they be truly humble.

That realization makes a person non-confrontational and peaceful. They don't feel the need to be at odds with the world, other people, their loved ones, or God. Such a person won't be arrogant, boastful, puffed up, or full of themselves (all traits that are the polar opposite of humility).

But they won't be a pushover who just bends to everyone else either... because beyond seeing that they own nothing, they see that no one else owns anything either.

I agree. 🙂 This is a lovely post. 👍

Harold Anderson3 said:I want to thank everyone who shared their thoughts on this thread; you have all been such a huge help to me, 🙂
but I’ve realized I really need to find a professional to talk to about psychotherapy. I've been struggling with frequent thoughts of suicide lately, and honestly, it would be a tragedy not just for me, but for everyone around me too. If I can manage to bring in about $1,000 to $1,200 a month, I could set aside maybe $250 monthly to focus on my own mental health and well-being. After all, if I'm not here, none of this matters anyway.

You should certainly to do that. 🙂

If you can manage it, try not to dwell too much on childhood traumas. Our memories from those early years are often unreliable, and constantly revisiting negative experiences and emotions is simply exhausting for the soul. 😢

🙂

I have been reflecting on this topic for two days now, wondering if I could contribute anything truly meaningful that might actually prove useful to the author.

Quincy:

Harold Anderson3 As follows: I would love to have a family of my own, but that will remain a work of science fiction unless it actually happens. I am honestly unsure how I will navigate my life given the limitations I face. I was a reserved child, though quite bright. I didn't find that particularly troublesome; I was perfectly content living in my own little bubble. The issue started when I realized I couldn't sustain that lifestyle, and I felt a genuine desire to follow the lead of others. Quite simply, I wanted to be more social, but it just wasn't happening. And then there is psychology and psychiatry...

Can an extremely introverted person truly socialize, and is it even necessary to force it? At the end of the day, we are who we are. We can certainly adjust within the boundaries of our own personalities, but we cannot fundamentally transform into someone else. Learning to know, accept, and respect oneself—even when that identity clashes with societal expectations or what people think is "ideal"—is the essential first step toward living an authentic life. 🙂

Harold Anderson3 said:What does a "normal" life actually look like here in America?
Is it that standard blueprint—having your own family, owning a house, driving your own car, and checking off all those boxes with a college degree and a solid career?
Then I take a look at my own reality, feeling pretty isolated and lacking just about everything on that list, while spending my days caring for my sick mother and my exhausted grandmother.
I’m carrying the weight of a traumatic childhood, and honestly, I’ve got a genetic predisposition toward mental health struggles.
There are moments when I feel okay, but those moods tend to crash quite quickly. I feel stuck in this relentless cycle where my failures feed my depression, and that depression just drags me further down, creating more fuel for the next downward spiral.

I mentioned my grandmother earlier. To be blunt, she’s been the core wound in our family ever since the way she brought my mother into this world. She spent her life wandering around without an ounce of responsibility or common sense, acting like a headless chicken, until she finally aged out and drifted back to the very house she was born in.
As for my mother, the family basically pressured her into getting married because she was sickly, and they saw marriage as a way to offload the burden of looking after her. So, she married, had me, and then they divorced after just three years.
My father is one of those workaholics—a talented craftsman, sure, but it’s like he never even lived under our roof because he was never home. And my stepmother... well, she’s a whole other story; she’s become a completely different person now that we kids are grown. It’s just... yeah. 🤦

Society constantly pushes a specific image of the "ideal life," yet real lives rarely align with that mold. Many people simply follow the path they were taught to pursue, investing everything into meeting social standards or personal ideals, only to find themselves unfulfilled. No matter how perfect a life may appear from the outside, it never truly is. Every journey is inevitably shaped by trials, setbacks, unexpected hurdles, and disappointments.

The greatest thing a person can do for themselves is to truly understand who they are—their potential, their limits, and their natural inclinations. From there, one should strive to organize their life as much as possible to align with their own inner sense of integrity and what is right.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to live a peaceful, quiet life. 🙂

Caring for both your mother and grandmother while managing your own health challenges is truly noble. 🙂

feralranger said:...and it stands to reason that such a view holds water... when one examines it through various lenses, or rather, considers it from several different perspectives.

It makes sense to me, even if it doesn't to everyone. 🙂

hollowpuma762 said:I don't know, man. I think people actually have way more cognitive capacity than they give themselves credit for—or even act like they do.

ruggedraven36 said:I don't buy that. Sure, people can box themselves in—we do it all the time—but we can also push past our own limits in just about everything, not just what we can perceive.

"Since man is a spiritual being, he can consider himself worthy of the most sublime things; and when it comes to the sheer scale and power of his spirit, he can barely even wrap his head around it. Fueled by that kind of faith, he won't run into anything so harsh or rigid that it won't eventually be revealed to him." (Hegel)

That is entirely possible. 🙂

Jacob Cooper5 said:For crying out loud—instead of actually stepping up to face that argument, you’re just folding this easily? Seriously?...

Of course it won't. It’s basic physics—the faster you push it, the more resistance you're fighting against... simple as that.
The evolution of our intelligence works exactly like biological evolution—it’s all about adapting to the environment around us. Honestly, I think faith will only cease to exist once we achieve absolute, perfect knowledge... which, let's face it, is never going to happen. We just have this innate, desperate need to fill in the gaps in what we don't understand... God?

I don't see why it would be "irrational" to believe that existence is much more complex than what the human mind is currently capable of grasping. 🤷 Isn't it our capacity for imagination, creativity, and believing in the unproven that drives us to learn more? Or perhaps it's subjective—some are driven by a search for "ultimate truth," while others are driven by the "infinite nature of discovery."🤔

(I have the feeling I might be on the wrong subforum. 🤣 )

Jacob Cooper5 said:I’m curious—which specific psychiatrists gave you that impression? Just by the way you talk, I’m getting the feeling you might be from somewhere in the Midwest or maybe deep in the rural South. From what I’ve observed while following certain parts of America, there are still pockets of the country that haven't quite shaken off that desperate, reactionary mentality from the 90s. You know the type—where non-profits are viewed as nothing but spies or mercenaries, and the West is blamed for absolutely everything an American insider reports...
If you're stuck in that kind of mindset, then I can totally see why you'd have that view of "psychiatry."
But if you've managed to step outside that tight-knit, narrow-minded circle, then I really don't get your take on psychiatry, because the actual data tells a completely different story.

Honestly, given the irrational nature of our species, there’s actually a higher statistical probability that people would believe in old man George than not. But human evolution eventually swapped out the worship of George for farming and cattle ranching, which helped us survive so effectively that now, if you actually care about your own interests, you've got much smarter things to do with your time...

Yeah, well, it seems we have very different definitions of "openness." Personally, I'm open to knowledge. Even though I know the truth can sting sometimes, facts are facts and I don't really have a choice in the matter.
Your perspective is different. You're essentially supporting claims and stances that nobody can actually prove, all based on a lack of information, and you call that being open?
That isn't openness.

In that case, we really have nothing to worry about. 🙂

If the human race continues to evolve toward being "free from irrationality," questions like these will simply become obsolete. 🙂

Jacob Cooper5 said:I wouldn't go so far as to call that a definitive psychiatric consensus—you can't just lump everything into one bucket like that. Sure, there might be cases where that kind of faith doesn't mess with anyone's life, but more often than not... well, it tends to lean toward being harmful.

So, what you're saying is that shooting into the void actually serves a purpose?

I am honestly unsure what the official psychiatric stance is. My impression comes solely from watching news segments and reading articles featuring interviews with psychiatrists.

Belief in God—something that transcends us—isn't an inherent trait for everyone. Some people simply cannot believe, while for others, it feels entirely natural and spontaneous. I think this is the core reason for the friction between atheists and theists; they struggle to understand one another because, in many ways, they inhabit different worlds. 🙂

Are you suggesting that shooting blanks actually serves a purpose?

It is futile to attempt to comprehend things that exceed our current cognitive capacity. However, I believe we should remain open to the idea that everything does not begin and end with us or our own minds. Furthermore, humanity might evolve over the coming millennia, potentially becoming capable of grasping insights that currently elude us...

Jacob Cooper5 said:True, but plenty of people who believe in an afterlife actually think their "earthly" identity survives in some kind of way. That’s pretty much the whole point of their faith in the hereafter, isn't it?

Yeah, Hell is a pretty destructive perspective to hold.
What really interests me is why we judge those Believers who don't actually buy into the idea of Hell.
The real question is: is Faith itself harmful to a person? Is having a rock-solid conviction in something unproven inherently damaging?
Some Atheists in public debates argue that it is, but I'm not entirely sold on their logic.
To me, it feels hypocritical—maybe even absurd—to act like some ultimate arbiter of reason, judging irrationality just because it isn't "rational."
After all, we're the only biological species on this planet that is essentially hardwired for irrationality simply because of our level of intelligence.

That's exactly what I'm getting at. There are people whose Faith in an afterlife doesn't necessarily lead to harmful consequences for society. It doesn't demand any specific behavior from the Believer. It doesn't ask for anything.

Exactly. I really believe there’s this harmless kind of escapism that just... enriches us. It comes in so many different flavors. It doesn't have to be some grand idea about an afterlife, either. Think about a movie that completely pulls you into its universe—that’s just another way fiction bleeds into our real emotional lives and changes how we feel.

It seems many psychiatrists would agree that believing in God, an afterlife, or reincarnation is actually beneficial rather than harmful. People generally feel much better when they believe their existence carries purpose.🙂

Human perception is quite limited. We are only capable of understanding what we can sense through our physical senses and process with our logic. That doesn't mean those things represent the entirety of reality.🙂

Jacob Cooper5 said:Does believing in an afterlife actually help someone, even if nobody’s ever come forward to claim they saw anything on the other side?

Look, I'm an atheist. But I can't bring myself to agree with those certain types of atheists who insist that Faith is nothing but a useless distraction. I've found myself staring down the barrel of the idea of total, absolute non-existence...
The thought that when I die, everything just gets wiped clean. Like I never even existed in the first place.
I catch myself picturing that moment right before death—all my experiences, my entire life, just sitting there on the edge of this massive, cold void that’s going to erase every single trace of me without a shred of mercy. Pretty depressing, isn't it?

Even if that’s the reality, wouldn't it be better to believe there's something waiting for us after we go?
At the very least, it makes me feel better. Being able to find satisfaction in the present moment actually has a positive impact on how I live right now.
In that sense, I don't see why those stubborn, narrow-minded atheists feel the need to lecture theists about the "pointlessness" of religion.

From a philosophical standpoint, it's just that eternal tug-of-war between abstract concepts and our own direct experience...

Even if an afterlife exists, it wouldn't be "me," because my identity is tied to my body—my thoughts, feelings, and memories. When the body dies, the version of "me" I know today dies with it. What remains, if anything, isn't "me," but rather a soul or a spark of life. That is my perspective.

Believing that one's individual self continues after death can certainly be helpful, though it isn't a necessity. For instance, some people are deeply terrified of going to Hell.

Quincy:

When I die, everything will be erased. It will be as if I never existed at all.

It doesn't have to be that way. You don't need to think in a straight line. Perhaps every single moment exists eternally somewhere outside of space and time. 🙂 Everything you have ever experienced, seen, felt, or thought remains part of you forever. 🙂 One can certainly view existence through that lens.

Quincy:

Even if that's true, isn't it better to believe in a continuation of life after death?

Why not, if it brings you more happiness? 🙂

I wouldn't consider dating someone with mental health struggles unless I were so incredibly wealthy that I had nothing left to do but seek out extreme entertainment. If I ever hit that level of success and fulfilled every whim, perhaps I might choose an eccentric personality for the sake of excitement—since those types often dance on the edge of a disorder—but I simply can't afford that luxury right now. Dealing with my own less-than-perfect temperament is enough 😁 while managing the usual daily grind; therefore, I need a partner who is stable, dependable, and grounded. When it comes to friends, however, I am much more flexible. 🙂 Of course, that holds true as long as they don't become a liability or try to dictate how I live my life.

Donna Wood52 said:Have you ever dealt with someone like this? You know the type—the kind of person where it’s always on you to reach out first, to check in, to ask how their week was or what’s new...

For instance, you’re the one initiating the calls and keeping the conversation going—doing it several times, actually—and then you eventually hit a wall and think, "Alright, I'm done calling; let's see if they even bother to pick up the phone or reach out once I stop." And then? Silence. Forever.

What’s your take on this behavior? Does it drive you absolutely crazy, or am I just being overly sensitive?

It didn't bother me as much in the past; instead, I just felt saddened by the realization of how little those people valued our friendship. Eventually, I stopped trying to maintain certain connections at all costs. Now, I only reach out occasionally when I truly want to hear from them or when I have nothing better to do, while expecting absolutely nothing in return. If—and it's a big if—they happen to reach out themselves, I simply react based on how I feel in that moment without feeling obligated to rekindle the friendship. I don't hold it against people for being this way, but I prefer not to surround myself with them. If it isn't a case of them personally disliking me—which is usually easy to sense—then these individuals are typically either too self-centered or purely opportunistic. In the first case, they don't genuinely need others, so they feel no urge to meet up, and in the second, I likely don't serve a specific purpose for them at that moment. Neither scenario is particularly appealing. I believe it is best not to waste energy on such people and to instead seek out two-way relationships that flow naturally and spontaneously.🙂

Donna Wood52 said:Have you ever actually crossed paths with someone who just... stands out from the crowd? I mean, sure, we’re all biologically cut from the same cloth—we’ve got limbs, heads, we walk upright, the usual anatomy—but I’m talking about the psychological core, that specific essence of a person's character.

For instance, most people are just... fine. They're decent enough. But then you run into someone whose kindness is almost overwhelming, or maybe they’re incredibly withdrawn—like, pathologically introverted—or perhaps they possess an exceptional beauty, a sharp intellect, or a sense of humor so distinct that everyone in the room is instantly drawn to them. You know exactly what I'm getting at. 🙂

I don't seem to run into people like that very often... 🤷

What’s your take on these types of individuals? Have you ever actually encountered someone like that in your own life?

I believe our perception of uniqueness depends entirely on our environment. People who are strictly average often view anyone slightly different as eccentric or special, whereas those same individuals might seem perfectly ordinary in a more unconventional setting. I have personally experienced both perspectives, noticing how my own judgment shifts as my understanding of what is "normal" expands.

Nowadays, I rarely encounter people who truly stand out, whereas back in high school, I felt surrounded by unique personalities at every turn.😁 Over time, one realizes that people are much more alike than they are different; for most, it is a case of "seeing one is seeing them all," just with slight variations. I actually went through a phase where I actively sought out unconventional people, but they were difficult to find, and when I did, they often lacked the stability needed for a healthy relationship. Consequently, I have learned to value "cultivated normalcy" over "innate eccentricity"—meaning I appreciate those who work on themselves to develop their natural talents and build interesting, well-rounded personalities within their own unique strengths.🙂

hollowtrucker77 said:It’s honestly hilarious how many people on here have been whining about the moderators and those damn bot accounts lately.
Look, I'm not saying it's a crime to ask for a little extra cash if it actually meant we'd get some real professionalism and actual quality around this forum, because let's be honest, we could all use a bit more substance.

I am confident that regular users who consistently contribute high-quality content would certainly be exempt from such a requirement. 😉

Nicole Davis7 said:Does anyone else here ever catch themselves spiraling because of some unfulfilled dream from way back? I’m talking about the stuff that haunts you—maybe it was a degree you never finished, a career path you walked away from, a relationship that just didn't work out, or just some random life plan that fell apart. It’s so strange because, honestly, my life right now isn't bad at all. There isn't even any guarantee that if those things had actually happened, my life would be better today. Do you ever feel like these lingering desires are just pure frustration? Like, part of you wishes you could just turn them off so you wouldn't feel like you're missing out on something you never even had? If you don't deal with this kind of mental loop, you are truly lucky. 😁.

My one true ambition has always been to secure enough wealth to enjoy life's pleasures without ever having to work for it. While I haven't achieved that goal just yet, I am certain it is never too late to make it happen. 😁 I actually think things are better this way for now. If I were further along, I might lose my drive to improve, and I simply don't have enough experience yet to realize how vital constant growth is for anyone. One should never stop evolving. 🙂 I probably would have turned into a lazy, mindless sea lion by now, spending my days lounging around with absolutely nothing on my mind but boredom. 😁

Compared to this specific ambition, I view all my other desires as mere wishes. Everything I have truly wanted—rather than just thinking was a "good idea"—has eventually come to fruition, one way or another. I believe that when a person genuinely desires something and commits their entire being and energy to it, success becomes inevitable. This is especially true for goals within our own control, such as pursuing higher education, traveling, or career milestones. While life hasn't always unfolded exactly as I planned, looking back, it’s clear that experience has ultimately made me wiser. 🙂

Like everyone else, I occasionally find myself slipping into "what if" scenarios. During these moments, past mistakes can start looking like missed opportunities, or I might feel a twinge of regret over a choice I made. However, I realize this is usually just a byproduct of being in a dissatisfied headspace; I end up romanticizing the past simply because my current situation isn't ideal. In truth, I know I have always made the best decisions possible given the circumstances at the time. Sometimes, I just enjoy the mental exercise of imagining how life might have unfolded—perhaps if I had married my high school sweetheart or chosen a different major in college—but those aren't true regrets. It's just idle curiosity.

I believe it is a profound self-deception to assume life will become perfect once our desires are satisfied, or that happiness is merely the result of achieving everything we once wanted. In reality, desires are endless; one always gives way to the next. These impulses are what drive us toward action, vitality, and growth. Ultimately, seeking liberation from desire involves a certain degree of desire itself. — bluemason3 😛There is a story about a philosopher—I believe it was Socrates—who was once asked by a student when he would finally attain wisdom. To demonstrate, the teacher led him to a river and submerged his head beneath the water. Only when the student began to struggle desperately for air did the teacher pull him up, explaining that wisdom would only come when one desired it as intensely as they desired breath while underwater. It is essential, however, to learn how to distinguish true desire from mere "good ideas," which often masquerade as genuine passion. 😉

Jesse Sullivan2 said:I think that’s exactly what happens when I’m shaving. Honestly, when I’m shaving, I get so caught up in the lather and trying not to nick myself that my mind stays stuck right there on the task. In that little moment, I'm just focused on what I'm doing. And it makes me happy.

Kids certainly have less developed minds than us adults, but we originated from those same children. In a child’s behavior—provided they are growing up in a healthy, normal environment—joy is the dominant emotion, while fear or sadness only appears rarely and for specific reasons before quickly passing. Children are mostly positive, curious, and enchanted by the world they are discovering, staying completely occupied with play. They also frequently experience massive bursts of energy that drive them to jump, run, and laugh...

If our minds have evolved to become aware of a wide spectrum of experiences and feelings and have "matured," we don't necessarily have to lose that fundamental zest for life that actually keeps us going. I believe an adult can reconnect with that source of energy too. If we have fallen into the habit of taking ourselves and everything around us too seriously—constantly seeking reasons and explanations for every thought, feeling, or event—we can just as easily train ourselves to be a bit more lighthearted, to play more, and to simply enjoy the sensation of being alive. Humans are creatures of habit. We clutter our minds with negative ideas and images, keeping ourselves in a state of anxiety and fear, and then wonder why we are constantly nervous or moody, viewing life as a valley of sorrow that we just have to endure.

Of course, one cannot burst with joy all the time; it is perfectly natural to experience opposite emotional states. After all, every emotion we feel serves a purpose. However, we can do our best to let positive states of mind dominate. If we go to sleep every night with beautiful thoughts and make those the first things we think of when we wake up, we eventually train ourselves to think positively and feel good. This state begins to repeat throughout the day—initially through effort, but later becoming increasingly spontaneous.

For instance, this morning, I was hit by such a surge of joy that I spent about ten seconds jumping in place, waving my arms, and laughing just like a kid would. 😁 I simply didn't know what to do with all that energy. I can imagine what any given adult might think of my behavior. 😁 They would probably be taken aback, telling me I am acting silly or immature and that something must be wrong with me. They might even try to lecture me on all my problems and why I should be worrying instead of acting foolish. 😁 Yet, that same person would consider it perfectly normal to spend those ten seconds crying and wailing over a sad fate or listing various disappointments and worries. That would be seen as mature and acceptable behavior. That is how we all program ourselves for unhappiness, and since we are surrounded by people with similar attitudes, we eventually become unhappy ourselves, making outbursts of joyful energy seem strange and rare.

Jesse Sullivan2 said:Why can't we just stay in that headspace for longer, you know? Like, way longer?!
How do we actually make it last?!
Is it some kind of brain impulse thing or what?!

Because they definitely popped up on me while I was shaving earlier 😁

Try inviting positive thoughts and mental imagery into your consciousness—images that evoke that specific feeling. Tell yourself the things you would love to hear, those words that make you feel satisfied, joyful, and carefree. Visualize situations where you feel this way and mentally transport yourself into them as if they are happening right now. Make it a habit to think positively about yourself, others, and the world, and allow yourself to dream. 🙂 Rather than worrying about a project or a looming problem, imagine everything unfolding exactly as you desire, letting that sense of success and fulfillment wash over you. The more often you bring yourself into this mindset, the more your mind adapts, eventually seeking out these positive thoughts spontaneously, leading to a natural sense of calm and satisfaction.

Another effective method for achieving immediate peace is to simply let go of all thoughts. For instance, consider washing the dishes. Instead of letting your mind wander from object to object or drifting between the past and the future, focus entirely on the task at hand, but without acting mechanically. For a moment, become like a child and approach what you are doing as if it were your very first time. 🙂 Imagine you have suddenly arrived in a brand-new world that you don't quite recognize yet. In that instant, even a simple chore like washing dishes becomes an interesting, novel activity, and you will find joy in just "playing" with the task, feeling a profound sense of presence.

The greater our capacity to imagine, to wonder, and to view existence as a form of play, the more easily we can transition into states of serenity and bliss. Of course, this isn't easy at first because we are so accustomed to a much more negative way of perceiving reality, but practicing this sense of wonder truly works. 🙂