“An object that is at rest, will remain at rest. An object that is moving, will continue moving straight unless acted on by an external force.”
Isaac Newton, The First Law of Motion (Law of Intertia) | Creator of Calculus
I once received a single-digit score on my Calculus II test in college. Dumbfounded that on the paper it said that I had received a 9, I assumed that was scored out of 10 and that I had crushed it. “Wow, I definitely didn’t study that hard. This calculus crap has been kicking my butt… but I’ll take a good score!” Only to then hear the teacher say a few moments later to the class that the scores received are in fact graded out of 100. Thanks Newton. <Insert slow clap.mp3>
Unfortunately, we have bad days (and bad events) happen to us all of the time. Fortunately, on the other hand, we have good days (and amazing things) happen to us all of the time. Did you notice how I phrased both sentences with the exact same structure? You should have. The reality is: for there to be good, there has to be bad. Good can not always happen, the same where bad can not always strike. I consider this the pendulum of life, it swings left to right depending on various circumstances every single day.
An important thing that you should begin to practice immediately is perspective. Changing your perspective can decide your mood, behavior, and your overall response to any situation that life may throw at you. It’s easy to get stuck in the rut of, “Why me? What did I do wrong this time…?”. Trust me, I know. I’ve struggled with being an overly grumpy pessimistic fellow for years now. That’s also an important reason that has empowered me to want to create this website, and write this blog you’re reading. Sure, I could continue to sit around whining about why something didn’t go my way, how I wish I had more fortunate circumstances, blah blah blah. But why? When I can positively make an impact describing my life experiences. Through this, I may enlighten others to things that they may not understand, or need help with.
I reached out and got a therapist, after seeing the benefit this had on many loved ones close to me. I never thought in a million years that I would talk my problems out with another person (that isn’t my girlfriend). I’m too manly, and I’m stubborn enough to figure out all of my $!@* by myself. Interestingly enough, after submitting myself to therapy and trying to change and grow, the benefits are tremendous. I couldn’t of possibly have figured out what was going on with me by myself. I didn’t have the capacity to, and I needed help. And that’s OK.
I’m telling you this because if you don’t have it in you to go research and learn about perspective, maybe a therapist is right for you. Maybe a church group is enough support and help for you to become more positive. Possibly you’re struggling with some mental illness and may need to consult with a doctor or psychiatrist ASAP. The pendulum will continue to swing from good, to bad, and you’ll miss every part of the good if you continue to focus on the bad. As your doctor, I am sorry to tell you that your pendulum may be broken.
But, it’s never too late to get help. Also, you deserve it.
No Place Like Gone 