Embracing Inner Wealth: Driving Your Own Bus
Good morning, good afternoon, or wherever this finds you today. I’m Chris, reaching out from the comfort of my balcony. Surrounded by the tranquil ocean and a bright morning sun, it’s a perfect setting to discuss a topic that’s close to my heart—developing a sense of personal mastery and taking control over your life. Essentially, it’s about driving your own bus.
The Power of Feelings
In life, everything revolves around our feelings. How we feel, or sometimes don’t feel, shapes our experiences and interactions. Our feelings are deeply tied to our vulnerabilities. Often, we hear that we should be vulnerable, to truly feel what’s around us. This sentiment is grounded in truth because feeling is living. We desire to feel the sun on our face, the environment around us, love and safety. However, if our lives are entirely steered by these feelings, we risk becoming perpetually unsettled.
The Law of Balance
There exists a natural law of balance — a fundamental truth that for every good feeling, there’s a potential bad counterpart. Consider indulging in a treat, whether it’s ice cream or a cold beer. It feels great in the moment but might not feel quite as rewarding the next day. This short-term satisfaction can complicate our long-term well-being. Hence, relying on our feelings alone to make decisions can leave us chasing our tails.
The Vulnerability Trap
When expectations of continuous good feelings are unmet, we may descend into fear or unhealthy vulnerability. Here lies the secret—dictating how we want to feel. Whether you’re met with external stimuli like a roaring motorcycle or the unforgiving sun, the choice of how you feel resides within you. The power lies not in external validation but in your internal command.
The Pitfalls of Forgiveness
We’re often told to forgive to feel better or to find righteousness. However, even forgiveness, when used as a tool for feeling righteous, has its flip side—experiencing feelings of ‘wrongtiousness’. This seesaw leads us to question the reliability of seeking emotional solace through forgiveness or any prescribed methods of feeling good.
The Misleading Quest for Elation
Common advice tells us to pursue elation as a remedy for lows, urging us toward exercise, success, or celebration. While these highs offer temporary relief, they inherently carry a counterweight of depression. The quest for constant elation breeds high expectations, often unmet, leading to emotional downturns.
Seeking the Wisdom of Nature
I urge you to turn to nature before falling prey to psychological doctrines or self-help frameworks. Nature teaches consistency in feeling good, despite life’s tumultuous narrative. Don’t become a leaf swayed by external forces, doing cruel or good things without personal grounding. Strive for truth and a firm foundation in your emotions, unshaken by the world around you.
As I conclude this discourse with sunlight casting warmth upon my skin, remember that the ability to navigate emotions and forge your own path is within your grasp. This is Chris, wishing you a serene and beautiful day ahead. Until next time.