…of thought, of mind, of action…just make sure it is contrary.

Perhaps there really is something to the theories of grey skies and the effect on mood. Although I am not necessarily in a “bad” place… I am also not feeling much like the happy person I prefer to be. My body, mind and soul are slightly out of whack and as a result the thinking is attempting to move in directions it should not proceed. I know the results of these paths, and I would prefer to be walking a different direction.

It is clear to me on days like today that the best thinking (and often action) on a day such as this one is door number three. Remember the old game show “Let’s Make a Deal?” A humorous life illustration could be my decision making as a game show. Let’s assume, however, that I have an inside track to the prizes behind each door…. at least at the surface. Door #1 is a negative. Based on the path from a less than stellar mood it is easy to walk through door #1. What’s behind it? More negatives. A bit of bitching, nothing fun and a whole lot of nothing wrapped in complaints. Door #2 is a dark room. Behind that door is a decision to do something fruitless or painful. Something that results undoubtedly in regret or the digging of a deeper hole. Door #3, obviously, is the winning prize. It is a place called happiness. It is not defined exactly what that prize may be because to fully disclose could effect the game player’s choice based on a pre-conceived (and likely mistaken) misconception of what happiness looks like, feels like or should be.

It would seem to be a no-brainer to walk through door #3, right? Right??? Well happiness is not the easiest sell in the world. Do I want to be happy? What does that really mean? Will I understand the world as much with happiness as I do with feeling any other way? Is it possible that I am more worldly or constructive with the challenges of an unhappy existence? If I am unhappy am I more motivated to work towards something… such as happiness… thus meaning that I am actually, in an odd sort of way, better off not being happy?

Wow. That made me dizzy.

The fact is that the happiness behind door #3 is an easy “sell”. Anyone would want that over the other choices. The trick is not in what is behind the door… but in making the choice to choose it.

My normal state (especially on days like today where I am more inclined to not be choosing happy places very easily) would be not to trust door #3. What’s wrong with it? What’s the catch? What will happen? What do I have to give up to be happy? If I am happy behind that door will I be unhappy about what I’ve left behind? SO many questions.

Contrary action is the step we take when we don’t want to take it. It is the decision we make when we would rather not make it. It is the place we go because deep down inside we know there is a benefit to the move…even when our head is roaring another, less attractive, option. Today I must think my way out of acting certain ways. I must write myself out of behaving in familiar and negative tones. I must be the positive person even if it is uncomfortable. It is important to live in contrary action from time to time in order to shift your space, change your path and create new habits that mean that what you are doing down the road is not contrary at all.

Pretty soon, if I am wise, I find myself in a different space entirely. I have walked down an alternate path, no matter what path I Had started my day on. It is a fortunate choice to take that contrary action and walk through door #3. The prize is always a better one than any other option. And after all, game shows should be fun… and full of prizes.

Be Happy. Be Well. Be.

Posted: 08|18|09 at 4:43 pm. Filed under: What If I Told you....
Tags: change, contrary, gameshows, happy, moods
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