Uncertainty

"When we are not sure, we are alive." - Graham Greene

Life is uncertain because the future is unknown. While uncertainty is an essential part of living, it is also the primary source of our anxiety. We are most anxious when our future is especially unpredictable, precarious and surrounded by danger. Consequently, we do all we can to fashion order and predictability. In spite of our best efforts, however, life remains uncertain and we are never sure. But we are alive! To have absolute certainty about tomorrow is to be dead, for when we are dead, there are no more surprises and no more decisions with unknown consequences. The good news is that uncertainty always contains new possibilities while absolute certainty offers neither possibilities nor opportunities for creative expression. Facing an unknown future is the very essence of life, without which there can be neither satisfaction nor fulfillment.

Going through the motions

"Going through the motions can trigger the emotions. Surely you've noticed. You're in a testy mood, but when the phone rings you feign cheer while talking to a friend. Strangely, after hanging up, you no longer feel so grumpy. Such is the value of social occasions--they impel us to behave as if we were happy, which in fact helps free us from our unhappiness." - David Meyers

Psychologists have long known the power of changing behavior in order to change attitudes and emotions. In the Alcoholics Anonymous community this strategy is simply called, "fake it 'til you make it." What ever you call it, it is a simple, straightforward strategy for improving your outlook and your life.

Happiness