TWEAkED®

There would be two contesting viewpoints in dealing with the subject at hand:

First, the interfering question of whether one ought to be happy when one is comfortable has to be answered. For some, feeling at ease in the environment they are set in serves top priority, hence comfort is equivalent to happiness. Similar to the "Did the chicken or egg come first?" question, we can also take happiness as the initial contributing factor towards comfort, e.g., if one is happy, one is comfortable. However, I beg to differ. Set in a familiar setting, I could possibly be very comfortable due to the frequency of my being there, yet, there could be somewhere else I rather be or something else I rather be doing that might satisfy me more. The reasons for why I am stuck in my comfort zone and not 'seeking' for my projected source of joy are inconsequential. There is no doubt that we are not easily or perhaps even not ever satisfied, but that is undeniably a characteristic of our human nature.

Idealists often opt for the second option of bearing discomfort for the sake of personal satisfaction and happiness. It will be the "gung-ho" attitude in them, as well as the inspiration and dream of working for their own happiness, that leads them to take this stand. This reflects their reliance on their own human strength and abilities. I agree largely that I rather be uncomfortable but happy, though I believe some crucial factors have to be considered before a conclusive stand can be taken. One is the time duration of discomfort, and the other is the dwelling of discomfort. The extent of these two factors will be the key factors involved in the making of the decision of whether to remain in one's comfort zone or to climb out of it.

Will the happiness gained from being comfortable be merely a transient emotion? Perhaps. It is possible that the situation be converted by the cultivation of true happiness with the passing of time. This will come because the passing of time will cause one to forget or give up past desires. This then leads one into contententment with the circumstances as they present themselves at the present moment. I say today, seek your happiness if it is within your ability, and if not, except life as it unfolds for happiness comes with due time. Unhappiness is caused by a psychological barrier of unsatiated cravings. Overcoming this barrier to gain happiness truly is your state of mind, and perfectly within your control to overcome.

Are you happy today?

gen muses at 10/11/2003 09:18:00 AM