Fear of Being Happy.
Benjamin Teixeira de Aguiar
by the Spirit Eugênia-Aspásia.
Have you ever heard of the fear of being happy? Ever heard of self-sabotaging behavior? Well, dear friend, both exist. Countless lives are destroyed, when everything is on its best. And how do these enemies of human joy and tranquillity express themselves? I will give you some tips and suggest immediate ways to address them:
Every time you feel an irresistible impulse of doing something that you know is wrong, and that deviates from your normal behavior, simply wait and do not act, no matter what reasons may come to your mind.
Say a prayer, sincerely invoking the Strength from Above: It never fails. Nobody gets rid of one’s wickedness alone, without the intervention of a Higher Power. And this is serious bad mental habit.
Do not believe that the impulse is uncontrollable: if it were, it would not be under your responsibility. It comes and goes. Wait. Stick to your principles, rigorously, especially in these situations – they are not the moment to wonder about making concessions.
Negotiate with your weakness. If you really come to fall, fall properly – don’t hit the floor with your forehead. Eat a chocolate bar, not a whole box. Drink a can of beer, not a full pack. Use condoms and be careful, if you can’t control your sexual impulses.
Think about the consequences. The impulse to pleasure may be strong, but meditate whether this is exactly what you want. One part of you wants it, and it is represented, irrationally, by the impulse of the moment. But does the sum of all parts that compose you want it? You surrender to the impulse and you feel the relief or the pleasure… But then what? How will you feel? Is a moment of pleasure worth the depression, the frustration or even the risks to which you expose your life?
Restraint, prayer and negotiation, spirit of consequence and keeping the sense that you are the absolute master of your mental house. With this well interiorized, you will be able stand up and win, courageously, any temptation to self sabotage and ruin your peace and your happiness. Try, but try with drive and determination and inexorably, you will win.
Eugênia-Aspásia,
Aracaju, January 13th, 2001.