-Take it back to OCT for Mary

My Reflection:

The states of anxiety (fear) and gratitude may alternate, but are mutually exclusive science has concluded from the neuro study of the brain. Resentment and gratitude cannot coexist, since resentment blocks the perception of life as a gift.  Narcissism, materialism, envy and cynicism act as “thieves of thankfulness”.  Ungrateful people often have an excessive sense of self-importance, arrogance, vanity and an unquenchable need for admiration and approval. I regret being self-absorbed, especially in my recent past– it stole my attention from all the blessings and joy in my life, namely my family and great male friendships.  I am learning as the late Tim Keller wrote about to “self forget” more. Even when experiencing death, job stress, marital difficulties– real problems indeed– the world keeps moving and others (most especially my friends) carry their own respective crosses for which I failed to recognize and appreciate.  It is indeed not all about me.   Dopamine hits for me far too often came from unhealthy, self-destructive and fleeting sources.  Dopamine makes us feel good!  And because it feels good, we want more. Practicing gratitude is infectious for me and I am drawn to those who embody it and distancing myself from those who don’t.  Let’s be intentional be happy for those, especially our friends, who succeed, take a vacay, buy a nice car– not be envious or hatin’– that’s resentment and not fun for others to be around. Everyday ain’t gonna be sunshine and rainbows, but let us give joy to others with smiles, pats on the back and enthusiasm for life rather than be worn down w bitterness– joke w your friends as laughter is fun and essential to happiness– joke hard even w your boys so long as you can also take it back– joke, don’t rip– nobody likes to be ripped on.