avatarJ.D Rehbein-Wrightstein

Summary

The website content provides guidance on overcoming existential dread and pessimism by embracing nonconventional happiness strategies, self-compassion, and a supportive community.

Abstract

The article titled "How to Overcome The Unbearable Pessimism of Existential Discomfort" addresses the feeling of existential discomfort by suggesting that readers adopt unconventional happiness strategies. It emphasizes that failure is not defined by unsuccessful attempts but by ceasing to try, drawing on the wisdom of Viktor E. Frankl. The text encourages a shift in focus from negative thoughts to positive actions and attitudes, advocating for self-kindness, helping others, and engaging in activities that bring joy. It also suggests practices like Transcendental Meditation and physical exercise to reduce anxiety. The article highlights the importance of perspective in facing adversity and the role of a supportive tribe in personal growth. It concludes by motivating readers to define their own lives, regardless of circumstances, and to find happiness from within.

Opinions

  • Existential discomfort stems from feelings of lack of control, predetermined outcomes, and inadequacy in the face of potential disasters.
  • People often feel they are not living up to their own expectations and the sacrifices required to achieve their goals seem too great.
  • The mind has the capacity to find solutions to problems, and it is crucial to maintain a positive attitude and seek out these solutions actively.
  • Self-doubt and despair are common but avoidable reactions to adversity; instead, one should focus on constructive actions and attitude changes.
  • Acts of kindness towards oneself and others, as well as engaging in enjoyable activities, are recommended as methods to alleviate existential dread.
  • The article posits that personal growth and evolution come from embracing existential discomfort and turning it into an opportunity for self-improvement.
  • Successful people are characterized by their ability to tackle difficult situations effectively, learning from adversity to become stronger.
  • The journey of life is likened to a roller coaster, with the importance of making conscious decisions to overcome challenges.
  • Happiness is an internal state, not dependent on external achievements or possessions, but rather on self-love and recognition of personal progress.
  • The author, J.D Rehbein-Wrightstein, advocates for the exploration of one's potential and purpose in life through inspiring articles and encourages support for writers by becoming a Medium member.

Avert Existential Dread

How to Overcome The Unbearable Pessimism of Existential Discomfort

Ever Wonder Why You Feel So … Ehh?

Photo by Tasso Mitsarakis on Unsplash

The thought that you are not in control of your own destiny. That someone has predetermined our outcomes, and there’s nothing we can do about it. The feeling that what you know is not enough to prevent the disasters which will inevitably happen. These are all parts of what is known as existential discomfort.

Have you ever felt like the story of your life was much grander than what reality would allow?

That you’re not living up to your own expectations and desires, and that all the work it takes to get to where you want to requires a sacrifice that is too great? Are you happy with reality as it is? If not, take a step back from the rat race.

Use nonconventional happiness strategies in your life to overcome negative thoughts and experience the joy of being who you are.

You’re Not A Failure

If there’s anything I’ve learned about existence, it is that we are not failures. We are not failures for attempting something and failing. We are failures only when we stop trying. — Viktor E. Frankl

Nonconventional Happiness Strategies

How many times have you rolled your eyes in annoyance and wondered why did it have to be that way?

Too much happened today, too much to handle. You’re exhausted, you need a break but you also know that there is so much more for you to do. Your mind is replaying the happenings of the day and in moments of frustration and anxiety, your mind starts to dwell on the negative aspects.

You start visualizing all the things that are piling up, things that you can’t do anything about, and at this point, the matter becomes frustrating. But wait.

The good news is that your mind has a way of creating solutions to your problems. And that’s where the power lies. — Dr. John Gray, Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus

In this phase, many people make the mistake of sinking into self-doubt and despair instead of taking action to move forward. It’s important to stay positive and look for solutions, not just in the ways you can act but in the way you can change your attitude as well.

You should try to look on the bright side. What’s most important is that you start thinking about your problems in a new light, using unconventional happiness strategies that will help you deal with your situation better.

Here are some proven ways to turn your life around, just by shifting your focus;

Stop Carrying The Weight Of The World On Your Shoulders

It’s so important to be kind and compassionate to yourself and others.

The best way to move forward when you’re feeling frustrated is by putting other people’s needs first.

Breathe It Out

One way of doing this is by practicing Transcendental Meditation in order to reduce anxiety.

You could also start working out to help relieve stress. Studies have shown that sports such as dancing, basketball, and running can lower anxiety levels in your body.

Engage In Unconventionally Happy Activities

If your mind is stuck on the things you can’t do, refocus yourself on what you can do.

This time, think of all the things that you have already done. Identify things that have made you smile.

Try To Change Your Perspective and Approach Things

A key element in every successful person is how they tackle a difficult situation in their life. A person who has faced adversity and come out stronger is someone who has found methods for dealing with it better.

Find Your Tribe

Who are the people you can count on in hard times?

Certain relationships make you feel great about yourself and others make you feel insecure.

Think about who makes you happy and what their role is in your life.

You should always embrace your existential discomfort because it’s an opportunity to grow and evolve as a person.

Becoming an individual on your own terms is to deal with the struggles of life and make them work for you.

Don’t let your circumstances define who you are. It’s okay to lose but it’s not okay to give up. — Herman Hesse

It’s important to remember that the journey of life is not a walk in the park. It’s a roller coaster and there will be many ups and downs, but life is all about making conscious decisions that will help you overcome everything.

And above all, be happy for all that you have accomplished. Remember that happiness does not come from possessions or fame, it comes from within — from loving who you are and how far you have come. So go out there and make your life count!

By harnessing unconventional happiness strategies, you can turn your life around. It’s never too late to change your life and make a difference in the world. It takes time, but with practice, it gets easier and easier.

Scientists have recently discovered that people who are stressed out actually produce more of the stress hormone cortisol than people who control their stress.

In fact, when you actively stay in a state of high stress for long periods of time, cortisol levels will begin to rise -meaning the more stressed out you are, the worse your health is going to be.

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J.D Rehbein-Wrightstein founder of The Savytech articles is a writer who loves to help people discover their hidden potential as well as their true purpose in life. He inspires and educates people on living an awesome life with inspiring articles. Connect with him on Twitter for more!

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