Charles Freligh | Second Arrow Well-Being

View Original

Uncertainty and Happiness

A line I’ve shared before but that I think bears repeating, from the mind of psychotherapist and writer Sheldon Kopp, goes like this: “We often prefer the control of guaranteed unhappiness over the uncertainty of possible happiness.”

And here’s a short visual poem based on the quote:

Guaranteed Unhappiness
I grasp the flower
so I don’t lose it,
so it doesn’t leave my sight,
so no one
can take it from me.

When there is wind,
or rain,
I grasp tighter.
I tuck the flower
inside my palm,
and squeeze.

I can’t bear to look,
because I know
the flower is crushed.
So I maintain
my grasp
and try to think
of other things.

At least
I crushed it,
not someone
or something
else.

These flowers
are constantly growing,
constantly a new season.


Which do I choose,
Now:

the control of

guaranteed unhappiness

or

the uncertainty of

possible happiness?


***On a final note, I’ve added an option at the end of these blog posts for you to make a small contribution if you’d like. Please only do so if you feel moved to, and know that your donation goes directly toward helping me continue to provide affordable individual guidance as well as create new content, such as this blog, in the name of increased well-being and reduced psychological suffering. One particular project I’m currently working on is a book that encapsulates my psychological, philosophical, and spiritual perspective on getting to know oneself deeply and getting out of one’s own way. If you’re so inclined, your contribution would support these efforts and would be greatly appreciated (click the button below to donate). Thank you for being here!

See this donate button in the original post