Accepting the bad with the good.

I am so happy to have stumbled upon a book "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking"  (and then several more) which finally say its OK to not be so damn happy. You don't have to pretend to be happy or even seek it out! Finally! 

I may be late to the game - apparently Bernard Shaw was not a fan of happiness either- but it is so wonderful to hear that it is ok to be me. I do not live in the depths of despair but neither to I shun my darker moods. My father is constantly telling me to "find my Pollyanna", my brother will hardly utter a negative thought, the man I love won't even allow me to speak ill of streets that get so waterlogged I fear for my engine. I have made friends with a girl (aptly named love) who is so cheerful she poops rainbows, but at least she understands that there must be balance. What would opera be if it was all joy and sunshine? The best operas involve at least one death and a lot of tragedy. What would the Hundred Acre Woods be without Eyore? Carebears without Grumpy bear? Sesame Street without Oscar the Grouch? Emotions come in all colours, and not every opinion need be cheerful. I'm not saying I will spend my life in bitter anger, I know I need to be careful to avoid complaining too much. I am sure people who know me will attest that I can and do feel joy.  But, the only heart-racing rollercoaster I am willing to ride is life, and it would be a dull ride if it was always up! up! Remember, there can be no "make-up sex" if you don't argue first.