Distraction techniques to avoid thinking about DEATH hahaaa

It's important to remember that true happiness cannot be achieved through external means alone, such as indulging in ice cream or accumulating wealth. Humans are driven by many deep-seated and unconscious needs that may go unfulfilled even when we pursue material pleasures.

 While enjoying a scoop of ice cream may offer temporary happiness, it's not enough to address our deeper psychological needs as individuals. Real and lasting fulfilment comes from embracing the entirety of ourselves, including the less visible aspects such as our "shadow" and "anima/animus."

It's crucial to liberate ourselves from the constraints of societal expectations and embrace our true selves. However, it's understandable to feel a need for external validation and a fear of rejection, which may cause us to seek happiness through external means.

Erich Fromm, a profound observer of human nature, identified the five universal human needs essential for psychological well-being and positive growth. These include 

1. Relatedness: The profound need to forge connections, build meaningful relationships, and experience a deep sense of belonging.
2. Transcendence is the need to go beyond oneself, seek meaning and purpose in life, and engage in activities that give a sense of fulfilment.
3. Rootedness: The need to feel grounded, connected to nature and the world around us, and have a sense of stability and continuity.
4. Identity: The need to have a sense of self, know who we are, and feel authentic in our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
5. Frame of Orientation and Devotion: We need a belief system or values to guide our lives and provide a sense of direction and purpose.

According to Fromm's perspective, fulfilling these needs is crucial for human flourishing and overall well-being.

Denying despair means denying a fundamental part of life, and true fulfilment cannot be attained by solely seeking happiness. Living a good life means accepting both the good and bad things that happen. It also means taking charge of your own life. Even though you can't control everything that happens to you, you can choose how you respond. For instance, if you fall off the monkey bars and hurt yourself, you can choose to rest or keep playing. You have the power to make decisions that are best for you.

HAPPINESS - 

 1. Investing in experiences over possessions: This approach suggests that deep, lasting happiness is more likely to come from experiences such as travel, cultural events, or outdoor activities rather than from just accumulating material possessions. Experiences enrich our lives, create memories, and foster personal growth. 

 2. Prioritizing health and well-being: This approach involves investing in things that contribute to physical and mental well-being, such as fitness equipment, nutritious food, or meditation apps. The idea is that taking care of one's health is foundational to overall happiness. 

 3. Engaging in hobbies and creative outlets: Pursuing hobbies or creative activities is seen as a way to find joy and fulfilment. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment, an outlet for unique self-expression, and opportunities for social interaction. 

 4. Seeking education and personal growth resources: This includes investing in learning new skills or knowledge through courses, books, or workshops. Pursuing personal development is believed to lead to greater self-awareness, confidence, and, ultimately, happiness. 

 Each of these points reflects the belief that happiness is influenced not just by what we have but more by what we do and how we engage with the world and ourselves.

I think having the strength to make decisions and take control of one's own life is essential for experiencing true freedom & Happiness