posted June 06, 2006 04:34 PM            

We walk into rooms and mentally redecorate. We look at people and make them over in our minds. We have a hard time moving from the realm of idea to action because, darn it, every time we think of a way to start, we think of something better.

And we drive everyone around us crazy. We're never content. We always complain. We're the ones at the party with our arms crossed over our chests giving every indication that we're feeling anything but festive. In reality, we're in deep thought over the centerpieces and wondering how we might have made them differently. We beat ourselves up because over our inability to just freakin RELAX!

BUT... is this really so bad? Over and over we're encouraged to just be in the moment, stop and smell the roses. Well, I did. I smelled the roses and now I want to uproot my tulip garden and plant rosebushes, which calls for all new landscaping, and if we're doing the outside, then why not tackle the inside, too? Before anyone gets the idea that I'm bragging (under the guise of modesty) about some overachieving superiority trait, let me remind you that none of these things are likely to happen. They're just thoughts on how things could be better. Not that we're underachievers, either. We probably accomplish just as much as anyone else. We just look unhappier when we do it.

So if you know someone like this, pull back the thorny exterior and you'll find a dreamer with a fear of coming up with the perfect plan only moments after the final stone is set in place.

And if you are one of these people, don't let everyone else fool you. You aren't always unhappy. If you stop and think about it you'll realize that always seeking a better way to do EVERYTHING makes you very happy indeed. Just be mindful to allow others the space to be satisfied wherever they choose to stop. After all, some things are just right to begin with.

posted June 06, 2006 06:07 PM            

Kidding.. I don't know. I am pretty much always content, happy - in love with life. I do have my days and experienced depression (or my version of it a few times).

posted June 06, 2006 07:03 PM            

In any case, I'm sure I'm not the only one who is frequently accused of never being happy. I laugh and smile just as much as anyone else. It's a state of contentedness and I'm just not an easily contented person. It's not intentional, but I think people like me are sometimes misunderstood, especially by ourselves.

*I didn't want to go too deep with this. Just a random pondering while I was driving home from school today.*

posted June 06, 2006 07:07 PM            

I should add.... your username kind alludes to the discontent - Future Uncertain

Mine is American Indian for "to make glad"

posted June 07, 2006 07:33 PM              

I wouldn't call myself unhappy, although I am always looking for ways in which situations/processes can be made (insert superlative adjective), and I have a tendency to stroppiness.

People used to tell me I was "never" happy (curious, as if they would know what I think!). Why do you think this, Future? Is is a conclusion you have come to by yourself or something that people have continually told you?

One great way to get "happy" (if that is what you want) is to not even think about whether you are happy or sad, or "never happy", if you like. And also indulge a bit in the kind of hobbies and interests you like to do, always have new plans etc. Be proactive in this regard (ugh, this sounds really corporate).

posted June 08, 2006 07:04 PM            

DayDreamer, I'm glad you enjoyed this. Are you "never happy" too?

Acoustic, I've been doing very well. Summer has officially started-- turned in my last final yesterday, so I'm ready to kick back and have a little fun! I've been busy planning for the baby this October and for the wedding next August, but I'm (usually) enjoying that. How are things with you?

posted June 08, 2006 07:04 PM            

Maybe a better way to explain it would be to confess that I'm a chronic whiner/ complainer. But I do both very happily! heehee

*Write it down. I'll never admit it again!*

posted June 09, 2006 10:14 AM              

but if anyone calls me perky they die! hee hee"
*******************************************
My first real name means "she who brings happiness".

But yeah...do not ever call me perky! Bleccch!

posted June 09, 2006 07:39 PM              

Not labelling this...trait, behaviour or type of mentality or whatever...as bad does make me feel better. Not to say I cant have fun and just chill when I feel like it...but I do have an overwhelming need many times to continuously change my mind, and critique things (and complain and whine ).

posted June 09, 2006 08:33 PM            

Exactly what I meant!