“Debate can be unpleasant at times, but at least it presupposes that there are truths worth defending, ideas worth fighting for. In our post-modernist age, however, your truths are yours, my truths are mine, and none are significant enough to get passionate about. And if there is no truth, then we cannot persuade one another by rational arguments. All that’s left is sheer power—which opens the door to a new form of fascism.” ~ Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey, “Worldviews in Conflict”
“I enter into relationships with some apprehension and fear and behave in such a way that whatever the others say or so, I experience them as stronger; better, more valuable persons, and myself as weaker; worse, and not worth talking to. After a while the relationship becomes intolerable, and I find an excuse to walk away feeling worse than when I started it.” ~ Henri J.M. Nouwen, Genesee Diary
I've found that being real and telling people on this site how you're actually feeling is really rewarding. It gains trust and I'm much closer to the people I've opened up to. I have no regrets doing so.
I think I get what you're talking about. Last year was a nightmare for me. I think the others have summed it up pretty well, but I'll try to add what I can that hasn't been said yet. Something I've been learning is that it's not really fair to compare who you currently are with how you may have been in the past. You've been through stuff that your past self didn't go through, you have different experience and stuff you now know. I don't think anyone excepts a soldier to come back exactly the same after a war. Although this is less extreme, I think it could be similar to that. Also, just thinking less about yourself and more about the big picture really helps. Like the quote Tigress used to have on her signature that went something like " don't think less of yourself, just think of yourself less." Thinking of others or other things really helps with that. ( So long as they are not related to any problems of your's. ) Other then that it really depends on where your lack of joy is coming from. If it's nothing really in particular and you're just drained maybe it'll just take some time to get through this season?
I can agree on that as well. It's important to be vulnerable about how you feel. (Of course, as a Senior Mod here, I also have to make sure it's safe to say these things so that it doesn't cause any extra trouble in the future, and I can only describe certain issues to an extent)
Interesting perspective on the comparison between my past and my current self. While some comparisons can be made, overall its a progression of change for the better, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment. I think I know where my lack of joy may be coming from, but it'll also feel like a big change that I have to learn to adjust to.
Thanks NFM for your insight. I'll definitely keep these tips in mind.
( Good point. )
Ok, that makes sense.
No problem, I try at least. Hope you rediscover the joy you are looking for.
“Debate can be unpleasant at times, but at least it presupposes that there are truths worth defending, ideas worth fighting for. In our post-modernist age, however, your truths are yours, my truths are mine, and none are significant enough to get passionate about. And if there is no truth, then we cannot persuade one another by rational arguments. All that’s left is sheer power—which opens the door to a new form of fascism.” ~ Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey, “Worldviews in Conflict”
I can agree on that as well. It's important to be vulnerable about how you feel. (Of course, as a Senior Mod here, I also have to make sure it's safe to say these things so that it doesn't cause any extra trouble in the future, and I can only describe certain issues to an extent)
Interesting perspective on the comparison between my past and my current self. While some comparisons can be made, overall its a progression of change for the better, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment. I think I know where my lack of joy may be coming from, but it'll also feel like a big change that I have to learn to adjust to.
Thanks NFM for your insight. I'll definitely keep these tips in mind.
( Good point. )
Ok, that makes sense.
No problem, I try at least. Hope you rediscover the joy you are looking for.
(Yep, but don't be discouraged if there's something you'd like to share, assuming it's safe to share.)
Yep.
Thanks again. I'll definitely try to remember, and I'm feeling a little better now.
Though I miss the quietness of the library... who am I kidding, the library is pretty loud. 
Wow. I didn't think libraries could be that noisy. 
Fat. Very very fat. 
