Delusion, an Antidote for Reality

Another New Year begins. A time for many, of personal resolutions, promises to one own self and letting go of those things and ideas that are out-dated or simply don’t work anymore. It’s an attempt at an emotional and psychological housecleaning, of sorts, in order to cleanse the mind and psyche of all the rubbish we collect during our travels through life.

Does it work? More often than not; I suspect it doesn’t. As a random example, we resolve to lose weight but, buy and/or prepare the same foods, in the same portions and frequent the same fast-food drive-thru and pizza delivery service as always, and soon, the resolution ends up in the dust bin again, to be back on the list to be resolved away anew next year.

But, it’s a lot like going to church once a week for confession. You didn’t change anything but you seem to feel better about everything – at least for the time being.

It kind of works that way with everything in our lives; the job you swear you’re gonna quit and find one you really like but, never seem get around to it. The politician you’d like to see voted out but, never manage to make it to the polls on Election Day. Promising yourself to be nicer to those around you, while still remaining the same person you always were. Or, commit yourself to concede that others’ opinions might just be as valid to them as yours are to you – regardless of how goofy you really think they are.

Nah, we don’t really like change; we like things just the way they are. We’re comfortable there and change is, well, very uncomfortable. Change requires all that “Self” stuff. Self control; self denial and self discipline. Brutal stuff; all. We hate it!

But, the New Year is a good time to give it the good, old fashioned, patriotic American try. Why? Well, because! It just simply feels good.

We’re reinvigorated because we’ve made a decision and commitment to ourselves, finally, after waiting far too long, and we’re back in charge of our life again.

The question is; do we really honestly and truly, believe ourselves or, is it simply another year of self inflicted delusion of the feel-good kind?

I guess, come year end next, we’ll see. Won’t we?

For my part, I resolve to not be such an opinionated cynic in the coming year.



Born of blue collar roots and reared in the Buckle of the Union Belt, the St. Louis metro area. "Formal Education" acquired on the street. A decade in the bar business and a couple more in residential home improvement sales eventually lead me to Florida and finally, Arizona.

Lance, good thoughts all. The only thing that is constant will be that you remain a cynic. I just hope you resolve to share some of your time here.

My son in law just quit his steady income job to work on commission selling aluminum siding and roofing jobs.



That was one New Year change I didn't wish for. Maybe he'll have the success in all things that you have had.

I took a picture a few years ago on New Year's Day of a road-side constant jumble sale. For as far as one could see were rusting exercise bikes, treadmills and other torture devices.

Me? I got not one but TWO pedometers for Christmas. Guess I better take extra long walks!

Kathy

Good essay, Lance! Delusion seems to be working for President Bush et al...

Terrific essay, Lance!

I used to be an Optimist. After 40 years working in our political system, I am now a Cynical Optimist.

<Half grin/Half frown Graemlin>

Lance, I am happy with my delusions. They keep the monsters away.

quote:

Originally posted by Darbe:
Lance, I am happy with my delusions. They keep the monsters away.

Yes one of my favorite delusions is that we live in a civilised world. That keeps monsters like all of the dictators of the world (past, present and most importantly future ones) away.