Society's Toxic Trait
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Society's Toxic Trait

How society has made us focus on the negative parts of life.

31
Society's Toxic Trait

I was walking out of the office and I had somehow left the weight that I had been carrying on my shoulders. The news released me from the burden that had been lingering around for the past few months. I decided to take the scenic route home and enjoy the day. I wanted to know if what happens in the movies is true, so I closed my eyes, lifted my head towards the sky, and took a big breath in. To my surprise, the air was crisp and fresh, and I felt at peace. I looked to my arm and a ladybug was walking up my right side. It all started to feel like a sign from the universe. As a reasonable and predictable person, I was about to take a picture of the ladybug when it flew away. I watched it fly away and I could not stop thinking about the fact that it had left when I needed it.

You would think that what stayed with me for the rest of the day was maybe the good news that I had received, the movie scene that I experienced after the fact, or the ladybug landing on my arm. No, that is not what I kept thinking for the rest of the day. I thought about the ladybug flying away in the precise moment that I was going to snap a picture. Was that a bad sign? Did it mean that the good feeling or peace was about to be taken away from me? That is when I realized that I had ruined my own peace of mind.

The exact good news that I received does not matter. The important detail is how long the good news lasted as good in my mind. This happens to most of us. We ruin the good that we have because we over-analyze things and do not enjoy the moments that are given to us. As pop culture would call it, that is our toxic trait.

In a capitalist and individualistic society, all that matters are efficiency and profit. It is not just talking about money. It is about how to do everything in the best way to receive the best results. The result in this case is having the best life. When you want the product to be the best, you make sure that you are taking the actions that will lead you to the end most efficiently. In doing so, you end up analyzing anything and everything that happens to you in order to see if you are on the right path to get to the best life. What better way to improve the product than by finding and fixing the flaws?

As good as the best life sounds, the process that we take is oftentimes not the healthiest. In order to achieve this goal that we have been wired to obtain, we lose sight of important things, like our mental health. Being too focused on the failures and the negative things in our lives without being cognizant of what it can do your health is a dangerous game. Sooner or later, you might find yourself unhappy with your life because you are only seeing the negative events or aspects.

In a time where there has been plenty of bad news happening around the world, we need to embrace and enjoy the good things, even if they are small. Sometimes attempting to make sense of everything that happens to us can do more harm than good. This will not solve your issues or mental health, but it is a good step to be able to breathe a little easier. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that you shouldn't think about why certain things happen. Being sad or angry about events in our lives are fair emotions. The negative feelings and thoughts are valid and should not be seen as something bad to be ashamed of. Rather, we need to shift our focus into turning those emotions into positive actions.

Yes, the ladybug flew away and it could mean an undesirable thing. However, the ladybug landed on me in the first place and that is a reminder of the good things that happened to me that day.

In more poetic words, turn the weight of a log into the spirit of fire.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53145
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34145
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956756
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181527
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments