Comments on: The George Bailey Technique: Mentally Erase Your Blessings for Greater Joy and Optimism

By: JR

JR — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:51:27 +0000

Very interesting. I understand the point. Unfortunately – probably just Little Old Pessimist Me – but I am reminded of the problem I have always had with the idea of correcting “defective thinking” by means of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is this – what if you are really a chronically depressed failure and serial alcohol abuser, and not really a very nice, positive or productive human being ? Mere perception, you say – but this perceived reality may have been constructed though a succession of painfully objective events, bolstered by deep-held values going back to early childhood. In such a scenario, could the hoped-for positive effects of CBT be stood on its head ? Or, in the “Wonderful Life” scenario, might George have been persuaded that faced with bleak evil of the world, he might as well just throw himself off the bridge, anyway. In any case, interesting idea. Must give it a try. Should it not work I have the advantage of long ago having picked out my favourite Bridge. Just kidding (not), JR.

By: Brubeck

Brubeck — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:26:10 +0000

Thanks for the article, Brett. It’s another reminder that we all need to refresh our perspective.

It’s so true that cynicism gives way to passivity. We don’t bother if we think we already know what the outcome is and we don’t like it.

Also, I think the idea of cynicism is somewhat misplaced. Cynicism is always bad, but it’s an expected side-effect of experience. We naturally become cynical on account of our particular experiences in life. You might be cynical about the guys at the local tire shop, but that may because of how they treated you in the past.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:22:59 +0000

Excellent post. Nothing wrong with gratitude journals and if they work for people, that’s great. But, as you note, they don’t work for everyone and there’s nothing wrong with that either. This method is one among several that might be called “positive negative thinking,” or negative thinking not as a way to indulge in misery or self-pity but as way to glean fresh perspective.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of my favorite films so thank you for weaving that into this essay.

By: Matt Carrington

Matt Carrington — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:03:44 +0000

Another great read. Thanks Brett!

By: K

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:20:41 +0000

Maybe the key is finding to whom you should be thanking. ?? Life is pretty meaningless if you are grateful for everything but have nothing on which to place that gratitude.

By: Ghsot of 503

Ghsot of 503 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:25:48 +0000

Personal method: Pick every one of the major holidays in the US (or your respective nation if you’re not from the states) and make a vow to yourself, hellbent, on making that day memorable. Or pick one day a month to do the same thing.

Personal list: New Year’s Eve & Day, St Patricks, Easter, June 16th (a sort of New Year’s for students but one worth it because you can catch up with old friends on becaue as a kid, what was more memorable then the last day of school?), July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Friendmas (pick a “friends only” day for a party before Christmas, trust me)

The best way to avoid cynicism is taking a day, hopefully one a month, to touch base with those who mean the most to you, especially beyond the family.

By: A6

A6 — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 02:12:23 +0000

Oh the AOM, it’s been quite a while; I thought I’d never be able to connect again after Hurricane Sandy. Ironically enough, I’m thankful for having access to this site once again and constantly learning from the insights of Brett and Kate, his fellow readers and their countless, varying and often insightful viewpoints.
There actually is someone in my life whom I’ve tried to imagine a life without. Sadly, I can imagine a life without her because we broke up and we’re no longer together. I often sit around for hours on my laptop looking over old pictures and memories and they come back like just like it was yesterday. I’m thankful to have met her and for the fond memories, it was fun while it lasted.

By: S

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 11:07:23 +0000

I recently tossed the gratitude journal after about a year, as it wasn’t doing anything for me.

Gonna give this a shot, thanks for the guidance!

By: Ben Leidemann

Ben Leidemann — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 20:08:13 +0000

Cynicism is like ire or hate but a fruit of sadness.
If something makes you sad (including non-met expectations), usually its but a question of time until sadness turns into a rather “unmanly” emotion.
You ask the druid for a solution?
If your love for all concious beings is bigger than the sadness about their unmanly deeds – you will be free of unmanly emotions.
Erhm: I am not a cleric, just a druid, so this works very well in civil life.
Have a nice Christmas and thanks for inspiring me to grow a beard ;-)))

By: nbb

nbb — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 06:26:04 +0000

When im feeling cynical, i visit AOM. The articles are thought provoking and reminds me of the bigger picture of life.