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The Antidote

Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking
Jan 21, 2016Rachelisafish rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely loved this book. It is potentially life changing if you absorb its messages and apply them in your quest for happiness. The premise is that there is a path to happiness in knowing that your reaction to events, not the events themselves is what counts (the Stoic philosophy). Being able to observe the inner weather of emotions and thoughts is key to understanding that they need not dictate your actions (a truth of Buddhism). These two principles are key to stopping the “irritable reaching” after better circumstances, thoughts and feelings. You can move forward with a project or with life without sharply defined goals. You should dare to inspect your failures. Stop trying to eliminate feelings of insecurity and put aside motivation techniques in favour of just getting stuff done. You should practice memento mori (remembering death) to sweeten the experiences of life. Refrain from too much effortful struggling and instead look for balance and moderation. The happiness that you seek can accommodate negative as well as positive emotions. It is a journey, rather than a destination.