Food for thought - Maybe You Should Talk to Someone (Post 2)

"It is proposed that happiness be classified as a psychiatric disorder and be included in future editions of the major diagnostic manuals under the new name: major affective disorder, pleasant type. In a review of the relevant literature it is shown that happiness is statistically abnormal, consists of a discrete cluster of symptoms, is associated with a range of cognitive abnormalities, and probably reflects the abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. One possible objection to this proposal remains–that happiness is not negatively valued. However, this objection is dismissed as scientifically irrelevant." -- Richard Bentall, Journal of Medical Ethics, 1992

Ummmm . . . Interesting proposal. Reminds me of a few random things. 

The phrase 'Happiness is a choice' comes to mind, which appears to be first credited to a Greek dude named Aeschylus, who was a playwriter focusing on tragedy. (He was known as a tragedian.) 

One of my favorite motivational sales trainers, Jim Rohn, said, "Happiness is not by chance, but by choice." Rohn is considered by many to be the father of motivational speaking and life coaching.

Whether happiness is a psychiatric disorder or not, I am glad I always have been able to choose happiness, and so has Cathy. We have talked about this often during our nearly 31 years of marriage, and we both believe in the power of the mind and our power to choose. However, I certainly recognize that everybody walks on a different and unique path, and for many people, simply choosing to be happy is not a slam dunk. 

When we are struggling, talking to someone (who is objective and unattached) can really help.

"I’m a card-carrying member of the human race." - Stay whole family!

Cousin Beth Smith has done it again. Another interesting and thought-provoking book recommendation, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, by Lori Gottlieb. Learn more about Gottlieb here. I'm just a couple chapters in and I'm hooked, but you know I am a big believer in psychotherapy, when and if you can find the right person. I'm sending a copy to Sally and Taylor and will pick up a couple of extras for our Austin and College Station peeps.

I'll share some thoughts as I read on, and am excited to discuss with Mom; although she seemed a bit irritated with me last night when she read the first chapter and didn't understand why I underlined a particular sentence. I have to admit, when I re-read the sentence it did seem a little weird, but it was in the context of quite a bit of other stuff . . .

"So while the image of me with mascara running down my tear-streaked face between sessions may be uncomfortable to contemplate, that's where this story about the handful of struggling humans you are about to meet begins - with my own humanity."

I'll leave that alone for now, and close with these two quotes, in the front-matter section of the book, from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung:

"People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls." 

"Who looks inside, awakes."

Tar Heels are 2-0! Make it a Great Monday Team

Game face on before kickoff | Susan and Dana's ranch in the background

Hey Lucy May and family,

I had my game face on at Susan's 50th birthday celebration. Photo above is overlooking Susan and Dana's ranch, from their neighbor's property. They have really done a lot to the place since our last visit.

Tar Heels with a big week two win against the best 0-2 team in the country, Miami. Heels turn around and play again on Friday night at Wake Forest, both teams are 2-0. Army and Texas came up short. Those were probably the best three games of the day. Dawgs rolled Murray State and the Chaps looked good as well in Houston.

Mom and I leave for Colorado on Wednesday afternoon, where we will celebrate 31 years of marriage. Woohoo!

MiAGM!

Dad

P.S. We got a great book recommendation from Beth and Kevin Smith, called Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. Mom and I have it and plan to read and annotate together. I'll try to post some nuggets from the book over the next stretch, starting with Stay Whole Tuesday tomorrow. 

Lucy's summer - Surfing the Nations recap

Special Nugget here. I hope everyone has a chance to check out Lucy's updated Website, blog and photos from her summer with Surfing the Nations. Be sure to click on the photos link as well as the blog posts. I enjoyed reading all of Lucy's adventures and thoughts, and looking at the pictures. I loved her friend Ben's graduation poem as well. I continue to pray for Lucy's transition back to college-life at A&M, and for what is next as she continues to prosper and grow in her faith. Great job Lucy!

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Lucy to retreat and big games this weekend

Good luck Lucy at your YoungLife retreat in Dripping Springs!

Here's the high school and college game times for the weekend:

• Chaps at Cypress Ranch (7PM CT Friday on Chap App)
• Army at Michigan (11:00AM CT on FOX)
• Texas A&M at Clemson (2:30PM CT on ABC)
• Murray State at Georgia (3:00PM CT on ESPN2)
• LSU at Texas (6:30PM CT on ABC)
• Miami at UNC (7:00PM CT on ACCN)

Mom and I are off to Susan and Dana's farm tomorrow for Susan's 50th birthday party. Hoping for some good televisions, strong WiFi, and maybe a little coffee on Sunday morning!

Love you all,

Dad

50th Anniversary Season - Go Chaps and Stay Whole!

Getting the low down from Coach Dodge at Chap QB Club breakfast this morning. This year is 50th Anniversary of Westlake Football. Sounds like we had a very strong performance on week one (48-0 win versus Belton.) Next week on the road against Cypress Ranch in Houston. Kyle will like this from Coach when discussing the kicking game. "I'm not going to tell you the name of our new long-snapper, who played in his first varsity game. I hope I never have to mention his name the entire year. He certainly did a great job on week one."

Thanks for a great weekend family - Make it a Great Monday