Going Against Your Grain

By Jonathan Arenburg on August 28, 2019 • ( 1 )

Can going against your grain really get you what you want? Or will you end up feeling more anxiety because of it?
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What lies between our ears is nothing short of amazing. Our brains are unlike those of any other animals on the planet. The human brain’s ability to reason and problem-solve, create and dream, are top of the intellectual pecking order.

Our neurology and its intellectual powers have provided us with a lifestyle unimaginable to our ancestors. In fact, some argue that this is the best time in human history to be alive. We live in a so-called golden age thanks to a few key things. Technology at our fingertips and our most prized possession, money! It is after all, what makes the world go round, right?

Yep, this is the life, technology at our fingertips, easy access to all the delicious treats we can get our hands-on and Netflix, can’t forget about Netflix. I have never known war, never felt the pain of starvation and have never had a park bench for a bed. I believe the majority of us who have all the necessities in life are grateful for them, yet we seem to be sick and unhappy. Why? In our case, we will focus on mental health.

So then, why are mental illness conditions on the rise? Why aren’t we living the utopia that mass marketing is promising us? Well, I believe that mass marketing has re-defined us in such a way that tells us that we are nothing without the latest and greatest gadgets, the newest, in-season apparel – and that dictates what the definition of “beautiful” is. All these things don’t make us who we are, but they sure have us convinced that they do. Mental illness can rise out of never being good enough.

The impact of mass marketing on society

The negative impact materialism has on society is undeniable, yet in my opinion, it is not the most impactful on our mental health. Rather, it’s the way we set about to buy the things that exacerbate and/or contribute to mental illnesses; it’s our occupations for most of us. We are but a cog in a large wheel that few of us have a desire to be participating in.

Going against your grain is the reason I think so many suffer from within. We all have a “pipe dream” that we would all rather be doing, but alas, we need to do what it takes to put clothes on our backs and food in our bellies.

If all you want to do in life is to be a writer, a stay-at-home parent, or a scientist, yet you slug along in a profession that is the polar opposite of your passion, I believe that going against your grain will produce anxiety and depression. For many, it will blossom into a disorder.

We are dreamers, and our mental well-being suffers when we cannot fulfill the passion that burns within us. Perhaps we need to re-define what our passions are in terms of how they play a role in our lives. Can’t do it for a living? Make it a hobby, become an unofficial expert on what you love and most importantly, don’t let your fears stand in your way. If opportunity knocks……answer.

benefits of doing what you love.

if you are suffering from PTSD or another mental illness, please reach out. I thank you for your service, and you are still worthy and mean something. I believe in you!

If you are struggling, please go here: Crisis Services Canada

You may also enjoy: Slowly Walking My Way To Mental Wellness.

Check out my friend’s blog here: anewdawnaa.com