The Winter of Our Discontent, and Spring, Summer and Fall as well

I choose to reference Steinbeck’s last novel, “The Winter of Our Discontent”, for it relates a story of a man, Ethan, who is committed to leading an ethical and honorable life, while all those close to him urge him to regain his family’s former social and financial status by any means possible. This includes lying, cheating and stealing. Ethan succumbs to the temptation, cheats his way to the top, and to his surprise, finds no satisfaction or happiness in his life.

I’d suggest that many of us share at least a bit of Ethan’s very bleak “winter”. Indeed, from what I can observe, and occasionally experience myself, the discontent extends into Spring, Summer and Fall as well. And I feel there is a little known but powerful answer in escaping the heavy emotional baggage of our discontent.

We repeatedly beg for what we want, yet most of the time we focus on exactly what we don’t want, and often blame others for it. We are so often angry, frustrated, disgusted or disappointed at all that goes on around us (and lord knows the media doesn’t do us any favors by reporting loads of crummy news). We wonder why our lives are so unsatisfying.

I suggest a little experiment. Write down all the wonderful things in your life, all that you love in your life and all the good you choose to attract into your life. Visualize the ideal day from start to finish, with all of these wonderful and good things in it, every day for the next 90 days. Do not read a newspaper, listen to the radio or watch TV, and ignore all drama, mayhem and conflict. Follow your dreams as consistently as possible every day. Ignore any experiences contrary to your ideal.

What I am asking you to do is to make your beliefs and thoughts, and words and deeds and emotions completely congruent in leading a life you dream of.

I would enjoy hearing from anyone who can carry through with this experiment, and letting me know if you notice any positive changes in your life.