Anhedonia = the inability to experience pleasure or happiness; emotional numbness and loss of joy due to overstimulation; anti hedonism
It's hard to believe that our quest for excitement can end up leaving us unexcited. Anhedonia contributes to boredom and depression. If you think about it, we spend so much time stimulating ourselves unendingly with computers, cell phones, ipods, blackberries, busyness, and we (I) seem to be tackling some type of deadline-ridden to-do list. Then, to unwind from it all, what do we do? Stimulate ourselves some more! Video games, tv, movies, radio. And we need more and more of it to make ourselves feel better, so it leads us to seek extreme entertainment ala reality tv smackdowns, extreme sports, etc. When it's all over, we're still mentally exhausted and unfulfilled.
Maybe that's what's wrong with me. I feel worn out as if my mind can't rest. And I don't enjoy the things that I normally do: reading, music, dance. Is this a self-diagnosis of anhedonia?
This means it's time to kick the ole pleasure center in back into shape. Here's how to get over anhedonia (with my comments):
1. Limit the amount of excitement
2. Recapture the joy of little things (especially little things without circuits, I might add)
3. Control your adrenaline
4. Enjoy humor
5. Develop gratitude (that's totally biblical there, "In all things give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 thess 5:18)
6. Learn to be still, relax, and meditate (We reconnect with God in those quiet moments as shown in the scripture)
7. Make space for things that matter; re-connect with people
And here I am on my #1 stimulant-and-killer...the computer...writing this advisory. I'm logging off and enjoying my evening.
For expert info, see Dr. Archibald Hart's book, Thrilled to Death
Nope I haven't read it, but he gave a good radio interview.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
My First Father's Day!
It's so unreal! I celebrated my first Father's Day as Chloe's dad. Amy made it special with two beautiful cards, a gift certificate to get a sorely-needed massage, and a new water bottle for me to carry to work!
I wish I had profound thoughts and words to shower upon the masses.
I don't.
Just feelings of thanks and contentment.
Funny thing. I called my dad...
"Hey, dad! Happy Father's Day!"
"Hey, how's Chloe?"
He zooms straight to Chloe! Ha ha. She has definitely taken the front seat.
Church was encouraging too. I stood with the fathers amidst the applause of the people. We then had a special prayer and a powerful reading of Psalm 4. They aired a video clip of kid following his dad around, watching everything he does. Kids do notice. When Chloe is watching me, what will she learn about the way I treat strangers, how I handle conflict and disappointment, how I live with integrity? It really hit home to stop and ponder exactly how crucial my role is in my kids' lives. Humbling.
Kevin's sermon was good too. He said kids tend to adopt their mother's outlook on life; however, when it comes to religion, they tend to model their dad's point of view. That's why Godly fathers are so necessary. I recall another preacher long ago saying that when a father is unchurched, his children (particular boys) are highly likely to become the same way during adolesence. To the contrary, if the entire family is unchurched and the father becomes a Christian, then there's a 90% chance that the rest of the family will follow. Talk about being a leader and giving life to the family!
Last of all, I'm reminded of a song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean.
Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me.
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see.
Help me be a living Bible, Lord,
That my little boy can read.
I want to be just like You,
'Cause he wants to be like me.
I wish I had profound thoughts and words to shower upon the masses.
I don't.
Just feelings of thanks and contentment.
Funny thing. I called my dad...
"Hey, dad! Happy Father's Day!"
"Hey, how's Chloe?"
He zooms straight to Chloe! Ha ha. She has definitely taken the front seat.
Church was encouraging too. I stood with the fathers amidst the applause of the people. We then had a special prayer and a powerful reading of Psalm 4. They aired a video clip of kid following his dad around, watching everything he does. Kids do notice. When Chloe is watching me, what will she learn about the way I treat strangers, how I handle conflict and disappointment, how I live with integrity? It really hit home to stop and ponder exactly how crucial my role is in my kids' lives. Humbling.
Kevin's sermon was good too. He said kids tend to adopt their mother's outlook on life; however, when it comes to religion, they tend to model their dad's point of view. That's why Godly fathers are so necessary. I recall another preacher long ago saying that when a father is unchurched, his children (particular boys) are highly likely to become the same way during adolesence. To the contrary, if the entire family is unchurched and the father becomes a Christian, then there's a 90% chance that the rest of the family will follow. Talk about being a leader and giving life to the family!
Last of all, I'm reminded of a song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean.
Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me.
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see.
Help me be a living Bible, Lord,
That my little boy can read.
I want to be just like You,
'Cause he wants to be like me.
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