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Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 8:09 pm
I've noticed that ever since my transplant I have been very optimistic and motivated (or perhaps driven is an even better word.) My personality practically did a 180, because it reminded me of the fragility of life and the fact that I can't waste any time I might have. I didn't have these inclinations before my kidneys failed, to be honest. Do you think it is necessary for one to go through very bad times in order to make the most out of the good?
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RE: Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 8:19 pm
I don't know if you need a traumatic experience, but I do think a little suffering puts life in perspective. People are stupid to avoid suffering at such costs. We evolved as a species that went through trauma.
At one time I went through real dehydration, in a way that 99% of people never will, I thought I could smell the water in a rock. Ever since then, I've appreciated every drop of water more than if that had never happened to me.
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RE: Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 8:22 pm
(May 13, 2018 at 8:09 pm)Aegon Wrote: I've noticed that ever since my transplant I have been very optimistic and motivated (or perhaps driven is an even better word.) My personality practically did a 180, because it reminded me of the fragility of life and the fact that I can't waste any time I might have. I didn't have these inclinations before my kidneys failed, to be honest. Do you think it is necessary for one to go through very bad times in order to make the most out of the good?
Yes
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
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RE: Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 8:24 pm
Probably depends on the individual more than anything else.
Do homeless veterans with PTSD appreciate living?
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RE: Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 8:34 pm
Hmmm I don't know that it helped me. Although my experiences were likely a completely different thing.
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RE: Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 8:45 pm
No, and not necessarily trauma, though if you do come out the other side it tends to open your eyes.
Some good life events are definitely life changing.
Consider a child coming into your life (birth/adopt/foster). Finding your (next) love. Getting your dream job.
I don't have an anger problem, I have an idiot problem.
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RE: Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 9:22 pm
One thing about bad kidneys- they can really jack up your body, and that has to play hob with your psychological well-being.
If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.
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RE: Does one need to go through traumatic experience to truly appreciate living?
May 13, 2018 at 10:09 pm
I think it depends on the individual.
There are those who go through a traumatic event and get a better appreciation for life. And there are those who live every day that way without ever having anything bad happen to them (bastards!).
Then there's me. I had a very bad motorcycle accident in my early 20s, and my heart stopped for nearly 20 minutes. And I'm still the same miserable, somewhat psychotic individual I've always been. Except, perhaps, that I have a death wish (according to my parents).
Dying to live, living to die.
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