Dear Rock Banana,

Thanks for your thoughts.

As much as i appreciate the ideas of Noah Elkrief to feel happy and less depressed, what many of his ideas miss out is the power of maturity and experience that bring about changes in our responses. You may argue that yes indeed its all about thoughts but the Dalai Lama too had once said this, that thoughts arent enough to simply transcend a certain plane. One needs experience to make that happen. I realize that material happiness isnt everything. However, as a young 20s something keen to make a mark in the world for her sake, i dont see why materialism is such a bad thing – I want to do well, I care about what i do and I want to gain new experiences, be kinder to myself instead of only intellectualizing everything.

I agree with the idea to not judge one’s feelings but the essence of that is to allow oneself to just feel – if i feel bad, i dont have to keep going crazy trying to always control my thoughts – physiological reasons matter too – sometimes a long shower or a walk or a laugh does more than re-programming our feelings via thoughts. I agree what we thinks matters but i have given up trying to judge every aspect of my thinking – I am trying now to go with the flow and change over time. Wanting to change doesnt mean i am not whole or something is wrong with me – its all part of growing up. I have been through a lot in my life and some of those wounds are still healing – Right now, all i want is some courage and to believe in myself again. Yes, i still doubt myself sometimes but i want to go on now despite all these doubts.

I am not attempting an argument of any sort but simply trying to make my point a bit clearer to you – The path will unfold along the way, its just i am done trying to nitpick it like crazy like before.

Regards,
Moon