Word of the Week

Relief

Definition: alleviation, ease, or deliverance through the removal of pain, distress, oppression, etc.

Consider this...

Recently I had a terrible nightmare. I remember the extreme relief I felt when I woke up, when I realized that I was not in danger. Barely awake, I felt happy, and I realized that my relief was due to the contrast between my scary dream and my reality. Only this negative, though, could create the feeling of relief. Relief happens with changing states, generally from a worse to a better situation.

So, what does relief teach us? It teaches us to value the state of things when they get better in any way, and often to value them just as they are. It also teaches us that it’s important to focus our energies on appreciation and improvement of our conditions rather than disappointment or fear.

Did you or someone in your family recently have a health scare? Did things turn out okay? The relief we feel in these situations must also motivate us to change our ways. Can we be healthier? Can we spend more time with our loved ones - those who truly matter - rather than doing meaningless chores, sitting in front of the TV or other things?

Life need not go awry to create meaningful value in your life. Sure, a scary dream will make you appreciate your safe home when you wake up, but we shouldn’t need a scary dream to appreciate all the great things we have in our lives. Nonetheless, I relish feelings of relief!