Clarity

Life and decisions seem so much easier when we have clarity. Unfortunately true clarity is rather rare. Most of our bigger decisions make us wish we could have more clarity.

But clarity is often a disguise, a mood masquerading as clarity when it’s really just a feeling of contentment over what seems obvious, or even the euphoria of relief when something becomes clear. It can last right up to the point where we see the flaw, or until we lose (sometimes spontaneously) that vision. Clarity doesn’t mean the decision is right – it just means we have at least temporarily been unable to see options as viable or seductive.

What a blissful state that is. The rare glimpse of something that seems black and white, doesn’t require much emotional energy to solve (*), doesn’t feel excessively risky, and points the way to at least an incrementally more comfortable place.

While it may be false, it’s useful because it makes it so much easier for us move off center, which is usually better than standing pat.

(*) Research shows that emotions are required to make decisions. Humans with damage to the emotional centers of the brain are unable to make even basic decisions. But we know that some decisions require a lot more emotional wrangling than others.

 

Delusions

Being delusional or referring to one’s delusions generally is part of a negative assessment, or puts things into a negative context. “Delusions of grandeur” is one manifestation of a negative characterization.

But it can be a good thing if you believe it enough, for long enough. “Delusions of grandeur” is another way of saying a person has confidence. Confidence, within reason, is generally helpful. What about delusions of a better life, career, relationship?

Sure, there are extremes we wouldn’t want to go to, and it’s probably not wise to get too disconnected from reality for too long, but give delusion a chance and it can help take you to new heights. Believe it can happen. That and love are the antidotes to the fear.