Gambling...

A podcast I was listening to the other day was talking about the science of gambling - and the psychology of gambling -- what casinos do to keep people at the tables or slot machines.

One statistic they'd uncovered was extremely close to my heart as I listened. Apparently, someone has done research and discovered that "losing hurts twice as bad as gaining feels good." It made me cry sitting at my desk, working & listening to my iPod. The truth of that statement in my life. Oh yes - I agree. That's very, very true.

When things are good, everything has its golden halo around it - you're more comfortable in your own skin. You feel happy and content, satisfied - a generally all-around good feeling. Lying next to someone in bed, knowing you are loved - the security and warmth you have. And all through the good feelings, you can carry on with life - you can make grocery lists and make plans, talk to friends (there's so much good to say!), and go through the day with a goofy grin and mellow heart.

But when things go badly, it's different. You can't feel anything else but BAD - sad, angry, hurt, betrayed, abandoned, lost, bereft... all bad, bad, bad. There is no light, only darkness. There is no room for anything else. And it is at least twice as bad as the good feels. Why make plans or lists? to what purpose? Why talk to anyone - who wants to listen to the same sad story? Oh, not again. So the pit beckons with its promise to hold you closely, keep you company when there is no one else. That dear, dear pit of depression. What a wonderful place to visit. I know I can't stay, but I believe I will spend some time with my one, true companion who I can always depend on.