coldhearted scientist وداد

In Reeducation, one was not supposed to be able to handle the stress of adult life. To be able to do so was “denial” of how difficult it “must really be” and, more frighteningly, indicated an absence of “feeling”. If one lacked this “feeling” one might have a very severe problem and need very severe treatment.

In self-defense I hastened to “feel” stress more deeply and to allow myself to be more disabled by it. That was a poor habit to develop as it required relinquishing the feeling of having the power to decide what to do in a given situation (power and control are not things one should want, either, for any reason). It was weakening.

I declare hereby that the ability to handle stress is not a sign of severe mental illness or “dysfunction” or “denial” but a positive skill.

Axé.