Euphobia

Euphobia is the fear of good news. There really is a word for everything! I remember learning the word defenestration in college – the act of throwing someone or something out of a window – and thinking, “At what point in history were so many people or things being tossed out of windows that it was decided this action required its own word?!” But I digress. Euphobia may seem like a ridiculous notion, however, it’s probably one of the more rational of our irrational thoughts. How often does our shame prevent us from enjoying the good things in life that come our way? Why is it often so hard to simply embrace a streak of positive events without also quietly (or not so quietly) acknowledging how we’re waiting for the rug to get pulled out from under us? Is that a desire for balance or simply self-sabotage? Is it possible to bask in the present goodness of life without it coming across as entitlement, as though it’s deserved due to our mere awesomeness? This is a struggle for most – to remain so present that we become the embodiment of confidence and humility converged. To actively practice the art of appreciation and gratitude for all we have, without feeling as though it will come at the expense of a future tragedy, is the heart of the constant state of getting there.