A friend had recently told me that she had always thought of me as a “pillar of strength” and that I seemed impervious to stress and depression. Although I may give off that image, the truth is that I am as fallible as the next guy or girl. It is easy at times of distress to lash out and attack others, easier to blame the world for your troubles than to deal with them on your own. Depression, stress, angst - all real human predicaments. It is how we as individuals deal with our “negative” thoughts and emotions that define the kind of person we are.
I was then questioned why I put on the tough-guy act. My answer was that it was no act. I could be negative and believe that the shit gets thrown at me all the time, or I could be positive and see my life as overwhelmingly good, with the occasional challenge thrown in to keep me light on my toes. I prefer the latter 
Oh, stresses I’m no stranger to 
I’m still busting my butt trying to pay off debts and make ends meet, but I’m gainfully employed and doing work that I truly enjoy. I own my own car and Vancouver condo (part of why I’m in debt), no small feat if you know what the Vancouver real estate market is like. I’m single, but I’m happily so, I am grateful that my failed relationships ended before they could get worse and I’m still good friends with many of my exes. Those that I’m no longer friendly with . . . well, let’s just say I’m better off. My family, my heart and soul, are healthy, happy and close-at-hand. I’m healthy and, despite the best efforts of my Hummer grill, Crossfit is keeping me healthy 
Despite what curve balls life decides to throw at me, my life is a pretty little picture. What else could I ask for? Maybe to win the lottery? Or maybe I just need a dog
Posted on June 13th, 2007 by Leo
Filed under: Lucid Thoughts
Leo Chiang DOT COM ยป Ode to Happiness
I’ve been following Leo’s blog for awhile now, and his ability to just enjoy life - despite the trials and tribulations - is admirable.
[...] lot of success before you can begin celebrating it. That, of course, is ridiculous, and in his post Ode to Happiness, Leo truly leads by example with an award-winning attitude even though he is still struggling with [...]