The Bucket Digest

  Is it ever that simple? Manson's idea of "solve problems; be happy," is a concept that leaves us readers to present the usual, wet-rag-cliche, "easier said than done," until it's no longer a wrung-out towel but rather just strings of fabric left in the turnaround of aggressive squeezing.  As cliche as the saying is, it's often true. How we go about un-truthing this truth has yet to be discussed, but Manson presents two problems that halt happiness progress- i.e. the 'solving' of our problems.   1. Denial "Some people deny that their problems exist in the first place. And because they deny reality, they must constantly delude or distract themselves from reality. This may make them feel good in the short term, but it lends to a life of insecurity, neuroticism, and emotional repression." 2. Victim Mentality   "Some choose to believe that there is nothing they can do to solve their problems, even when they in fact could. Victims seek

 "There is a premise that underlies a lot of our assumptions and beliefs. This premise is that happiness is algorithmic, that it can be worked for and earned and achieved as if it were getting accepted to law school or building a really complicated Lego set...this premise, though, is the  problem . Happiness is not a solvable equation." Leave it to Manson to have me questioning everything I thought I knew about happiness in just a few sentences.  If he was here right now, I'd ask,  Manson- are you telling me that happiness isn't something I build for myself? That it isn't a constant state once I understand how first to achieve it? And looking at those questions now, they almost seem ridiculous to assume. I thought it was a state of mental control- that happiness was something I could eventually- as one would start an engine- ignite at moment's notice- even in the face of collision-worthy problems.  Yet, here I am- mistaken (but what about the optimists?)  &quo

Season 3 Episode 14 Linda starts a job at the local grocery, and within a week she's hired full-time as a shift lead.  On her first day without the manager... ...she's taken advantage of, and everyone ends up with the day off...but her.  Safe to say it all went to he** from there.  She quits, no notice, and returns to the restaurant to be with her beloved husband and children.  I don't know why, but this episode spoke to me.  Here I was, working my "day" job (which is actually a midnight, but ya know) wondering why I can't just quit when things would be better for myself if I did.  But I pride myself on several things when it comes to a job: - Timeliness - Effort  - Committment  And this being a job I just started, it didn't sit well with me to leave when it hasn't even been a month.  And I admit, there is still a guilty feeling.  I have a nice boss, nice fellow employees... overall easy job requirements.  But I'm suffering.  The exhaustion I feel

  Many think not giving fuck means being indifferent, a "calm that weather's all storms," but Manson says that this notion is the wrong way to interpret his message. Last Monday, we touched on Manson's list of subtleties to clarify what he means when he says to "not give a fuck,"  To refresh: 1) Not giving a fuck does not mean being indifferent; it means being comfortable with being different... 2) To not give a fuck about adversity, you must first give a fuck about something more important than adversity... 3) Whether you realize it or not, you are always choosing what to give a fuck about... Let's break these down. Not giving a fuck does not mean being indifferent; it means being comfortable with being different... Indifference is the last thing Manson wants us to emit.  He writes that indifferent people:     "often attempt to be indifferent because in reality they give way too many fucks... they give a fuck about what everyone thinks of their ide