I fear happiness because something bad might follow, but when will this fear end?

oceanburned 𓇼
2 min readJul 13, 2024

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Chungking Express (1994)

“Cherophobia refers to the fear of happiness or the aversion to experiencing joy. It can manifest as a reluctance or anxiety about being happy due to an expectation that something bad will happen as a consequence of that happiness.”

Life is complex and unpredictable in the manner in which events unfold in unexpected ways.

Life often presents us with moments of profound happiness that breathe vitality into our existence, urging us to seize each day with renewed enthusiasm and purpose. These moments, vibrant and fulfilling, remind us of life’s potential for joy and fulfillment.

However, intertwined with these highs are inevitable moments of sorrow and uncertainty. When sadness settles in after the happiness, it casts a shadow over our spirits, plunging us into introspection. In these darker times, we find ourselves questioning the essence of our journey and seeking solace in understanding life’s complexities.

But does happiness always inevitably bring along something negative?

As I continue to learn and grow, I’ve come to realize that the answer to this question is both a yes and a no.

Sometimes, happiness can be followed by challenges or setbacks, while other times, it can stand on its own, untouched by negativity.

Fear shadows happiness, whispering of potential sorrows that may follow its fleeting joys. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, there lies a profound truth: to fear happiness is to deny oneself the richness of life’s most cherished moments.

Perhaps the journey to overcoming this fear is not about its end, but the courage found in embracing happiness despite the risks.

For in the dance between joy and apprehension, one learns that the truest victories are often won by those brave enough to pursue happiness, even in the face of uncertainty.

“Would you want to be happy if there’s no bad things that lie after?”

Of course, it’s a yes.

“Would you still want to be happy despite the horrible things that may occur next in the most unexpected way?”

It’s still a yes.

I’d rather choose to embrace happiness, even knowing there’s a possibility of adversity following than deny myself the experience of joy altogether.

Embrace happiness despite the risks, for it is in these moments that we truly feel alive and connected to the essence of life itself.

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oceanburned 𓇼
oceanburned 𓇼

Written by oceanburned 𓇼

I want to be great or nothing. — @i043logs on tiktok ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ 𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

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