Welcome to a journey of self-discovery. In the last episode, we looked at the number one killer of happiness: unnecessary long-term suffering. This “happiness killer” completely shuts down our happiness.

In this episode, we’ll discuss the emotional dragons that feed and cause the Happiness Killer.

The number one dragon is Fear. Like the dragon, fear is more powerful than happiness or any other positive emotion. It’s in our DNA. We are born with fear of falling and fight/flight, a survival mechanism. Fear was vital for our survival.

When Fear is beyond control, it causes other dragons:

· Anger: when out of control, creates rage, which can lead to violence.

· Hate: can lead to revenge.

· Worry can become chronic, which causes anxiety, which can cause panic attacks

· Aggressiveness

· Blame, shame, guilt

· Doubt

· Depression: if left unchecked, it can lead to suicide

Anger is a common fear. Here’s a question: Do you feel angry most of the time, sometimes, or not at all? Tell the truth. I can’t hear you. And no one else will hear you if you don’t say it aloud. Anger is worse at controlling because it sometimes feels energizing and even exhilarating. Benjamin Franklin said, “Anger is never without a reason, but seldom a good one.”

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