"魂があまりにも苦しむと、不幸を好むようになる。"

Sometimes, when life gets really tough, we start to get used to things going wrong. It’s like we almost expect bad things to happen because we’ve been through so much. This idea, that our soul can get so used to suffering that it begins to almost anticipate or accept misery, is what the quote is getting at.

Historically, this might have been said in the context of someone who’s experienced so much hardship that it alters their outlook on life entirely. Think of a soldier who’s been through countless battles. Over time, the constant exposure to trauma and hardship can change their mindset. They might start to see the world through a lens of pain and suffering, almost as if they're resigned to it.

To bring this into a real-life scenario, imagine Sarah. She’s been working at the same company for years, putting in long hours, and constantly dealing with an overbearing boss who never appreciates her effort. After years of this, she’s started to accept that this is just how her life is going to be. She doesn’t even think about looking for a new job anymore because she’s convinced things won't get better elsewhere. Her soul, in a way, has developed a taste for misfortune. She’s become so accustomed to her suffering that it feels normal to her.

So what can you do if you find yourself in a situation like Sarah’s? First, recognize that this kind of mindset isn't healthy. It’s important to remember that you deserve better, even if you’ve been through a lot. Start small—make little changes that bring joy or relief. Maybe it’s as simple as taking a short walk during lunch to clear your head. Gradually, these small changes can build up, helping you see that not every part of life has to be filled with suffering.

Here’s a more relatable scenario: Think about a time when you were in a toxic relationship. Over time, you might have started to think that this is just what relationships are like, filled with arguments and pain. You might have even started to expect that this is the best you can do. But imagine you get out of that relationship, and you meet someone new who treats you with kindness and respect. Slowly, you start to see that relationships don’t have to be filled with misfortune. They can be fulfilling and happy. This shift didn’t happen overnight, right? It took time and small steps—maybe a compliment here, a kind gesture there—to change your outlook.

In essence, we need to remind ourselves that our past doesn’t have to dictate our future. Just because we’ve been through rough patches doesn’t mean we’re doomed to a life of hardship. It’s about breaking that cycle of expectation—kind of like re-training your soul to recognize and crave the good things in life again.

So next time you find yourself slipping into that mindset of expecting the worst, take a moment to challenge it. Do something small that makes you happy, and slowly, you’ll start to shift your perspective. It’s like opening a window to let some fresh air in—it might seem tiny, but it can make a world of difference.