Yup. I do think that you need to know the downs to be able to appreciate the ups. But I also think that we can train ourselves to move through the downs and now dwell too long there. Too much time feeling sad is way too difficult - because everything becomes difficult... That said, sometimes it is hard to climb up...

>That said, sometimes it is hard to climb up...

I so agree!

Super point!! We have been in a season on constant trials and I am READY For them to come to a close. But, you are right in your thinking!! I wouldn't appreciate the "ups" as much if we didn't have the dumb "downs" to make us realize the ups are great! LOL!! Thank you for sharing!

> I am READY For them to come to a close

Me too LOLL

If you never had down times, then those "good" times would have no meaning.

I think so too!!

Some people seem to fade away but then when they are truly gone, it's like they didn't fade away at all....
So touching.......

> Wouldn't you think life would then be bland?

...if it was bland you would no longer be in state of happiness, by definition.(unless bland is your happy)

>If we were all happy and laughing, how would you know when something special has come into your life?

..because it would ADD to your sum total of happiness.

>Is there a reason we all have ups and downs?

life.

>Would life cease to have real meaning if happy was the norm?

No

>How would you know if you fell in love if we all were the same happy at the same time?

It would add to your happiness.

> No colds, no dead, no ups or downs. How long would we last before we got bored of a life always in the same mental state?

If happiness is mental state you would be bored from, it is an internal issue of feeling that you deserve to be happy.

>Would we question or rejoice when someone you know hit a milestone in life?

If you were happy, you would rejoice at everything, for any excuse

>I see a world of happy but also boredom if we all were the same happy each day.

If happiness bores you, that needs to be examined..

>Is it only me that thinks you learn to know the real meaning of things only by living in those trials and errors of life yourself?

No

>Do you need to know downs to know how lucky you are when up some your way?

No you don't need them, but makes the comparative states more stark.

>These are questions in my head today.

I hope I have helped you with your questions of today.

I love your positive answers!! Thank you for stopping to read and answer :D

lol - Thank you!
I wasn't trying to be positive, just logical.

Strange that this just came into my feed... My wife is reflecting upon her life and is starting to get depressed about it. She does tend to have a less positive outlook on life than I do.. But I hope that she can remember the things that she has achieved and the things in her life that are good...

>She does tend to have a less positive outlook on life than I do

yes, always have to look on the positive side......the other way is just not healthy in the end.

No not at all healthy, but she struggles at times... Even when things are going good...

Spot on post @snook. Spot on my beautiful lady.

> Is there a reason we all have ups and downs?
Would life cease to have real meaning if happy was the norm?

I have thought and contemplated about this Notion for many years now. And I am totally convinced as it relates to my own Life and those around me that Life would not be nearly as sweet and special if we did NOT have the down times. No question !

It just humbles you and helps you drain the f@cking shit out of the good times when they come around ... you know, Carpe Diem :)

Happy is not the norm.
Anyone who thinks it is maybe always had a silver spoon.
Also always being unhappy isn't a norm either