Would you rather be right or happy? – Episode 276

* What is your first thought when you hear this question?

* Do you believe that “right” is “truth” and that there is only one possible “right answer” (way to do something, opinion about a topic, etc.)?

* Do you have “black and white” thinking?

* Why?

* What would it take to see the world in shades of gray (or colors)?  Red is no more “right” than blue, for example.

* What does the word “happy” mean in this context?

* When has holding onto a position hurt more than letting go would have hurt?

* Is Right and Happy possible?  Sometimes. But in dealing with difficult people, sometimes, it’s just not worth the fight, conflict, escalation…

* A lotta references to “conflict” and controversy are relevant in readings, and traditions, as well as arguments.

* Can you “Live and Let Live” even if you are “right”?

* Have you come to learn that most times, “urgent things are seldom Important, and Important things are seldom urgent”? (calling 911 for a paper cut…)

* Slogans

* How Important is it?

* This Too Shall Pass

* Is It Worth My Serenity?

* Perspective episode also comes to mind, and First Things First… And Force vs Power

* Sayings;

* QTIP

* Don’t

* Take the bait

* Pick up the rope

* Be a willing participant in a toxic dance

* “I don’t need to win anything today…”

Readings and Links

We opened with a reading from Courage to Change, October 29. We also mentioned the June 3 reading.

We read from How Al-Anon Works on dealing with conflict (p. 98 in the soft cover edition), and Eric read about acceptance from …In All Our Affairs, p. 96.

We were inspired by a Psychology Today article Right vs. Happy. And Eric ended with a quote from Chief Joseph.

Coming next

Our topic for next week is new topic. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email

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with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

Music from the show

John Mayer: Heartbreak Warfare

Billy Joel: You May be Right

Pharell Williams: Happy