Louis CK’s thoughts on how to enjoy sadness.

Happiness always seems to be within arm’s reach, doesn’t it?

At times it feels fleeting, other times attainable.

“This will complete me,” we cry.

Things, people and places feel like the cure; yet, they’re all palliatives.

On the other side of that spectrum is sadness, a feeling as clear as day.

We can artificially create happiness, yet sadness is distinct, seemingly arriving at the most convenient times.

Getting fired or losing a beloved will always trump the happinesses found in birthdays, graduations, promotions and first-kisses—the energies created by the two are also incomparable.

Happiness can be drowned within seconds; sadness can only be healed with time.

However, optimistically, from the good to the bad and the worst, all moments can be reflected on with some shade of joy. 

A glimpse into this optimism, from the T.V. show Louie, the lead character is seen discussing with his doctor about a woman he loved who had left him.

The doctor listens, allowing this man to pour out his heart, all without interruption.

The doctor shares:

“So you took a chance on being happy, even though you knew that later on you would be sad.”

“Yeah...”

“And now...you're sad.”

“Yeah...”

“So...what's the problem?”

“I’m too sad.... Look, I liked the feeling of being in love with her. I liked it. But now she's gone and I miss her and it sucks. And I didn't think it was going to be this bad, and I feel like, why even be happy if it's just going to lead to this, you know? It wasn't worth it.”

“You know, misery is wasted on the miserable.”

“What?”

“You know, I'm not entirely sure what your name is, but you are a classic idiot. You think spending time with her, kissing her, having fun with her, you think that's what it was all about? That was love?”

“Yeah.”

“THIS is love. Missing her, because she's gone. Wanting to die.... You're so lucky. You're like a walking poem. Would you rather be some kind of a fantasy? Some kind of a Disney ride? Is that what you want? Don't you see? This is the good part. This is what you've been digging for all this time. Now you finally have it in your hand, this sweet nugget of love, sweet, sad love, and you want to throw it away. You've got it all wrong.”

“I thought this was the bad part.”

“No! The bad part is when you forget her, when you don't care about her, when you don't care about anything. The bad part is coming, so enjoy the heartbreak while you can.”

You’re like a walking poem.

From the good to the bad and ugly—every laugh, every tear—all feelings can be enjoyed.

I feel there comes a time everyone wishes to relive a heartbreak; but, I digress.

— George