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“Anticipation and dread aren’t opposites, just different versions of the same game. Both involve knowing that something is going to happen, but not knowing when. And whether you end up winning or losing, you at least get to reach a conclusion. There’s always some comfort in that.”
— Brian K. Vaughn
Do we look forward to something pleasant with anticipation? If so, then does that mean we look toward something unpleasant or unknown with dread? I found the above quote interesting even though I am not sure I am in 100% agreement.
Tomorrow I have another eye injection. I know all the steps involved and it is uncomfortable but not painful. So why do I dread it? I think because of the tedious nature of it all. An hour to the appointment, 2 hours at the doctor’s office then an hour drive back home. After that it is the worry of protecting my eye from any possible infection. Then of course the whole underlying possibility of what this condition can mean to my vision is always in the back of my mind.
On the other hand, Monday I fly to Florida to see my family and my grandchildren. I anticipate the trip with great joy. I know that no matter what transpires, I will enjoy my visit. The outcome is worth all the preparation, the chaos at the airport and the flight.
So it is not the unknown Vs the known, because we can dread things we know well. I wondered if it was some fight or flight response, but it is more the way the brain processes emotions. I had a short discussion with ChatGPT about this and together we constructed this helpful chart in case you are like me and nerd out on such things. This was my first introduction to the habenula.
No questions today. Thoughts about things you look forward to Vs. things you dread are welcome if you care to share them.
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