by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: June 14, 2010

There has never been a time when misery in every form was not being suffered by great numbers of people. Today, people are being attacked in their homes, villages. People are being attacked as they are fleeing from the last attack on their homes and villages. Predators are stealing women and children and causing misery that is difficult to imagine. The rich are worried about their riches. The poor are worried about the next meal, drug score or where it is that they will sleep tonight.

In the most developed of societies, misery finds a way into every life and into every home. Bad relationships, dysfunctional families, terrible behavior and unsure conditions at work and pain are part of every life. Physical pain invades the lives of so many who suffer from injury, disease or other medical conditions.

Emotional pain invades the lives of those who suffer from mental disease, loss, abuse, oppression, chronic disrespect and maltreatment. The most beautiful girl does not feel that she is beautiful enough. The most pampered socialite feels that he is not well regarded enough. The most intelligent doctor or attorney does not feel that he or she is capable enough.

Loss is a both a change in life and a source of misery. Loss of a loved one. Loss of freedom. Loss of social standing. Loss of material things through theft, fire or natural disaster. Loss of career. Loss of youth. Loss of beauty. Loss of a physical capacity. Loss of a home or income.

It does not matter that some of these things are less important than other things in life. These are all things that people once had, did value, and now have no more. Before the grief process is complete, there is only the reminder that something loved, appreciated, needed and valued is gone.

Lack of love, positive human contact and kindness is one of the worst forms of misery. There are any number of causes for a person to be denied these things, including prison, being a child in a dysfunctional home, being elderly and isolated, and living in fear of the world.

Expectations in life cause humans to suffer the misery that simple reality can provide. There are expectations that, if we give love and kindness, then we will receive thost things. There are expectations that our style and standards of morality should result in great things for us and terrible things for those who do not believe as we do. We expect that crime does not pay, but we watch as criminals roll by, happy, and with all

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