Transactional Analysis Therapy

Transactions in life

According to Eric Berne, life is a series of interactions between all human beings. These interactions include some exchange of thought, emotion, ideas, energies, anything at all. But there is always an exchange in the interaction. These are better understood as transactions. Everything you do with someone is a transaction. And at the end of it we land ourselves in spots that are called ‘life positions’. These are:

• I am OK you are OK 
• I am OK you are not OK 
• I am not OK you are OK 
• I am not OK you are not OK 

These are in a specific order because this is the sequence of desirable ascent. We try our best to be happy and keep everyone else contented too. Sometimes we end up hurting others (partners, parents, employees, or friends); at other times we are miffed by them; and yet others we see discontent within ourselves and everyone around. That is the worst position to be in.

I’m OK, are you OK?

Yes these are such simple words and they make a tremendous difference in the lives of those around us. But besides at the face of it asking if someone is OK, we’re talking about positions we place ourselves in life. We create our  happiness, sadness, troubles, joys, pleasures, pain, profits, losses, make-ups and breakups too. We need to understand, appreciate and analyze the quantum of the impact we have on the world: for better or worse; for others and for us. Once you know your own power you can use it a lot better. To the advantage of yourself and those who matter to you. You want to be in the 'good' position always, you just fail to know how to get there...