If you look to others for fulfilment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize that nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
The Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu
...'Rejoice in the way things are'...but that is, of course, far easier to do when you're feeling happy and content. But let's face it, what do I really have to be unhappy about? I have a roof over my head, more than enough to eat, wonderful family and friends and so much more. I am incredibly lucky. Yes, I have a problem with my sleep and this can turn my perception of the world on its head and blur the edges of my existence. But in the grand scheme of things, it is the tiniest drop in the greatest ocean.
This is what I strive for - to rejoice in the way things are, to be truly grateful for what I have, not lament what I feel to be lacking. One of the most gracious people I ever knew was my grandmother, Christine. She raised six children, she worked tirelessly, she suffered from poor health but I never, ever heard her complain. She embraced life and what it threw at her with abundant energy and charm.
Today, whilst not feeling dreadful, I feel woolly and heavy. But perhaps it would help in some way if I could focus less on how I feel and more on what there is in my life that gives me joy. I must never take these precious things for granted.
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