I’m thinking today about two mysteries . They are things we don’t seem to learn regardless of how long humanity has been on the planet.
We know from what we hear and from watching lives of celebrities — especially the ones that die early from drug use or suicide or some combination of the two — that money and fame don’t make one happy. Yet we still fall prey to always just wanting a little more than we have. We feel we’re always just slightly under what we “ought” to have. Of course, that isn’t bad if it spurs us on to do better, to achieve more. But it seems like mostly it just keeps us not satisfied and looking to the next thing to make us feel the way we want to. And not only do we miss out on the joy of being content in the moment, but, quoting Socrates, “He who is not contented with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have.” Discontentment is more a state of mind than a reflection of our circumstances.
Certainly there are people who are predisposed to have a happy disposition and find good things in almost any situation. Others don’t have that naturally, and still others were surrounded in childhood by negative people so that the voices in their heads render contentment almost unachieveable.
I learned of a useful practice several years ago. In a seminar, a young woman told of how her world pretty much fell apart in high school when her parents said they were divorcing. She was totally blown away, and a counselor working with her challenged her to write down things every day that she was grateful. When she sat down to do it, nothing came to mind. All of life was bleak. Finally she began with “I’m breathing.” It went from there to “My car works.” Gradually, her outlook and life changed as being grateful for things usually taken for granted turned into a lifestyle of gratitude. I have used this method myself to advantage.
As for #2, I am always amazed that even though we know the Grim Reaper will some time come for us and for everyone we love (“98% of people will die at some point in their lives” — Ricky Bobby), we are still in shock when someone we know passes or when we have something that brings our own mortality to the forefront of our minds — being faced with cancer, a near miss with a car accident, etc. How many times have we overheard “I just can’t believe he’s gone.” “I just talked with her yesterday.” We know it’s gonna happen, but paradoxically, we still don’t believe it
I’ve tried to figure out how to keep this more in front of me. I think of the image below showing that every day, every hour, every minute, we move up in the line, and that is helpful. 
But as I am one of those generally predisposed to be optimistic, a clear sunny day helps me forget that each hour, I’m 60 minutes closer to my demise.
Perhaps the best way to live is to put these two things together. Given that we have only a certain amount (an unknown amount) of time, good to live it with gratitude for every moment and every thing, keeping palms open to accept what all life brings.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
82 Responses
Would love to always get updated great web site! .
of course like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth however I will surely come back again.
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thank you!
I am continually invstigating online for articles that can help me. Thx!
Only wanna admit that this is handy, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, fantastic site!
Some really prize content on this site, saved to bookmarks.
Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
ara6yl
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait .. …
I’d always want to be update on new content on this site, saved to favorites! .
Utterly indited subject matter, thanks for entropy.
of course like your web-site but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I will definitely come again again.
There is visibly a lot to realize about this. I think you made certain good points in features also.
ag9uvv
kprh3i
fqzdpo
3z3y6j
Adorei este site. Pra saber mais detalhes acesse o site e descubra mais. Todas as informações contidas são informações relevantes e únicos. Tudo que você precisa saber está está lá.
F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I am very satisfied to peer your article. Thanks so much and i’m having a look ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
0fyo8o
455mot
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
m169ar
Hello.This post was really remarkable, especially because I was looking for thoughts on this subject last Friday.
fascinate este conteúdo. Gostei bastante. Aproveitem e vejam este conteúdo. informações, novidades e muito mais. Não deixem de acessar para se informar mais. Obrigado a todos e até mais. 🙂
Este site é realmente incrível. Sempre que consigo acessar eu encontro novidades Você também vai querer acessar o nosso site e saber mais detalhes! Conteúdo exclusivo. Venha saber mais agora! 🙂
The crux of your writing whilst appearing reasonable initially, did not settle perfectly with me after some time. Somewhere within the sentences you actually managed to make me a believer unfortunately just for a short while. I nevertheless have got a problem with your leaps in logic and one might do nicely to fill in all those gaps. If you actually can accomplish that, I could certainly be impressed.
Thanks a lot for providing individuals with an exceptionally terrific possiblity to read in detail from this site. It is often very lovely and full of fun for me personally and my office friends to search your site minimum 3 times every week to find out the latest things you have. And indeed, I am just usually motivated with your very good concepts served by you. Certain 4 points in this article are basically the most beneficial I’ve had.
Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is just nice and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.
You have remarked very interesting points! ps nice internet site.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Very well written story. It will be valuable to anyone who usess it, including yours truly :). Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.
Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such excellent information being shared freely out there.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
I am now not certain the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent info I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I¦ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
umw8ve
I think this is one of the so much important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is actually excellent : D. Good task, cheers
nas458
You made some good points there. I did a search on the subject and found most individuals will approve with your website.
I’ll immediately snatch your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
There is perceptibly a bunch to identify about this. I believe you made certain nice points in features also.
yogz9p
m1qwln
excellent points altogether, you simply gained a new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?
You are my inhalation, I possess few blogs and occasionally run out from to post .
I must show my passion for your kindness giving support to men and women who really need assistance with your situation. Your real dedication to passing the message all around was exceptionally significant and have really helped professionals just like me to arrive at their goals. The warm and helpful information implies so much to me and a whole lot more to my office workers. With thanks; from everyone of us.
I cling on to listening to the newscast talk about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i find some?
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again!
fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
I am pleased that I discovered this blog, just the right information that I was searching for! .
Excellent blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any tips? Bless you!
Generally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite nice article.
hello!,I like your writing so much! share we be in contact more about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this space to unravel my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking forward to look you.
Magnificent website. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks on your sweat!
You have brought up a very good points, thankyou for the post.
I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
F*ckin’ amazing things here. I am very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
mvyybc
Almost all of what you say is supprisingly legitimate and it makes me wonder why I hadn’t looked at this in this light previously. Your article really did turn the light on for me personally as far as this specific topic goes. However there is 1 point I am not really too comfortable with so whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the core theme of your position, allow me see what the rest of your visitors have to say.Very well done.
I see something truly interesting about your weblog so I saved to fav.
F*ckin¦ remarkable things here. I¦m very happy to see your article. Thank you so much and i am taking a look ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
hi!,I really like your writing very much! percentage we keep up a correspondence more approximately your article on AOL? I need a specialist on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Having a look forward to see you.
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
Amazing blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any tips? Thank you!
Great V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
Great post! I’m looking forward to reading more of your work.
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there.
I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂
fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
I do agree with all the ideas you have offered in your post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. May you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and great design and style.
ruwon8