Wise Words
As we continue our journey through this winding road of life, it often feels like I’m coming up with more questions than answers. When you’re younger (20s – 40s), for the most part, you’re doing and planning. Living life on some trajectory you think you are controlling. Achieving things or frustrated by not reaching a goal. Perhaps starting and taking care of a family of your own. Maybe even just trying to figure yourself out. Most of us at this point in our life don’t ask THE question or spend much time pondering something. Why am I here? What’s the purpose of life?
I find when the realization of the fact that we are not here for very long sinks deeper into our psyche, we start to challenge ourselves in a different way. Much of what we spent the previous 30-40 years on, may not seem quite as important. Yes, it got us to where we are today, but then is this where we want to be. So many questions……so little time.
For me I feel it’s more about the inner soulful side of my existence than what I may or may not physically be doing out in the world. It’s examining many of the things I put quite a bit of attention and time into, that I now see weren’t so terribly important. I’m a believer that everything has a purpose in our lives. From monumental moments to the seemingly mundane.
As I’ve entered my 60’s, I’ve clearly entered at least the later act of my life. It’s quite a bit different than the earlier acts. Perhaps the biggest difference however, is my approach. I know a little more about who I am. I’m still learning the art of “Let it Be”. I can’t change what other people feel or think other than by being my genuine self. Believe me, that can be one convoluted mess to sift through. I say that tongue in cheek, but it still holds quite a bit of truth.
In trying to find my way, I often find other peoples stories quite interesting and also great sources to learn from, for my own life. We are all different, and no two persons paths are exact. This doesn’t mean others don’t impart significant nuggets of knowledge upon us. Sometimes we miss these gems of enlightenment when we first receive them, only to have them re-emerge later in our lives in a much clearer and resourceful manner. Sort of like time released wisdom.
So I’ve decided to pass along a few here that may or may not have meaning to your life, but I think cover a nice spectrum. If you search, there are thousands out there, but I’m just trying to use a range in the sources. All different walks of life, from all different times, still imposing some wisdom about life in a rather simple and succinct manner. Feel free to share some of your inspirational quotes as well in response. Hope this gets you going in the right direction.
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.(Buddha)
If opportunity doesn’t knock, then build a door. (Milton Berle)
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.(Aristotle Onassis)
Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you planted.(Robert Lewis Stevenson)
It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and not too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver. (Betty White)
Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it… (Michael J. Fox)
“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.”(Aeschylus)
Misery might love company, but so does joy, and joy throws much better parties. (Billy Ivey)
It’s not about being happy all the time, or being sure of all your choices. It’s about knowing that life is precious. Even when it’s tough. (Topher Kearby)
Until next time…….Sunshine Always!!