Remember always that you are just a visitor here, a traveler passing through. your stay is but short and the moment of your departure unknown. None can live without toil and a craft that provides your needs is a blessing indeed. But if you toil without rest, fatigue and wearness will overtake you, and you will denied the joy that comes from labour's end. Speak quietly and kindly and be not forward with either opinions or advice. If you talk much, this will make you deaf to what others say, and you should know that there are few so wise that they cannot learn from others. Be near when help is needed, but far when praise and thanks are being offered. Take small account of might, wealth and fame, for they soon pass and are forgotten. Instead, nurture love within you and and strive to be a friend to all. Truly, compassion is a balm for many wounds. Treasure silence when you find it, and while being mindful of your duties, set time aside, to be alone with yourself. Cast off pretense and self-deception and see yourself as you really are. Despite all appearances, no one is really evil. They are led astray by ignorance. If you ponder this truth always you will offer more light, rather then blame and condemnation. You, no less than all beings have Buddha Nature within. Your essential Mind is pure. Therefore, when defilements cause you to stumble and fall, let not remose nor dark foreboding cast you down. Be of good cheer and with this understanding, summon strength and walk on. Faith is like a lamp and wisdom makes the flame burn bright. Carry this lamp always and in good time the darkness will yield and you will abide in the Light. Dhammavadaka
Dhammavadaka - I had to look it up! Pretty cool stuff.
I've always loved this, but had forgotten it. Thanks for the reminder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful.Strive to be happy. ~ Max Ehrmann
__________________
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Hi Guys...How did you know what I just needed to hear?! As always, thank you for your words of wisdom! I should be in bed (oh, maybe not since Im unemployed now, haha) I couldnt sleep tho because my mind was racing with anger! Yes I believe I am right where I need to be. Happy, joyous and free. But, being the imperfect soul I am, I cant help feeling so hurt and angry. At first it started at anger toward "Kim" at work. How dare she not like me! (Its not even that but she HATED me) I felt totally sabotaged by her... And I know Im not crazy making this up..It happened in so many ways...But you know what, I prayed on it, felt better and then I was filled with the worst case of sadness! I am so lucky to be out of that job! But I will miss my patients soooo bad. I didnt even get to say goodbye to them! There are so many, actually all of them that I loved and cared for soo much! I know they loved me too and that was the very best part of me and of my job! I felt I made such a difference in their lives and them on mine...There's Muriel, who I would sing a special song to every time she came in the room, MR P and his awesome wife who always smiled and called me MRS P , and brought pictures of his new grand baby triplets for me to see..Andrea who we almost lost and who I have such a special bond with, Paulette who has three young kids and is dying but fighting the bravest fight of anyone I have ever known!! Just a few to let you know I am going to miss them soooo much! I almost want to write them all a card and just let them know how much I think of them all. You know what, Im actually going to do that!! Dan, what you said about "summon strength and carry on" is just what I needed to hear. The whole thing lifts me up a little higher! Nurturing, caring and a friend to all is how I try to live my life. I just need to remember to do that always and continue to do so even if others will judge me for it. Sorry to ramble on but my first thought was, I need to go to my fav website and share my feelings with people I love, like you guys!! Dang out of room!! Thanks, love Lani
__________________
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
