I’m the one that has to die when it’s time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to.
Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.
Elizabeth Gilbert
It took awhile to get here but I think I’ve finally found the peace I needed.
Our notions about happiness entrap us. We forget that they are just ideas. Our idea of happiness can prevent us from actually being happy. We fail to see the opportunity for joy that is right in front of us when we are caught in a belief that happiness should take a particular form.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
I think it’s only human to expect this. Notion is just another word for hope - we hope for all things meaningful in our lives, particularly love. Is it really ‘entrap’ment if we search for our soul-mate or should we just ‘see the opportunity for joy’ with whomever that’s available to us currently?
The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.
— Benjamin Franklin
Interesting quote from Franklin, maybe he left out ‘lover’ on purpose. Because maybe, just maybe, to a lover, we give all of the above.
It’s just that…I just think that some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It’s the universe’s way of providing contrast, you know? There have to be a few holes in the road. It’s how life is.
Sarah Dessen (The Truth About Forever)
We’ve all been there, but if you’re there now - just think of the things you’re blessed for. Remind yourself why what you’re doing is all worth it. I tell myself everyday that success is not convenient.
At some point, you have to make a decision. Boundaries don’t keep other people out. They fence you in. Life is messy. That’s how we’re made. So, you can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.
~Grey’s Anatomy
So do we risk it all in hope to gain something significant? Something worthwhile perhaps? Do we wait for the right moment or are there even ‘right’ moments? All I know is, — it’s always easier said than done.
Sometimes it’s the moment of enlightenment or disappointment. Whatever the case maybe, it is imperative to think positive and move forward. I find this scene from (500) Days of Summer to be very realistic and wonderful; a moment of closure we sometimes wish existed every time there’s a separation.
You’re going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it’s always their actions you should judge them by. It’s actions, not words, that matter.
Nicholas Sparks
What if you come across a person who will do all the right things?
Everyone has a vision in their mind of a perfect place where people are kind and noble, where their dreams can be realized and their wishes fulfilled, where life is full of adventure and romance.
Truth is, it does happen; you just gotta find someone and let yourself fall under their spell. Give love a chance and with time, this illusion will comfort all desires. I leave you with a quote from Moulin Rouge! when Satine sang to herself:
“When will I begin to live again? One day I’ll fly away… leave all this to yesterday. Why live life from dream to dream, and dread the day when dreaming ends.”
