Many things have transpired since my FBC diagnosis last fall. One of which is a newfound love of peaches. Another is a love of poetry. Both are equally shocking to me. Prior to FBC, I didn’t like either (peaches even less than poetry). Now, I love BOTH. What wonderful Silver Linings!
Another change that has come from FBC is a more focused understanding of my life philosophy. I have always thought of myself as generally a happy person (nauseatingly so, I’ve been told). However, all of those hours laying in my bed drooling really made me think about and clarify my personal philosophy of happiness.
Well, leave it to a poem to perfectly describe my thoughts and feelings (Silver Lining).
Happiness
To be without desire is to be content.
But contentment is not happiness.
And in contentment there is no progress.
Happiness is to desire something, to work for it, and to obtain at least a part of it.
In the pursuit of beloved labor the busy days pass cheerfully employed, and still nights in peaceful sleep.
For labor born of desire is not drudgery, but manly play.
Success brings hope, hope inspires fresh desire, and desire gives zest to life and joy to labor.
This is true whether your days be spent in the palaces of the powerful or in some little green by-way of the world.
Therefore, while yet you have the strength, cherish a desire to do some useful work in your little corner of the world, and have the steadfastness to labor.
For this is the way to the happy life; with health and endearing ties, it is the way to the glorious life.
– Max Ehrmann
I believe that your two messages are linked. Yesterday you explored why you chose to work with dying children, and today you explore the full meaning of happiness as it relates to a peson's life work. I have said this before, but you are truly a remarkable inspirational woman.
This poem is spot on! It is when the body, mind and spirit are healthy and in alignment, we develop the passion to go out into the world and work for the greater good. For me, this is happiness.