I’m a 20-something, used-to-be cynic of life, love and the goodness of the world. I’ve realized that grief takes time — and time is a river without banks (ee cummings). I believe in self-help and hope, and that the three most powerful weapons in the world are comprehension, forgiveness and love (M.A. Cornejo).
One of my favorite quotes:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body – but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘Woo Hoo, what a ride!!’” (anon)
I’m not one to go for biblical passages…but I’ve found a few good ones in my day, this being one of them:
Ecclesiastes 7:14
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
LASTLY, the following is something I learned in high school (go figure) and try to take it wherever I go; it’s from a book called The Four Agreements:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
~K
