Real life is being things on the inside, not getting things on the outside. Ralph Parlette 1870 – 1930 This little incident took place a few years back, at a gathering for some of our extended family. We’d finished lunch and the children had settled into play mode. The weather … [ Continue Reading ]
For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment. Viktor Frankl 1905 – 1997 How do … [ Continue Reading ]
By Diana Bletter Don’t you love knock-knock jokes? Here’s one: “Knock, knock!†“Who’s there?†“Banana.†“Banana who?†“Knock, knock!†“Who’s there?†“Banana.†“Banana who?†“Knock, knock!†“Who’s there?†“Orange.†“Orange who?†“Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?†Kids love that joke. It can also teach us something about ourselves, … [ Continue Reading ]
The man with insight enough to admit his limitations comes nearest to perfection. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749 – 1832 Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing some suggestions for living a happier life. One of the keys to living a happy life is to be sure you’re measuring … [ Continue Reading ]
Every man dies. Not every man really lives. William Wallace 1270 – 1305 Consider this question: would you enjoy a pampered life? Your initial reaction might be, “Of course! I’d love a life where everything was taken care of for me.” I’ll ask you to reconsider your answer in a … [ Continue Reading ]
Anything that you have to control, controls you. Guy Finley 1949 – There are many variations to this story, but it’s quite instructive. In South America, Africa and Asia, the natives have devised a very effective method of trapping monkeys. The plan is deceptively simple: the natives take a gourd … [ Continue Reading ]
It is much better to die of hunger unhindered by grief and fear than to live affluently beset with worry, dread, suspicion and unchecked desire. Epictetus 55 – 135 A.D. In response to last week’s lesson (Getting or Giving) I received an email from a reader in Australia. The letter … [ Continue Reading ]