The secret

The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you are willing to work..

-- Marcy Blochowiak

Essentials

The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

-- Allan K. Chalmers

Happiness

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.

-- William Feather ( 1889-1981)

Appreciation

Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.

-- Voltaire (1694-1778)

Every breath you take

'I am breathing in and making my whole body calm and at peace. I am breathing out and making my whole body calm and at peace.' This is how one practices.

-- The Sutra on Full Awareness of Breathing

Blessings

Words of wisdom from one of my favourite authors:

Reflect upon your blessings, of which every man has plenty, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

-- Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

Taking root

As a tree with strong uninjured roots, though cut down, grows up again, so, when deep craving is not rooted out, suffering arises again and again.

-- Buddha (Dhammapada)

While in pursuit

Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.

-- Jim Rohn

Must haves

Travel light in life. Take only what you need: a loving family, good friends, simple pleasures, someone to love, and someone to love you; something to eat, enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink for thirst is a dangerous thing.

-- Anonymous

On life

To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
-- Leo Buscaglia

A reminder

We hear this every day and yet need constant reminders. Here is one :)

One of the tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon, instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.
-- Dale Carnegie

And damn true this is too!

After fretting for months, having taken a major decision today, still worried about what the future will hold, these words seem totally appropriate:

There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.
-- P.J. O'Rourke

Taking flight

When you come to the edge of all the light you have, and must take a step into the darkness of the unknown believe that one of two things will happen. Either there will be something solid for you to stand on or you will be taught how to fly.

- Patrick Overton

Holding on

Your suffering is the pain of holding onto that which no longer serves you.

-- Kahlil Gibran