The below extract makes sense. And that only we can decide if we want to be happy or not, and how do we want to lead our lives. Money is only a commodity, it should not contain emotional attachments to it.
"Those who were happy reported thinking such as "Yeah, this sucks, but I still have dreams. There are still things I can do. And I'm going to focus on those things." Those who were miserable made statements such as "This is so unfair. My whole life is ruined. I will never be happy." In obtaining the life histories of the patients, I saw that those who were happy had full and active lives, they had friends and jobs and were involved in activities. Whereas those who were miserable, often did nothing but stay in bed with little social contact and had more problems with bed sores and other ailments due to the inactivity.
I noticed that those who were happy made a clear choice to be happy. They could often describe the precise moment or the words that they said to themselves.
Since then, even though we have had much more significant stressors in our lives, I'm no longer waiting to be happy because I recognize that happiness is a choice that we make every day. Happiness is not due to the things that happen or don't happen to us. Happiness isn't due to how much money we have or the house we live in or how successful we or our children are. Happiness is present every day we choose for it to be present.
Therefore, happiness is a choice to feel the emotions that result from an event, to fully grieve, but also, to recognize our ability to accept what life offers us rather than remain focused on what is taken from us. Happiness is an attitude."
http://www.excelatlife.com/happiness.htm
Monday, January 24, 2011
Buddha Quotes
By Kwee Lain
1. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
2. Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
3. It is better to travel well than to arrive.
4. Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.
5. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
6. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.
7. To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
8. There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
9. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.
10. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
1. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
2. Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
3. It is better to travel well than to arrive.
4. Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.
5. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
6. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.
7. To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
8. There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
9. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.
10. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
19 Days into 2011
School has started. Every lecture leaves question marks in my head. I hope it gets better.
So far, I am happy with the way the year is starting out work wise.
Last Sun 16th, I went for a concert introduced by Sam as her friend plays the cello in the event. It was inspiring and I was impressed with a brilliant pianist who played the 2nd symphony (Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini). He is Meng Chieh Liu and displayed exellent showmanship and utter mastery. He managed to evoke a variety of emotions in me throughout his performance.
Jackie visited last weekend too. The usual dim sum, egg tarts and Stanley market rounds. She and M managed to buy many knick knacks at Ladies Market, surely that is something that I am unable to do. I didn't think there would be anything at that tourist trap! I'm glad they had fun buying and wearing boots! I was a little sad to see her leave, as it had been so nice to have someone truly cares for me in HK, and when she left, I felt the warmth dissipate.
Chinese New Year will be upon us in less than 2 weeks time! It would be nice to go home to a sunny island. A definite welcome change from the frigid weather here!
So far, I am happy with the way the year is starting out work wise.
Last Sun 16th, I went for a concert introduced by Sam as her friend plays the cello in the event. It was inspiring and I was impressed with a brilliant pianist who played the 2nd symphony (Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini). He is Meng Chieh Liu and displayed exellent showmanship and utter mastery. He managed to evoke a variety of emotions in me throughout his performance.
Jackie visited last weekend too. The usual dim sum, egg tarts and Stanley market rounds. She and M managed to buy many knick knacks at Ladies Market, surely that is something that I am unable to do. I didn't think there would be anything at that tourist trap! I'm glad they had fun buying and wearing boots! I was a little sad to see her leave, as it had been so nice to have someone truly cares for me in HK, and when she left, I felt the warmth dissipate.
Chinese New Year will be upon us in less than 2 weeks time! It would be nice to go home to a sunny island. A definite welcome change from the frigid weather here!