[NOTE: I like to replace the word "God" with love. Not because I don't necessarily believe in God; but because it is more universal. I believe at the core that love is what makes the world go 'round. I always have. (And if you believe God is love ... well, then it will still work for you.)]

In any case, the quote from my sister (in bold text above) was just what I needed to hear—that failures are good for something. And not only that, but they are good for something sweet. Onward, busy bees!

[Coincidentally, I was stung by a bee while out riding my bike on Tuesday afternoon. An omen? Perhaps.]

Louis provides some perspective on how much we take technology for granted these days. And he perhaps offers us the gift of lightening up and being less stressed—something to remember the next time we’re feeling peeved about something we should maybe feel less entitled to and more appreciative of.

Everything’s Amazing. Nobody’s happy (A brief blurb about the segment written by Louis C.K. himself.)

The Inspiring Story of Brian Johnson « The Potential Within

… Brian knew that someday he would be great. It appeared to all the world that, as an accountant, he had life by the tail. It was during his first week of work, however, that Brian became nauseous and knew in his heart that accounting was not who he was. … Having no idea what he wanted to do with his life, but knowing that accounting wasn’t it, he enrolled in one of the U.S.’s leading law schools and thought that he would become a great lawyer with a six figure income. Brian’s never been short on drive. He had been studying only a semester when he realized that law was definitely not who he is either and subsequently dropped out of school … “if I just trust myself and follow my heart and work diligently, great things happen that I never could have predicted would happen.” Today Brian lives his passion without hesitation and follows his bliss …

It really spoke to me in a big way. Because I understand this drive … and this nausea—all too much.

As a cat lover, this really had me laughing out loud at work. (The Oatmeal is pure genius, by the way.)

Link to the original comic on The Oatmeal: How a volcano gets its name.

(I’m not a big fan of most cartoons, but I loved this one!)

These words speak strongly to me. And so I share them here with you.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

A few thoughts:

I believe that good things come to those who wait … and also when least expected.

I think that opportunities can be missed if minds are closed … and that gifts received can be far greater than anything that could have been expected.

I know that life works in mysterious and wonderful ways … and that it is not wrong to expect miracles.

“Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” ~ Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 – September 9, 1945)