Happy Quote Friday everyone…and what a week it’s been (again. I feel like I say that a lot lately. I do.).
Last night’s post was sort of cathartic for me, as simplistic as it was, but this quote sums it up for me, basically, and it just really resonates for me, in terms of outlook on life, and moving beyond obstacles and challenges…it just makes you stronger and more resilient, and that is an amazing feeling.
“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.”
If life just went along peachy, and you never face a challenge, or heartache, or suffering, or, conversely, if you never try to challenge yourself, step out of the comfort zone, and do something different, life becomes one-dimensional, in my opinion.
One note.
Flat.
But if you have this balance of happiness, mixed with trials and sadness, and a dash of strength and hope, that is when life really beams, and you become this amazing person that has perspective, happiness, realistic expectations (with a dash of fun/crazy), and gratefulness at what life has to offer, and what you’ve gone through to become happy.
That is what I strive for, and that is why, over the past couple of years, I have learned to embrace the pain and sadness of divorce, to be where I am today. It’s helped shape me into who I am today, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. While the current trial I am going through with Nala is something I would – in all honesty – change, I know that the new-found strength I have now is going to carry me through (along with support from family and friends of course, and faith in God), and that is giving me the hope I need to keep pushing forward.
So I ask you – do you have anything in your life that has been painful, but that you’ve learned from so much that it’s made you more resilient/strong/happy?
I hope everyone has a good weekend. I am looking forward to enjoying some summer weather here in New England before I have to travel (again) out to San Jose on Sunday (through Tuesday). I’m going to enjoy every minutes, give my kitites lots of hugs and kisses and hope for the best.
At the end of the day, that’s all you can hope for, right?
June 18, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I completely agree! I think that if you haven’t experienced pain and sorrow than it is much easier to take happiness for granted. The sadness in life helps bring out the joy.
June 18, 2010 at 1:17 pm
EXACTLY! In a weird way, sadness does help bring out the joy in life.
June 18, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Great quote. Yes, I have definitely had some very rocky times. I’ve lost a dear friend (murdered), I have sat through her trial, I was in a very mentally abusive relationship in my late teens (probably TMI). I think it’s important to always learn from those trying times and learn to appreciate the good times that much more.
June 18, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Wow, Heather, I had no idea (no TMI..if it were TMI, I guess I’m guilty as charged!)…those are both VERY difficult things to go through, I’m sorry! But you are right, you DO learn from those times more than anything else.
June 18, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Ooh, Ohh, me! Me! My divorce from you-know-who was the best thing that ever happened to me…made me realize that I need to be happy and fulfilled and not just go along for the ride…made me appreciate what I value in a spouse, that I won’t settle for less than I deserve/want and I don’t have to lose the “me” in a relationship…divorce is not easy but I am so thankful it happened. Love the quote. And, I agree with Tiffany.
June 18, 2010 at 8:07 pm
YES, Ames, you are right, it WAS. You are an amazingly different woman now than you were before…you were a great person then, but now, you are YOU, but amplified. That is what it’s all about…xo.
June 18, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Excellent quote! Copied it onto a post-it note and put it on my mirror – thank you so much!
My sister’s death, my violent marriage and horrific divorce, my daughter’s illness… I am who I am today because of these – and other – occurrences in my life. Yet I am so blessed and extremely grateful – albeit experiences I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, I have learned so much from them and am a better person because of them.
Thanks – again – for the post! Stay strong, keep the faith, and – most importantly – be true to your heart!
June 19, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Thank you so much for sharing…those are indeed some very tough times but you have learned a lot from them, I can see it in your writing. Staying strong is tough, but it’s doable. Thanks for your support and kind words!
June 19, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Wonderful quote:)
June 20, 2010 at 9:31 am
glad you liked it!
September 28, 2010 at 9:36 pm
can i copy the qoute n share it with others in my fb??