Relationships

I got this in an email today:

“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.” ~the Dalai Lama

Maybe that's my problem. They say don't look for someone you can live with (to marry) but find someone you can't live without. The problem is that I'm independent enough that I can live without everyone. (Side note: I like having close friends and family; I acknowledge and appreciate what they do in my life).

So it’s not the need that should be emphasized but love. And it’s love that should come first. Maybe there is hope for me, if only I could figure the whole love thing out…

What do you guys (by guys I mean everyone who reads this) think about this quote and the theory about finding someone you can't live without?

Favorite Quotes

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
~ John Wesley

The fullness of life consists of light and shadows and the movement between the two.

One does not arrive at happiness. Sometimes, the moment you change your perspective, you are already there.

“Love is not blind - it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less.”
~ Rabbi Julius Gordon

“It's not doing the things we like to do, but liking the things we have to do that makes life blessed.”
~Goethe

Friendship enfolds the solitary soul into the world’s larger embrace.

“Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. When your faith is tested, your endurance has an opportunity to grow.”
~James 1:2-4

“A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.”
~Francois de La Rochefoucauld

“Man’s abiding happiness is not in getting anything but in giving himself up to what is greater than himself, to ideas which are larger than his individual life, the idea of this country, of humanity, of God.”
~Rabindranath Tagore

Spirit of the Season

In the spirit of the season I would like to express some thanks. There are a lot of people in my life but I want to highlight a few who have made a difference to me recently.

Thank you:

Ben, for your unique perspectives.
Bryce, for being an example in perseverance.
Carl, for your encouragement.
Daniel H., for being fearless with your service.
Danny H., for the vigor you have for life.
Daylan, for your openness to change.
Debbie, for your helpful nature.
Eric L., for your advice.
Erika, for your sincerity.
Heather, for your thoughtfulness.
James, for caring about people, all people.
Jodie, for being an example in compassion.
Karen, for your pleasantly placed humor.
Keith, for really caring about me and showing it.
Lydia, for your vibrant personality.
Matt, for being enthusiastic about so many things.
Phil, for your passion about what’s important.
Rossitza, for always having a positive attitude.
Ryan T., for being bold in your mission.
Shae, for your honesty and for being a true friend.
Susan, for your ability to perceive the needs of others.
Todd, for really listening and for the time you share.
Tony, for your bold inspiration.
Tyler, for being a great example in dedication.
Virguinia, for your discerning spirit.

Thank you for all those reasons and more. I appreciate the positive difference you made in my life (as well as others). And I hope that from your example I can make a difference to someone else.

Melancholy Me

I’m melancholy. Or so I’ve been told. I suppose I see that, but I kinda resent it at the same time. Depression is not something that is common for me anymore, and I would not describe myself as a gloomy person in general. Of course there are those moments, we all have them. (like right now for example…tho there is no specific reason why)

I agree with the part of the definition that says I am pensive and contemplative. I tend to internalize a lot of my emotions and thoughts. It’s just a personality thing I think. Maybe partially something I’ve trained myself to do as well. Part defense mechanism and partly a test.

By test I mean that most ppl these days are only casually interested in other ppl. To avoid fake friendships, that do me no good, I have the tendency to withhold information about myself. However, if I feel someone is genuinely interested in getting to know me, for who I am, then I’m totally open. I don’t really subscribe to that whole passing “how are you doing today” crap. If you don’t care, don’t ask. If you don’t have time to listen, then don’t bother.

Anyway, I’m aware that this attitude is not always a good thing, but that’s just how it is. And that, my friends, is my rant for the evening.