"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart."
—Helen Keller
"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
—Kahlil Gibran
"Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses." —Alphonse Karr
There is strength and power in our ability to control and change our thoughts — especially when they refuse to be changed. This happens in both heartbreaking and victorious moments alike. Yet both extremes can cloud our judgment: one leads to underconfidence, the other to overconfidence. And we need not explain those further — they are self-explanatory.
In moments of stress and heartbreak, we cultivate this strength by reflecting, in quiet solitude, on all the positive things in our lives. It helps to try every method available, to truly explore all that is going well, all that is beautiful, all that is worth appreciating right now.
Go out and look at the world — and think:
“How many are in jail? How many are disabled? How many were killed by a stray bullet and didn’t make it home for dinner — with a chocolate gift in their pocket for their children?”
Think:
“How lucky I am to be alive at this moment — and what a waste of precious time it is to dwell on the little negative that just visited me.”
“Some of you say, ‘Joy is greater than sorrow,’ and others say, ‘Nay, sorrow is the greater.’
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
They come together, and when one sits with you at your table, remember that the other is resting upon your bed.”
— Kahlil Gibran (adapted from “The Prophet”)
In both difficult and victorious times — be like a wise king: modest, grounded, and composed. For they know that life moves in cycles, like day and night, and flows in seasons, like summer and winter. It is a Law. It is a Science.
The brave-hearted embrace it — with open hands, steady hearts, and eyes that see beyond the present season.
Cancelo Alvarez
Woow, this is phenomenal! You really touched a spot Sam!
ReplyDelete**Thank you for this post, Sam.**
It found me at a time when my heart is both heavy and hopeful. I recently lost the father of my son to suicide, and it’s been one of the most painful chapters of my life. Yet in the midst of this sorrow, I’m holding on — creating, writing proposals, and building dreams from a space of grief, resilience, and faith in better days.
Your words reminded me that sorrow and joy truly walk hand in hand, and that even in darkness, there’s still meaning, beauty, and purpose to be found. I’m learning to see the roses, even with their thorns.
What I truly admire about your writing, Sam, is how you bring stillness to the noise. Your thoughts are layered with depth, calm, and quiet strength — they don’t shout, yet they speak volumes. You have a way of gently inviting the reader to sit with truth, no matter how hard or beautiful it may be. That’s rare. And powerful.
Thank you for helping me pause, reflect, and breathe. KEEP WRITING!
—Belinda
This is indeed one of your timeless article, short and powerful. It's so shocking that whatever situation we face in life, It's entirely up to us what we perceive of the situation.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree when Belinda says, your writing gently invite one to sit with truth even if it hurt but still remain calm. It's beautiful. It's amazing... Everyone needs to read this.