“My point is simply this: Whatever circumstances life brings you, you will be more likely to succeed and find happiness if you take responsibility for making your decisions well instead of complaining about things being beyond your control. Psychologists call this having an “internal locus of control,” and studies consistently show that people who have it outperform those who don’t. So don’t worry about whether you like your situation or not. Life doesn’t give a damn about what you like. It’s up to you to connect what you want with what you need to do to get it and then find the courage to carry it through.”
– Ray Dalio, Principles
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“Sunrise doesn’t last all morning
A cloudburst doesn’t last all day
Seems my love is up
And has left you with no warning
It’s not always gonna be this grey
All things must pass
All things must pass away”
– George Harrison, All Things Must Pass
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In a week where I have felt the creep of self-pity, it is satisfying to be reminded of simple truths.
I must take responsibility for my own actions.
I need to be adaptable.
This morning necessitated a pep talk: I had to face the reality of a day filled with hard work, despite my reluctance.
I met the challenge and survived (and I don’t think anyone was able to pick up on my initial reticence).
But now the day is nearing its end.
And I need to remember that all things must pass.
I no longer need the tough love of the morning.
The end of the day needs gentler words, that soothe and reassure.
A reminder that it is Ok to struggle.
I take the opportunity to step out out of the hurried stream of activities the day demands. I settle down with a great book, detach and lose my mind.
Tomorrow I might need a kick up the backside.
But tonight, tonight is mine to indulge, unwind and escape reality.
Conversations With Quotations 