Hamilton Wright Mabie Quote…Something To Ponder
“The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence, and educational advantages, but what he will do with the things he has.” Hamilton Wright Mabie
This quote made me stop and truly think.
Being happy with what we have in front of us is something that often times has to be learned… and often in a painful way. The grass is almost never greener on the other side. It is quite lush and wonderful right where you stand… you just fail to see it as such.
For the longest time I have felt “unaccomplished”, like I have wasted invaluable time, that I cannot hold my head high because I don’t have a college degree, nor a career. But I see things so differently now. Sure, if I had the time, the means, the memory…lol… I could go to school and spend years getting a degree. HOWEVER, such a thing does not define me. I have been held captive by the thought that I am less worthy because I have “less”.
Now, I see things in a new shade. I am fortunate that I have less… I enjoy the simpler things in my life… I have found that I define who I am. I define my happiness. I validate myself. It doesn’t mean I will not set goals and challenge myself…of course I will… in healthy ways that add to my self validation. I will not berate myself like I once did over what I perceived as failures…and successes. My perception is changing, growing, and is kinder.
What do I have before me: 4 amazing children, a new-found love for who I am and who I am becoming daily, a world with endless possibilities unfolding before my eyes, the daylight to guide me and warm my spirit, the moonlight to guide me and soothe my soul, people who love me dearly and wish for nothing more than me to be happy, the breeze at my back, spark in my eyes, and endless opportunities to continue in self growth.
Life has become beautiful… it always has been…pain just blocked it from my view…
Now I can clearly see. ♥
This is my life through poetry, quotes, and my journal. The intense ride of my ups and downs of life ...and the relentless mood disorders I suffer from.
it takes bravery and strength to appreciate what you have, and not always wish for an “other” that may well be unachievable.
August 6, 2012 at 2:26 AM
Very true. I have spent so much time looking over that fence wanting other things when what I have isn’t bad. I am glad that it is a lesson that I have learned and accepted. ♥
August 6, 2012 at 10:57 AM
That was…. perfect. I’ve never been more impressed by you than I am right now. You are success! And no one would be able to tell you didn’t go to college OR that you once were unhappy from this post. It’s so eloquent and positive…
August 6, 2012 at 3:33 AM
Awwwww, Edward… Thank you. You brought tears to my eyes. I truly am a walking success story when you look at the big picture… I was able to save me from myself and choose life. ♥
August 6, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Tears of joy, I hope. I couldn’t be happier for you!
August 6, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Indeed tears of joy. ♥
August 6, 2012 at 11:47 AM
Reblogged this on The Book Of Guff and commented:
More is never enough.
Enough is not only enough, but more.
August 6, 2012 at 5:17 AM
Thank you Ben, I am honored.
You are right… when you “want”, you only keep wanting more. Enough is more. I love the way you word it. ♥
August 6, 2012 at 11:01 AM
That’s an eye-opening quote for sure. Playing the cards you’re dealt is better than just wishing you had different cards.
August 6, 2012 at 6:03 AM
Exactly… and better than folding. Sadly, I have wanted to fold many times over. Now I am in a place where I will keep what I have… the good, bad, and the ugly.
August 6, 2012 at 11:02 AM
You are truly wise.
August 6, 2012 at 6:59 AM
Thank you Linda. I have been blessed to heal from such tragedies in life… and to have learned from them instead of being jaded. I love sharing these little epiphanies that come to me… it’s like another piece of the puzzle is put into place for me. ♥
August 6, 2012 at 11:04 AM
This is beyond a perfect post…wise, profound, honest and “enough.” I can relate to you in many ways and will commend you with a beautiful, inspirational post to start my week. You have more than enough and are very fortunate. Thank you for sharing your positivity! Hugs! xoxo
August 6, 2012 at 8:07 AM
Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I am so happy to share my positivity! Where it seemed to never dwell, it has now become a fire.
I am glad that you enjoyed this post… it makes me happy to have touched so many. ♥
August 6, 2012 at 11:06 AM
You found the person who you should be proud of the one in the mirror. Having a degree doesn’t validate you. You get credits for living. You learned about your illness and the drugs you take. If you want to know something research and study. You don’t need a piece of paper to say you are a learned person. Trust me there are people with a bunch of letters behind their names that are total idiots.
As you say the grass is just as plush and green right where you stand. When it rains (cry) it only grows greener and plusher. I don’t have any letters behind my name, but I went to the school of self education.
August 6, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Exactly! We indeed get credits for living this life don’t we?? It’s funny you mention doing the research and what not… I have a good friend who has asked me if I will take her children to their doctor appointments when she must work. Of course I would do it for her, even with no incentive. But what flattered me and made me proud was that she said she knew that I would look into their disabilities and research so that I would have the knowledge needed to be able to help her and ask the docs the right questions, etc.
We indeed do not need degrees to be educated persons. ♥
August 6, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Exactly!!! So don’t ever feel less of a person because you don’t have a degree.
August 6, 2012 at 11:24 AM
It’s important to remember to appreciate what one does have, and not only strife for achieving what one WANTS. Good quote, Muse.
August 6, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Exactly tpg…thank you… I am glad you liked this post. ♥ it’s good to see you as always.
August 6, 2012 at 11:13 AM
“Life has become beautiful… it always has been…pain just blocked it from my view…”
Muse, this is one of the most beautiful quotes I’ve ever read. You are beautiful as well as wise – and I am so very proud of you! Much love to you my friend! ~ Julie xoxox
August 6, 2012 at 11:30 AM
I love this!
August 7, 2012 at 2:05 PM
I am glad you liked it so much! ♥
August 7, 2012 at 4:18 PM
So insightful and full of truth and your preciously earned wisdom….such a blessing to receive from you, love….hope your day is beautiful and bright….
Celeste
August 13, 2012 at 8:04 AM
Thank you my dear friend. xo
August 13, 2012 at 8:44 AM