Contentment

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” (Socrates) For most of my life, I’ve had an insatiable craving for more and more and more of everything. I craved for more chocolate, more ice-cream, more shoes, more clothing - you name it and I wanted it. That was when I was a young girl and my needs and wants were at that level. These things made me feel good and, naturally, I wanted more of them. I equated the taste and feeling of having certain things with happiness. That was my meagre understanding of the word. Of course, this was a false belief. But, it took a lot more time, maturity, and experience to realize that nothing outside of myself would bring me happiness - at least not for long. “Happiness is never found in materialistic things; it exists in things that cannot be physically possessed. Therefore, happiness is priceless. It can never be purchased.” (Ellen J. Barrier) ...

Magnolia tree Attracting me, Gladly blooming. Nothing to prove Only to bloom profusely, Lovely you are with your pink hues. Imbuing all with joy at Spring’s arrival Annulling all the hardship of the winter past. How lovely it was in High Park today. Sheer beauty! The magnolia’s time for blooming has come and irregardless of who’s watching or what anyone’s saying, she’s mesmerizing to everyone. Photographers are there trying to capture her beauty from all angles and positions. Some are taking microcosmic views and others macrocosmic ones. She knows how to be both beautiful and still. ...