Authenticity
See Artist Silva W’s work here.
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” - Viktor Frankl
As we approach the second weekend of 2025 and have more time to reflect, several quotes I read this week have inspired me.
After reading author Shakti Gawain's quote on living authentically, I was curious to find out who she is and to write today's short essay on being happy or contented.
Here is her quote, "Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want."
Shakti Gawain was a renowned author, teacher, and facilitator of personal development, spiritual growth, and consciousness. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on creative visualization and self-awareness. Her influential books, Creative Visualisation and Living in the Light, inspire readers worldwide.
I like quotes because they help me connect to the wisdom of others, improve my thinking, and spark my curiosity. For years, I have been collecting and keeping a database of quotes, each filed under a particular heading. Sometimes, the same quote ends up under several headings.
So, when I seek out other authors and their views, I reach into my filing system of quotes to find ways to add depth, legitimacy, and richness to my essays. Trust me, I am not that smart.
For example, a leader I looked up to recently passed away, and his quote concurred with my feelings about what it takes to be happy in life. President Jimmy Carter stated this beautifully: “I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others.”
Reflecting on happiness, Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
Thinking is an essential factor in living well. But the more significant part is dealing with reality as it calls us all to do; Søren Kierkegaard shared his wisdom by writing, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”
Yet, “The most introspective of souls are often those that have been hurt the most.” - Shannon L. Alder. Ultimately, this quote highlights how suffering can deepen a person’s inner life, making them more thoughtful, reflective, and self-aware. It implies adversity, while painful, often shapes us in profound and meaningful ways.
But reality says, here we are; our origins, past, and future are irrelevant. What truly matters is that we are here now, so let’s connect with one another. Contentment comes when “The better you know yourself, the better your relationship with the rest of the world.” - Toni Collette.
This Weeks Inspiration
Old ladies are against underwater garbage. I love this.
Monty Don’s first Chelsea garden will be dog-friendly. Click Here to Read.
Piano Music Today by Guillaume Poncelet.
