True understanding is to see the events of life in this way: ‘You are here for my benefit, though rumor paints you otherwise.’ And everything is turned to one’s advantage when he greets a situation like this: You are the very thing I was looking for. Truly whatever arises in life is the right material to bring about your growth and the growth of those around you. This, in a word, is art– and this art called ‘life’ is a practice suitable to both men and gods. Everything contains some special purpose and a hidden blessing; what then could be strange or arduous when all of life is here to greet you like an old and faithful friend.
Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher
This is a really cool and healthy way of looking at life. As much as possible, I’d like to cultivate this attitude in myself.
Bradley Farless 