I had a financial jolt yesterday … unexpected by my casual mind, but predictable if I’d been more focused.  I made a mistake, and it’s costing me.

I will find my way through this.  The challenge is actually good for me.

My mind has an opinion …

You wouldn’t be suffering if you’d been smarter

The Buddha also had an opinion …

He called suffering the First Noble Truth.  We all have it … often.  It might be finances, health, relationship, self-esteem.  It’s part of the deal called being alive.  We can be smart, kind, rich, famous, pretty or handsome.  None of that will prevent bad stuff happening.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a spiritual master, also wanted to join the conversation, as recalled by Pamela Gayle White:

Thich Nhat Hanh reflected that only when a toothache has come and gone can we fully appreciate the immense well-being associated with not having a toothache.

Well said.  A few weeks ago I had days of pain after an extraction.  And now … no pain in the mouth.  Actually, no pain anywhere!

So on I go, welcoming each sunrise and bidding adieu at each sunset