There is a lot of literature on what makes a Happy, fulfilling and peaceful life. I just heard about a book that was written about 1418. The author was Thomas a Kempis and his book was “The Imitation of Christ.”
He felt there were only four conditions that needed to be met to have a fulfilling life.
1 Strive to do others will rather than your own
2 Choose to have less rather than more. He is recommending the path of simplicity rather than pursuing accumulation and conspicuous consumption.
3 Seek the lower places in life. Don’t spend your time trying to be important and recognized.
4 Always strive in everything you do to do the will of God.
It sounds like he wants you to live a monastic life. What he is really saying is that people stress themselves out over seeking things that don’t really matter and they are never therefore happy.
Lets take a look at the first recommendation. Strive to do others’ will rather than your own. What he is saying here is the happiest people are those whose focus is helping other people, volunteering at places that serve others less fortunate.
Moving on to recommendation number 2, choosing to have less than more. How many people do you know are burdened by everything they own. They are afraid to be robbed or are constantly looking for more “treasures” to buy when they have more than most people could dream of.
I am approaching my third period of life by giving away what I really do not need. How about law number 3, seeking lower places in life.
How many people do you know feel slighted if they don’t get the place of honor at a table or are unintentionally unrecognized by the efforts they put into a program. He is saying do not stress yourself out over these things. Know that you did it because you wanted to.
The last recommendation is an encouragement to always do your best, as though you were giving what you were doing to God. OK, maybe you do not believe in God, but the encouragement is still to do your best.
These are four rules that can make your retirement happy. Think about them.
If you have struggled with these questions and issues then Patterson2Y2R should be a place you should visit. Share your stories and challenges.
I have an ear that would love to hear your stories. Let’s taste the real meaning of life. I am still working on my course with a goal of launching a starter course by June 30th, and I will keep you abreast as to how the process goes.
If you want to participate in this process and join my first class please send me an email to www.bobchuckpatterson@yahoo.com
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