I came across something I wrote a year ago in December. I read it again and thought I think I got it about right. Right for me anyway.
In 2016 my happiness is dependant on one thing, not what I have or don't have, not what I've lost, but how I think about things.
I could drown in so many ways if I allowed it to happen. I so nearly did this year. But I chose to move on, move forward, and not be too hard on myself.
Well said, Colleen. Have you discovered the writings of the Stoics? They reflect a realization similar to yours of our ultimate power of self-mastery and self-sufficiency.
The Stoic philosophers sound a muscular call to arms, awakening us from our fitful, desultory dreams, inorder that we may reclaim our kingdom of happiness and contentment.
"The Meditations" of Marcus Aurelius is probably the best known expression of the Stoics teachings. Epictetus is another world-renowned exponent.
For example, here is a characteristic quote from Marcus: "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature." Not too unlike what you were pointing at, I think.
If you are intrigued by the foregoing, a fine sampling of his reflections can be found at : brainyquote.com/quotes/auth...
I have no intention to steal your thunder by sharing the words of a Roman Emperor who lived two millennia ago. The companionship of like minds reassures us that there may be more value in our opinions or viewpoints. Here are two more thoughts of Marcus (again courtesy of Brainy Quotes) that resonate well with what you said:
— "Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."
— "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
For those with a dogged need to tie up loose ends, or assemble all pieces of the puzzle, it's worth pointing out that the the large-font quote cited by Colleen is a brief extract from a "parable" circulating on the internet and shared by christymw at
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