Happiness through Knowledge

“Everything you are seeking is within you already. You are the ONE.” — Kute Blackson

Did you know that 23% of Americans haven’t read a book in the past 12 months? Approximately 14% of U.S. adults and 60% of inmates cannot read. 

Early in my career, I was given a valuable piece of advice, “Read two books a month, and you will never lack for anything.” Being a practical guy, this made good sense. I acted upon it and made it a habit going forward.

Since most schools start in fall, the season is associated with education and new beginnings. Before the holidays arrive, carve out time to read every day. Make it part of your daily routine. We all should read more books. I subscribe to MentorBox. Two books a month are sent to me with summaries, workbooks and videos that help me learn faster. One of the books titled, “You are the One” by Kute Blackson, struck a chord within me.

Kute opens “You are the One” by describing a moving experience when traveling in India to the Bodhi tree where Buddha so famously sat under. Kute came across a group of singing beggars. He gravitated towards a singular beggar wearing a blue sash wailing beautifully. As Kute listened, he was brought to tears by the passion in the beggar’s voice. After several minutes Kute realized the man was not only blind but missing all his limbs. Kute was dumbfounded. He asked the beggar how he could be filled with so much gratitude? The beggar replied, “Young man, life might give you what you want. Life may never give you what you want. But you can give life that who you are.”

WOW! That touched me right in the heart. We are so quick to go through life expecting things to go our way. If we work hard, we expect to receive rewards, praise, money, and recognition…right? But when things go badly, it’s never our fault and we are quick to blame others.

The reality is that we are 100% accountable for our own happiness. It’s up to each of us to accept life as it is, not better, not worse, and be grateful and accepting for the experiences and learning. Know that you can live a happy life no matter what hand you’re dealt. One of my favorite quotes is, “Happy is the man who loves what he has.” You can be fulfilled when you can accept that you are enough. “Be the best version of you and never let the world bring you down, because you are AWESOME.” Kute Blackson.

Have the best day ever!

— Ralph

Source: Pew Research Center, Gallup, Inc, and TonerBuzz