In the Wee Hours

I dreamed about flowers all night long. I was planting flower boxes for our back porch (which in reality contains an old bucket, 4 tires, and an old barbecue) and I could smell them all around me. The sun was shining and the air was warm. I woke up with such an incredible feeling of renewal. I know that it’s only February, but Spring is on its way, and I am feeling it for the first time. It’s an absolutely wonderful feeling, especially after all the stress yesterday. I have realized a few essential truths:

1. Everyone needs to have a purpose. It can be anything, even something seemingly insignificant.
2. Put your best into your work, whether it’s school or a job.
3. Do NOT put your entire life into your work. We are too often defined by what we do. We should be defined by who we are.
4. Indulge in your hobbies. That’s how you can express who you are. (Not by writing a paper on Neo-Confucianism…which is what I have to do today.)
5. Above all: Strive for balance in your life, in everything you do.

I feel like I have a whole new outlook on life, and simply from dreaming about Spring flowers. It’s sounds strange, yes, but I’m hoping to hang on to this new attitude for as long as possible!