A few years ago, I came across a word that subtly, but noticeably, changed my perspective on life. That was the Korean word sohwakhaeng, and you can read about it here. Just recently I came across another word that has me contemplating life in similar ways. It’s the Japanese word yūgen. Yu – Subtle, graceful, elegantGen – Dark, profound, mysterious The English translation depends on the context, but these are the ones I’ve seen: * An awareness of the world that cues an emotional response too...

There is a version of optimism that is yours. There is a bright side that shines specifically for you. It may not make sense to others. It may not ease their hearts. That’s ok. For you, it softens and widens your shoulders, lightens your chest, and raises your head. It allows you to look Life in the eyes as its equal. If optimism seems to escape you, perhaps it is because you are looking for someone else’s version. Be quiet. Be still. And allow Life to speak to you in your own language.

I came across a simple sentence somewhere on the internet recently. “You can’t pin joy like a moth.”True, isn’t it? You see it in the moment, or you miss it. Memories, like photographs, are a nice reminder of what was, but it’s not the same.While I’ll always wish for more joy, I’m glad it works this way. I’m glad it doesn’t last. It makes it all the sweeter when it’s present. But it also means that the times without joy won’t last. Pain cannot be pinned like a moth either.Always, it all...