In some respect, if I can even say this at all, I feel I have always been acutely aware and naturally sensitive to the existence of suffering in this world.
As I have grown older however, my understanding of that suffering seems to have become more of a hopeful grasp toward ideas rather than a by-product of clarity.
One thing is unquestionably certain: my life thus far been amazingly fortunate. I say those words with a full and constant awareness of the pain I’ve personally endured during my short time here on earth. Don’t misunderstand my intentions, such a personal evaluation is not delivered to trivialize any of the significant events that have nearly broken my heart to an unrepairable extent - but rather to honestly hold up those events against the light of reality.
Given the unjust misery endured by so many people in this world - I am deeply grateful at the fortunate hand that I have been ‘dealt’. But alone with that fortune what have I truly gained? What is a life that has simply avoided misery? Have I achieved the fleeting feelings of security? Of happiness?
Pain in life is unavoidable and a preoccupation to avoid pain is the path of fools. Happiness is much more than a feeling of the heart - it is a discipline of the mind.
Put your misfortunes in proper perspective and choose to be happy today. You owe it to those who share your life and to those whom you indirectly represent. Nothing makes spouses, religions, lifestyles, etc., looks more unappealing and less fulfilling than a unhappy representative.