Choosing a Life Well-Lived

While one might consciously know that many people have hidden problems in their lives, it is easy to minimize them when comparing ourselves to others. So, consider some wisdom from Laozi: "When the palace is magnificent, the fields are filled with weeds, and the granaries are empty." Not that it is the case for every single person, but often when one area of life appears perfect and flawless, another is not. Why is that the case? Because a person has only so much time to spend perfecting something. If one wants an enviable career, they often have to neglect their children, partners, and friends. On the other hand, when a person has great relationships in their life, their physical or mental health might be suffering, or their accomplishments in their jobs are not really notable. We all make sacrifices in how we choose to spend our time, so it is important to gain clarity about what you value in order to feel like you’ve created a life well-lived.

"When the palace is magnificent, the fields are filled with weeds, and the granaries are empty."

~ Laozi