“Instead of always looking to get fulfillment from my loved ones and the other blessings in my life, I can simply enjoy them for what they are.”

“No; for instead of delivering myself up to the full enjoyment of them as others do, I am always troubling my head about how I could produce the same effect upon canvas; and as that can never be done, it is more vanity and vexation of spirit.”

“Instead, what I was beginning to understand was that however things unfolded from here on, whatever the next chapter was, my life could never be the sum of one circumstance. It would be determined, as it had always been, by my willingness to put one foot in front of the other, moving forward, come what may.”

“When will I ever learn to accept what is given instead of always yearning for more? My lavish expectations too often tarnish my blessings.”

“One of my rules is never to look sideways at what other people are doing but instead, do what I feel is right.”

“What is the difference between my life and my love? One gets me low, the other lets me go.”