The Sound of Silence

 

"I opted out the bar scene in my late 20s. What a waste of life."

 

"Grief is the price we pay for love." 

- Queen Elizabeth II

 

"The left-wing is connected to the same body as the right-wing."

 

JOY is a spiritual medicine.

 

“The less talent they have, the more pride, vanity, and arrogance they have. All these fools, however, find other fools who applaud them.”  

ERASMUS, 1509

 

Delays are not denials, they are Divine planning at work.

 

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

Albert Einstein

 "I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly."

The Four Essential Phrases

• "Please forgive me." – This phrase requires taking accountability for the intentional or unintentional pain you may have inflicted on others, removing pride to open the door to reconciliation. 
• "I forgive you." – Dr. Byock emphasizes that forgiveness is not about making excuses, condoning bad behavior, or forgetting the hurt. Instead, it is a generous act for yourself that allows you to accept the unchangeable past so it stops controlling your future. 
• "Thank you." – This is an expression of deep gratitude for a person’s presence in your life, acknowledging both the joy they brought and the lessons learned through your shared experiences. 
• "I love you." – Dr. Byock points out that we too often assume our loved ones automatically know how we feel. Actively speaking these words affirms a bond and ensures absolutely nothing essential is left unsaid. 

The Four Things That Matter Most 10th Anniversary Edition: A Book About Living

by Ira Byock MD, Barry Abrams, et al.