Like a flower in winter

Joy comes unexpectedly.

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The great teachings unanimously emphasize that all the peace, wisdom, and joy in the universe are already within us; we don't have to gain, develop, or attain them. We're like a child standing in a beautiful park with his eyes shut tight. We don't need to imagine trees, flowers, deer, birds, and sky; we merely need to open our eyes and realize what is already here, who we really are -- as soon as we quit pretending we're small or unholy.

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It came to me today. I am happy. I am gloriously, and wonderfully, and amazingly happy! I have so much that I have been blessed with, but beyond all of that I have a Mate that cares for me as much as I do him. It is unimagined that this joy can exist in the world. I am bless with strong friendships. These the sort that can bridge gaps that might seem uncrossable, but it is this love that I have found in my life that has given me this joy. Nothing can take my joy from me. Joy. Who would have thought that it is just something you need to open your eyes to see. It was t here, in so many ways, but only now do I truly see and experience it. It is like Sahli's love, his ways - they have opened my eyes to a whole new world of happiness.