Gift of Life

• The gift of life is similar [to a birthday present]. It constantly unwraps itself and we experience what's inside. When we have expectations about our lives, we are usually disappointed by the way things turn out. When we are open to whatever happens, we are rewarded. (Soul Searching, p. 315)

• You should live your life as if you are ready to say good-bye to it at any moment, as if the time left you is some pleasant surprise. (Marcus Aurelius in A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy, 12 May)