i think this may become my new mantra...

Learn to like what doesn't cost much.
Learn to like reading, conversation, music.
Learn to like plain food, plain service, plain cooking.
Learn to like fields, trees, brooks, hiking, rowing, climbing hills.
Learn to like people, even though some of them may be different... different from you.
Learn to like to work and enjoy the satisfaction of doing your job as well as it can be done.
Learn to like the songs of birds, the companionship of dogs.
Learn to like gardening, puttering around the house and fixing things.
Learn to like the sunrise and sunset, the beating of the rain on the roof and windows, and the gentle fall of snow on a winter's day.
Learn to keep your wants simple and refuse to be controlled by the likes and dislikes of others.

-Lowell Bennion

*****

as beautiful as this is, it may be difficult for me to learn to enjoy "plain food" and the "companionship of dogs"...just being honest. however, as a whole, i adore this message. it reminds me that a simple life, free of rubbish and silly wants can be the most rewarding. and most importantly, this mantra reassures me of what i learned not so long ago: life's best gifts are free and are often right in front of us.