On Enjoying Life

Every now and then I like to explore a quotation collection. It's a weakness. Today I explored quotations under the subject of life at the World of Quotes site. Some of my favorites:

Enjoy life. There's plenty of time to be dead.
~Hans Christian Andersen

I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
~T.S. Eliot

Too much sanity may be madness. And maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be!
~Miguel de Cervantes

All animals except man know that the ultimate point of life is to enjoy it.
~Samuel Butler

I know not everyone will agree with my perception of life, but I'm glad I could find some quotations that speak to me. I wish I could help everyone to understand my perspective. I think the "Life is suffering" crowd tend to get more coverage because they are "serious" and I am "not serious." It's funny how wanting to enjoy life labels you as someone who is shallow and irreverent. As an artist, I revel in Creation. I love the natural world and appreciate what I have been blessed with. There is such beauty and happiness in life, how can I avoid enjoying it? I believe it is there for us to marvel at, not to fear. I try to stay present minded that I might enjoy the now, instead of mourning the past or worrying over the future. In my life I have gone through periods of depression and I know how easy it is to focus on the negative and become buried in sadness. But it is just as easy to lift yourself with the simple joys that surround you. A flower in bloom, a fledgling bird following its parents, a firefly lighting up in darkness, all these small things bring a smile to my heart. Laughter recharges a weary soul. I want to share that happiness with others.