Dirt-Drawn Scale

Let the scale tip in your favor—not through accumulation, but through stillness, gratitude, and grace.

Living in Silicon Valley, we are surrounded by unimaginable abundance—technology, wealth, opportunities, and comfort. And yet, within many hearts, a quiet discontent lingers.

Why is it that in a land of so much, we can still feel a sense of lack?

Not long ago, I walked with a wise friend, reflecting on this very paradox. As we spoke, he stopped, bent down, and with a twig, drew something in the dirt. A simple scale.

On the left side, he placed all that we already have—our accomplishments, relationships, comforts—and then he added something intangible yet vital: peace of mind.

On the right side, he drew all that we still want—the unmet goals, possessions, recognition—and alongside that, lack of peace of mind. He looked up and said, “This is the balance of life. The left side is happiness. The right side is perpetual unhappiness.”

That moment stayed with me. Because the truth is, even surrounded by abundance, we often tip the scale in the wrong direction—fixating on what’s missing, chasing what’s next, comparing our lives to others. And in doing so, we trade serenity for striving.

But life is fleeting. A constant pursuit of more—without presence, without pause—can leave us empty. This doesn’t mean we stop aspiring. Ambition is not the enemy. But when rooted in contentment, our dreams grow from solid ground. When we begin from a place of "enoughness", we walk with lighter steps.

So the real question becomes: Do we want a life packed with appearances and achievements, but weighed down by unrest? Or a life that may look simpler—but overflows with peace, presence, and quiet joy?

That drawing in the dirt reminded me of something:

Happiness doesn’t come from adding more. It comes from releasing what doesn’t serve our soul.

Let the scale tip in your favor—not through accumulation, but through stillness, gratitude, and grace.

#Peace #Gratitude #Happiness #Perpetualunhappiness #Grace