There is no inherent suffering in the world. If there is, it’s like what Siddhartha Gautama once said: “Cannot see through, cannot understand, cannot obtain, cannot let go.”
We often hear people around us complain about their misfortunes, and their complaints usually revolve around:
“Why is my life so tough? I’ve put in so much effort, yet I can’t compare to others who do nothing.”
“I treat everyone sincerely, but end up getting hurt by others.”
“I feel so lonely, no one helps me, no one supports me, no one to rely on.”
Some people blame their misfortunes on their background, on the unfairness of society, or on others’ exclusion.
But in reality, all the so-called suffering stems from their own incompetence.
People who feel unlucky are often the architects of their own misery.
John’s parents are farmers, and their family conditions are not too good. They struggled to send him to college.
Once in college, John became insecure and negative upon seeing the wealth gap with other classmates. He started complaining about his misfortune, not being born into a wealthy family.
During college, John always felt that his parents were just farmers, his future wasn’t promising, and he didn’t apply himself in his studies.
After graduation, John was too picky with job offers and never landed a good job.
Seeing other classmates progressing, he continued to complain, blaming everything on his background.
If being born into a poor family meant misfortune, then the self-taught scholar Kuang Heng wouldn’t have become famous; Thomas Edison wouldn’t have become an inventor; and Helen Keller, who lost her hearing and sight, wouldn’t have become a renowned writer.
Those who think their background determines their misfortune simply harbor a negative mentality, attributing all life’s misfortunes to their origins and using their poor background as an excuse for laziness.
Franklin said: “I have never seen an early riser, diligent, honest person complain about their bad luck. Good character, good habits, strong willpower, won’t be defeated by the so-called fate.”
Compared to those with good backgrounds, we may start at a disadvantage, like the tortoise and the hare, knowing who the ultimate winner will be due to different abilities.
But life isn’t that simple. To have endless possibilities in your future, you need to take the initiative to create them.
Even if your abilities are initially weak, as long as you persevere and work hard, your life will have many possibilities.
Some people like to blame their misfortunes on others, believing they are unlucky due to bad encounters.
After marrying Mark, Sarah was pressured by her in-laws to have children. Her husband said she wouldn’t have to work after having kids, just stay home and take care of them while he earns money.
Hearing this, Sarah felt she had married the right man and was the happiest woman.
But this happiness didn’t last long. With the birth of their child, Sarah and Mark faced many problems, leading to more arguments.
Sarah felt she had sacrificed a lot for this family and her husband, only to end up criticized by her husband and in-laws.
So, she started complaining about her misfortune, regretting marrying such a man.
Relying entirely on a man for her life is irresponsible.
Misfortune isn’t your fault, but giving up on yourself is.
The more you complain, the more negative energy you bring. How can the people around you be happy seeing such a negative version of you?
Bad moods are contagious, and a negative attitude in life is too. That’s why we often prefer being around cheerful people.
Sarah could have had a happier life, but her complaints and emphasis on her sacrifices already put pressure on her husband.
This can lead to a vicious cycle where the woman complains, the man reacts negatively, and ultimately, the woman is the one most affected.
Women who complain of their misfortune, unknowingly, have created their own misery.
Why bother with this?
Like two people with half a glass of water, one complains, “What to do, I only have half a glass of water,” while the other says, “How lucky, I still have half a glass of water.”
Different perspectives lead to different levels of happiness and attitudes toward life.
Everyone should do this: experience life sensibly and contemplate life rationally.
After all, life is a one-time deal, why not make the most of it and create a better life for yourself?
Life is about give and take. Even if we were once fragile, let’s strive to become invincible in the future.
Even in the darkest night, a beautiful morning will eventually come.
Misfortune isn’t a mandatory part of life. Even if our background isn’t good, our abilities are lacking, or we face numerous difficulties and setbacks, we must strive to become more diligent, cautious, and honest, live well, and approach life with a positive and optimistic attitude.
Your efforts will eventually pay off, even if it’s later than expected. Be patient and that day will come.
Life is already challenging, and time is fleeting. Why waste it on pointless worries, harming yourself and squandering time?
Stop complaining about your misfortunes. If you are willing to endure hardship, the future you will surely taste the sweetness of life.