Marcus Aurelius: Dig within yourself: there is a spring…

We often wait for goodness to arrive from outside: encouraging news, an easy day, a compliment, a lucky break. These things can brighten life, but they are unreliable sources of direction. We also have the ability to produce good through attention and action. A generous interpretation, a repaired mistake, a patient response, and a useful piece of work do not require favorable weather from the world. They require that we return to our better capacities and use them. Today, when you feel empty or discouraged, do not make your next move depend entirely on receiving something. Ask what small good you can create where you are. It may be as simple as tidying a shared space, checking on someone, or doing one task carefully. The source is renewed by use. Keep drawing from it.