Gratitude for Knowing When “Enough Is Enough”

Carol A. Hand

I remember the golden light of other northwoods’ autumn mornings
The brisk refreshing winds that caress my cheeks and toss my fairy-fine hair
I’m grateful for the memories of love and laughter in my life
It is enough

As I listen to my parakeets and dog sing to greet the day
The morning sun streams through the windows
Casting dancing lights and shadows on the wall
It is enough

To learn of my daughter’s accomplishment and share laughter in an email
I think of my family and hope that they will continue to experience
The beauty and gift of golden autumn mornings like today
It is enough

Knowing when “enough is enough” and being grateful – the path to peace.

orange_autumn_trees_216859

Photo: Autumn Trees

Reflections inspired by the Tao:

When people do not follow Tao
Their horses are harnessed for war,
Their energies are used for destruction,
And many go hungry.
Great trouble comes
From not knowing what is enough.
Great conflict arises from wanting too much.
When we know when enough is enough,
There will always be enough.
(Dreher, 1990, p. 126).

Work Cited:

Diane Dreher (1990). The Tao of inner peace: A guide to inner and outer peace. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.

Copyright Notice: © Carol A. Hand and carolahand, 2013-2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carol A. Hand and carolahand with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

18 thoughts on “Gratitude for Knowing When “Enough Is Enough””

    1. Thank you for your wonderful comments, Skywalker. 🙂

      The Tao is lovely and deeply meaningful. I don’t read it as often as I used to. Still, I keep Dreher’s book on the nightstand by my bed and sometimes open it randomly to see the message that appears. Occasionally, I wake up the next morning with an insight I feel an urgency to share as I did the morning I wrote this short poem.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Very timely post for me, as we in Canada are celebrating Thanksgiving this very weekend in our churches and communities! (Our holiday is not connected to any historical episodes. For those of us following Christ in our spiritual practice, this is a special time of thanking God for the harvest and all the blessings we enjoy daily, even amidst troubles. We are reminded not to take our blessings for granted, and to share with others so there is enough for all). Your poem’s vivid imagery beautifully inspires the enjoyment of the simplicity and blessings of every day life! The Dreher poem clearly expresses the mindset of the Thanksgiving message too – we share some essential principles. Thank-you for this lovely post! Wishing you continuing simplicity, thanksgiving, and peace each day. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you fro sharing such thoughtful and lovely insights, Hildegard. Being grateful for the simple things every day helps me stay focused on what really matters.

      I send you wishes for a blessed and peaceful thanksgiving.

      Liked by 1 person

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