Living with the Monks: What Turning Off My Phone Taught Me about Happiness, Gratitude, and Focus

want to implement it at home. When I was in my twenties I wrote ten handwritten letters every day to thank people. And then I mailed them. So many wonderful things have grown from those letters, but most importantly I could feel gratitude. It flowed daily.

Whether it’s a business venture, big race, or a new challenge, I’ve always had a “get your foot in the door and figure the rest out later” attitude.

“Every day is a lesson. The key is to listen.”

It was like I threw sixteen grand out the window. But today’s service reminded me about the importance of forgiveness.

Maybe by distracting dogs I’m learning the ultimate art of not being distracted. Or maybe I’m overthinking it.

quitting just because it’s easier is never the right decision. It only takes a minute to quit, but the moment will replay in your mind tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that, and the one after that.

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.”

used to fight those moments every minute of the way. Now, I have a different appreciation for time.

If you don’t take time for yourself—you’ll resent the people who are taking those things away from you. I don’t want to resent the monks, so I must run.