I have been sad this week. I saw a homeless person talking to herself and crying at 11pm on a cold, snowy night; and I sold a house which in this real estate market should bring joy but makes me sad because it is 800 miles away in a place I really liked and it signifies the closing of a chapter of my life I enjoyed. And when I look at these two occurrences, it 'really, really' makes me sad that I have spent more time selfishly bemoaning the fact that I no longer have a house, than I have making any kind of a positive difference in the world around me. I am trying to reconcile this sadness with Happiness; it is difficult.

When sadness hangs on as it has this week, is there a way to speed its passing and still do it justice? Or will I be better to let it run its course? Sadness has its place. It (like other reality-based suffering) gives Life meaning and in doing so (I believe) brings us closer to Happiness. But there comes a point ...

At the moment I am sitting in a coffee shop, and listening to coffee shop music, animated conversation, and one particularly distinctive, infectious laugh. In these surroundings I find myself less selfishly sad and more reflective and accepting of the ways of the world; (still sad for those less fortunate, but realistic). Throughout this past week I spent a majority of my time working and thinking alone. Is the answer this obvious? Just a proper mix of being alone and being together? Perhaps so ...

I am going to do some 'good' this coming week ...