Comparison with Zhifu

 　　Happiness is a garden that is constantly cultivated and renewed. As long as you sow a calm and peaceful mind and see the world from multiple perspectives, happiness will follow you like a shadow. Focus more on what you have and face what you lack with equanimity; you will find contentment and happiness in your heart.

　　Some people always love to compare themselves with others, adding to their own troubles. When they see that they are not as good as others, they feel resentful, jealous, and unhappy all day long. After the reform and opening up, living standards have improved significantly, but some people still complain that the rising GDP has not gone into their own pockets, and even grumble. There are also some young people who are living in a paradise but do not know the sweetness, complaining that their wishes are not fulfilled.
　　The renowned Qing Dynasty health expert Shi Chengjin once wrote a poem titled "Song of Knowing Blessings": "Life is full of blessings, why be ungrateful? Consider the suffering of ignorance, wisdom is a blessing. Consider the suffering of hunger and cold, warmth and satiety are blessings. Consider the suffering of burdens, freedom is a blessing. Consider the suffering of separation, reunion is a blessing. Consider the suffering of war, peace is a blessing. Consider the suffering of imprisonment, freedom is a blessing. Consider the suffering of being away, staying at home is a blessing. Consider the suffering of having no offspring, having children is a blessing. Consider the suffering of illness, health is a blessing. Consider the suffering of death, living is a blessing. Reflecting on suffering reveals many blessings. Alas, how many people in this world know how to enjoy blessings! One must know blessings to enjoy them. I urge people of the world not to be unaware of their blessings."
　　Indeed, when you see from the window that "you are not as good as others," you can open a door and see people riding in carriages, walking in the middle, and carrying loads behind. The walker is like yourself; though not as comfortable or fast as those riding in carriages, you are more relaxed and at ease than those carrying loads. Compared to them, this is a blessing. When you complain that more GDP doesn't go into your pocket, consider the hardships before the reforms, and you'll appreciate how much the "rivers overflow when the big river rises" after the reforms. Today's moderately prosperous society is a blessing. As for young people complaining about their unfulfilled dreams, remember that when you struggle through thorns, someone always extends a warm hand, saying, "Keep going!" The kindness of society empowers you to start your own business, innovate, and succeed. In an instant, all your weariness, bitterness, and worries are melted away by love and friendship. Isn't this luck and a blessing?
　　Being cared for and grateful is happiness. Please don't complain about life, because complaining is useless. The joys and sorrows of life, even if not immediately appreciated, will become like a fine wine, growing richer and more mellow with time. Life isn't perfect; in fact, disappointments are common. Understanding how to appreciate the bitterness and sweetness prevents resentment over minor setbacks. A calm and detached mind is another kind of blessing.