"Nous pouvons nous plaindre parce que les rosiers ont des épines ou nous réjouir parce que les buissons d'épines ont des roses"

This quote is all about perspective. It's reminding us that how we see things can completely change our experience of them. The core idea? We have a choice in how we interpret the world around us. We can focus on the negative aspects—the thorns—or we can choose to celebrate the positives—the roses.

Imagine this: you're in a garden, and there are beautiful roses everywhere. But you can't enjoy them because you're too busy worrying about accidentally pricking your finger on a thorn. You see, it's not the situation itself that's the problem; it's how you're choosing to look at it. This line of thinking can be traced back to Stoic philosophy, where ancient thinkers like Marcus Aurelius emphasized controlling how we respond to life's events, rather than the events themselves.

Let’s take a real-life example. Think about a job you’ve had—one where the work was tough, the hours were long, and your boss wasn’t exactly your favorite person. It’s easy to complain about the workload and the stress. But what if you shifted your focus? Maybe that job taught you resilience. Maybe it pushed you to develop new skills. Maybe it connected you with some amazing colleagues who became lifelong friends. By choosing to see the roses, you transform a tough situation into a valuable experience.

So how do you apply this wisdom in everyday life? Start by catching yourself when you begin to complain. Are you focusing on the thorns? Stop, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: what's the "rose" in this situation? It might be something small, like learning patience while stuck in traffic, or something significant, like appreciating the effort your partner puts into keeping your home cozy.

Here’s a story to bring it home: Imagine you're planning a big outdoor wedding. You’ve envisioned a perfect sunny day, but on the morning of the event, it starts to rain. It’s easy to get upset and see the rain as ruining your big day. But then, you notice something. The rain has made the entire garden glisten, the flowers look more vibrant, and the air smells fresh and earthy. You see your guests laughing under umbrellas, making the best of it. Suddenly, the rain isn’t a disaster—it’s part of the charm, creating unique memories you’ll cherish.

The next time you’re tempted to complain, think about the roses. Hone in on those positive elements. It's not about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing that every situation has its thorns, but it also has its roses. And it's our perspective that determines whether we focus on the prickly parts or the beautiful blooms.

So, next time life throws you a curveball, remember the garden. Choose to see the roses. It might just make all the difference.