I can see, and understand your point. In other threads, I've pointed out that we cannot control others, but controlling ourselves is fully within our power. I can decide to be happy, amidst the chaos surrounding me. :D

You are right about the "peace" we find after hard work, and relaxing. The "inner peace" Bijan mentions is a bit different. It's an ideal that we strive for. An all-encompassing feeling of joy and contentment that come from a clean conscience, a healthy body, and a happy outlook. Imagine, if you can, the feeling that a mother has seeing her newborn for the first time. That feeling of insurmountable joy is the type of feeling we are looking for here.

Welcome to the IW boards, Althalon! And, please, continue contributing to our discussions! [img]graemlins/awesomework.gif[/img]

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For this to happen you would have to get rid of all those pesky human beings who are not rational nor logical and who run around with free will. </font> :D

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Good thread though <font color="pink">Jo</font> [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>

LOL, MagiK.

Actually, it is those non-rational, non-logical possessors of free-will who are most likely to make this work.
A person needs to decide to be positive, and to actively seek "inner peace." It doesn't just happen, it needs to be worked toward. (See how I differ from Bijan? ;) )
Know this, people everywhere, for some reason [img]graemlins/crazyeyes.gif[/img] , will try to prevent your quest for inner peace. If you tell 10 people you are trying to have a positive outlook, 9 will tell you, "You can't do it." [img]graemlins/1ponder.gif[/img] These are the ones who consider themselves rational and logical.
So, this call goes out: To all you non-rational, non-logical possessors of free-will! Stand up for YOUr right to inner-peace, and a positive outlook. It's worth it. [img]graemlins/awesomework.gif[/img]

<font color = lightgreen>That is because if you acheive inner peace by working at it, then they have no excuse for not having inner peace as well. It would point out their inablity to attain something better, work on themselves, stop being lazy, etc. In short, you would be pointing out their limitations, something that most people will not tolerate.
My advice if someone tells you "you can't do it"--pat them on their head, say "that's nice", and walk away. [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img] </font>

I completely agree with your reasoning. As a matter of fact, I'll go one further. Even after you achieve, often these same people will say something like, "Well, I remember him when..., and I know that he's not perfect." Even after accomplishment, many times the nay-sayers will try to pull down the achiever.

I have a different approach than the pat on the head. :D After I achieve, I'm looking forward to calling all those who said, "Call me when you do that. Hah!" and telling them, "I did it. Now, would you like to try it?" [img]graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

<font color = lightgreen>I forget who said it, but I like this quote: "living well is the best revenge". (no, we're not advocating revenge on people here--that's too negative--it is just an appropriate quote).

You're right; the nay-sayers try to drag down those who achieve some of their goals simply because they have made an accomplishment. Small people trapped by fear and doubt is what they are. They should read Charean's list from the "you shall not worry" thread and then jump in with both feet! [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img]

However, let me not misdirect the thread to worrying about other people. This is about self-discovery and self-growth; this is one area of life where it is ok to be "self-centered".</font>

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

-"If--" by Rudyard Kipling