THE more rarely the objects of pleasure occur, the more delightful they are.
EPICTETUS. FRAGMENTS. 49.
LET not that chief commanding part of thy soul be ever subject to any variation through any corporal either pain or pleasure, neither suffer it to be mixed with these, but let it both circumscribe itself, and confine those affections to their own proper parts and members. But if at any time they do reflect, and rebound upon the mind and understanding (as in an united and compacted body it must needs;) then must thou not go about to resist sense and feeling, it being natural. However let not thy understanding to this natural sense and feeling, which whether unto our flesh pleasant or painful, is unto us nothing properly, add an opinion of either good or bad, and all is well.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book v. 20.
We do become complacent about the joys in our life when they are around us and part of our life on a regular basis. The old adages "familiarity breeds contempt" and "absence makes the heart grow fonder" are definitely true. Let's take the time to appreciate everything and everyone in our lives. Who knows when we will no longer have their influence or that possession to enjoy.
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