Happiness, Freedom, Peace of Mind

“There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else.” General Peyton Conway March, Army Chief of Staff (late nineteenth century)

Those of you who know me also know that I am not one to quote generals with any frequency. I was so struck enough by this quote that arrived attached to an email of an acquaintance that I made note of it. Then, as I was searching for something quotable about the month of March for this newsletter, my Google search brought up this very quote again. It felt like fate that I would come upon it again so quickly. Here's what noteworthy to me:

First, he was a General in the Spanish-American war in the late 1800s. I looked for context of this quotation, but could not find any. What on earth was going on at that moment that caused him to say this? While I am sure most of his writings and words had to do with battle and all things military, this gem reveals someone who translated his particular experiences into something much more universal. A learning, perhaps, for all of us, to look beyond our own search for happines, freedom and peach of mind -- especially right now as fear and anxiety grip so many individuals and institutions.

Next, the very idea that when we give we get is so simple and universal a truth that churns around and around in spite of time, culture or opportunity. Is it the human condition that we must learn it over and over again because on its face it seems quite illogical?

We and our staff will let this quotation guide us as we continue in our search to provide relevant and appropriate solutions for you and your families as you search for some happiness, freedom and peace of mind. One of the new services we are introducing to help you attain some of what you need during these challenging times is a focus on pre-owned, slightly used equipment. While our collection is still growing and our selection still modest, be sure to contact us if you have specific needs, or if you have a power wheelchair, hospital patient bed, reclining lift chair, video reader or any other major piece of equipment that you think is in great shape and would like to see it in the hands of someone else.

How are you bringing this sentiment to life? Tell us your story about happiness, freedom and peace of mind. We will select one to share with readers next time.