10 Thoughts to Help Make Life Easier

I wandered around the Franciscan friary of Irrelagh, now known as Muckross Abbey, and explored all its nooks and crannies.

The ruins are incredibly well preserved and include a church with a wide, square tower and fine windows, and a vaulted cloister with an arcade of arches around a square courtyard. At the centre of the courtyard is a beautiful ancient yew tree with a twisted trunk, stretching toward the light.

The atmosphere was serene. Looking for a picture to take I suddenly noticed a couple meditating on the tree. I dared not disturb their peace for I understood what inspired them. Whoever they were, they transmitted peace and I shared in the stillness of the cloister.

Humans have always searched for the meaning of life, at least until Douglas Adams revealed the answer to be 42.

While I can’t offer a comparable answer to life, the universe and everything, I can suggest some thoughts that might help you cope with the human condition.

Be confident in the knowledge I made these mistakes so you don't have to.

1. Nobody owns anything. The only variable is how long you borrow something for; a day, a month, five years or till death.
2. Tell the people you love that you love them. If you rely on the assumption they already know, you might not get the chance.
3. Love and care for animals because they need us.
4. Don’t just save up for a rainy day; save up for days that make life fun.
5. If you lose your temper during an argument, apologise to the other person as soon as you can.
6. Realise that your opinions today will change over the years.
7. There is never only one right answer to anything.
8. While you’re waiting for a friend to call, they are waiting for you. So call them.
9. Forgive yourself as often as you need to.
10. On the road, always move out of the way of a tailgater and let them speed on.

Alternatively, you might just want to visit Muckross Abbey's yew tree.