Always maintain a joyful mind

My birthday this year was very low-key since I was in the process of writing my thesis. I received only one gift this year; "Always maintain a joyful mind" written by Pema Chodron. I was very surprised to find this book in my letter box after coming home after a long day's of work. I opened the package. I have never heard about this book and wondered why my Travel Companion and fiance would get me that as a gift. Later on I found out that we both had some misunderstanding. Previously I casually mentioned that I would like to get a few books to read once I completed my thesis writing. He then went and browsed the site and thought "Always maintain a joyful mind" was one of the few I would like to read and therefore decided to surprise me with it.

"You know I thought that's the book you were interested. But anyway, I think the title of the book will bring some positive energy to you during your tough writing time."

I did not end up reading the book during my thesis writing. It was sitting on my desk the entire time. But whenever I felt drained out and stressed out, the five words on the blue cover caught would somehow caught my sight and sustained me just enough energy to keep me going.

And now with a degree completed, I am now resuming my reading habit joyfully.