When do we have enough?
When will we know enough?
When will we feel good enough?
When do we know we have loved enough?
The world continuously tell us we do not have enough and so we feel pressured to buy more, see more, be more and this can leave us feeling depleted, rejected and wanting to give up.
I see so many people burnt-out, simply because they believe they can have it all, with “all” being some kind of undefined marker that shall forever be moved upwards just out of our reach, so as to keep us believing, we are never enough.
Below is a beautiful story by Bob Parks to remind us that right now in this precious moment, we are enough and should want nothing more or less.
“Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, “I love you. I wish you enough.” She in turn said, “Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too.”
They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, “Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?”
“Yes, I have,” I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me.
So I knew what this man was experiencing.
“Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?” I asked.
“I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral,” he said.
“When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, “I wish you enough.” May I ask what that means?”
He began to smile. “That’s a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.” He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more.”When we said ‘I wish you enough,’ we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them,” he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough hello’s to get you through the final goodbye.
He then began to sob and walked away.
“He who knows enough is enough…will always have enough” – Lao Tzu
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Karen, I just love this story. It is so gorgeous and so honest. People are always searching for excess but we really just need ‘enough’ to be totally satisfied. Melissa
Thanks Melissa, I love it too. I am believing more and more that “I am enough” and that is such a gift.
Karen
This is moving, accurate, and evocative. If one’s senses are activated, and emotions flowing when read, I would question the degree to which they are living. Appreciate the post!
Thankyou Eric, yes it really moved me too. I kept wiping the tears as I wrote it! What beautiful words to say to someone you love.
Karen
‘I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye’
That brought tears to my eyes.
this is a beautiful post.
I know it was sad! I am glad it resonated with you Elizabeth.
Karen
Karen this is so beautiful, what a gorgeous story. When we really put our lives in perspective we have enough of all that we need. When I need things the universe supplies me with enough money, food and love.
Thankyou, we do have more than enough and I agree, when I began to trust in the universe, I too am never without.
Karen
What a wonderful post. Thank you, I will be sharing this with my daughters.
Thankyou for stopping by and I am glad this story connected with you. It is a beautiful gift to pass on.
Karen
Love this story Karen. ❤ Thank you so much for sharing it.
Diana xo
Thankyou Diana, it is a very touching story.
Karen
A wonderful story, Karen. One everyone needs to hear. So often we live by; “What have you done for me lately.” Thank you.
-Alan
Thankyou Alan. Yes that is exactly what people say to one another and in reply to them we can say, “I wish you enough”
Karen
Enough is all we need.
What a touching story and reminder Karen.
I recall having a long conversation with my mother and she ended it with “so I was a good enough mother”? I said she she was was indeed, and we hugged and cried.
So many people go through life believing they are not good enough and can never have enough.
The knowing that we are enough is freeing.
Love this quote! “He who knows enough is enough…will always have enough” – Lao Tzu
Val x
Thankyou Val for sharing your story too. I think we all want to be told “we are enough” and that is why this story strikes a chord in all of us.
Karen
this is liberating! Thanks for writing!
Thankyou so much, I agree.
Karen
Such a deeply touching story Karen. I think the whole philosophy of “Just Enough” lies at the heart of life. When grasped and lived we are set free. Thank you for a marvellous post.
Yes thankyou Don. May we all be set free when we know we are and have enough.
Karen
Thankyou Vicki, you are very kind.
Karen
Karen, this is such a touching story. I’m so glad I read it. I wish you enough is really enough to wish anyone. 🙂
Thankyou Carol, yes I am so glad I found it to share. It seems like we all need to hear it.
Karen