The Buddha wants us to understand that when it comes to the most profound aspects of our lives, we are the ones who have the authority; it is up to us whether we see the world clearly and live with contentment, or see it through clouds of confusion and struggle.

We both have accomplished material changes, but our emotional lives have also improved. I’m sure we will continue the process. At the same time we are chucking our belongings, we are slowly diminishing our past by letting go of old decisions, and since we met, our connections to our old selves have steadily declined as we build our present life together.

I make this observation only to question what life might be like after five more years. Who will we be then? Will our reductions be consistent and adequate to our goals? How much will we have? What kind of connections to our present selves will remain?