"Plus de larmes sont versées sur les prières exaucées que sur celles qui ne le sont pas."

The idea behind this quote is that sometimes we think we really want something, but when we actually get it, it doesn't make us as happy as we expected—sometimes it even makes things worse. It’s that classic “be careful what you wish for” scenario. We often dream and pray for certain things, convinced they’ll solve all our problems. But when those prayers get answered, the reality can bring unexpected consequences that we hadn't considered.

Historically, this quote has been attributed to Saint Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish nun and prominent figure in the Catholic Church during the 16th century. She was known for her deep spirituality and mystical experiences. Her life was filled with challenges, and she often pondered the nature of human desires and divine will. This quote reflects her understanding of human nature—how our wishes might not align with what's truly good for us.

Let’s paint a real-life picture to make this idea more concrete. Imagine a young professional, Emma, who's been working tirelessly for years to get a promotion at her job. She believes this promotion will solve all her career worries and bring her the happiness she’s been chasing. She prays for it fervently, and eventually, her prayers are answered. She gets the promotion. But instead of the happiness she expected, Emma finds herself overwhelmed with the new responsibilities, working longer hours, and having less time for her family and friends. The stress starts affecting her health and personal relationships. Her dream job turns into a nightmare, and she's left longing for the simpler days before her promotion.

So, how can we apply this wisdom to our lives? The key is to take a step back and really consider the potential consequences of what we’re asking for. It’s about being mindful and weighing the pros and cons before we put all our hopes into a particular outcome. Try asking yourself, "If I get this, what else changes? Am I prepared for those changes?" Sometimes it’s better to trust that there’s a bigger plan at work and that maybe, just maybe, unanswered prayers are unanswered for a reason.

Now, imagine sitting down with a friend, Sarah, who’s desperate to win the lottery. She’s convinced that winning will solve all her problems. You might remind her of all the stories where lottery winners end up broke or miserable a few years down the line because they weren’t prepared for the sudden change in their lives. You might share a story of someone who got what they wished for but then faced unexpected challenges. Like that old high school friend who moved to the big city for a dream job, only to find themselves lonely and missing home.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have dreams or ambitions. It’s about being thoughtful and prepared for all possibilities. Life is full of surprises, and sometimes the things we don’t get turn out to be blessings in disguise. So next time you’re wishing for something with all your heart, take a moment to consider all sides of the coin. You might find that the things you thought you wanted aren’t what you need after all. And that’s okay. Life has a funny way of giving us what we need, even if it’s not what we thought we wanted.