"もし毎日の生活が貧しいように見えるなら、それを責めるのではなく、その豊かさを引き出すほど詩人ではない自分を責めなさい。"

This quote is a reminder that the quality of our lives depends greatly on our perspective. If you find your daily life unsatisfactory or boring, it's not life's fault. Instead, it suggests that you might not be looking at it through the right lens. Life itself is full of beauty and richness—sometimes we just need to change how we see it.

Historically, this quote came from Rainer Maria Rilke, a renowned poet. He wrote it during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when people were experiencing rapid changes due to industrialization. Despite the hustle and challenges of that era, Rilke believed that beauty could still be found in everyday life. His words are basically a call to dig deeper, to find the poetry in the mundane.

Let me give you a real-life example. Think about the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh. He painted everyday scenes—sunflowers, starry nights, his own bedroom. These weren’t grand subjects. But he saw the beauty in them, the way the colors played with each other, the way the light fell. His paintings are now considered masterpieces because he found and highlighted the extraordinary in the ordinary.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by paying attention. Notice the small things—the way the sunlight filters through your window in the morning, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the taste of your favorite meal. Practice gratitude for these little moments. Write them down if it helps. The more you focus on them, the more you'll see.

Here's a relatable scenario: Imagine you're stuck in traffic. You could get frustrated and impatient. Or, you could take that time to listen to your favorite podcast, appreciate the music on the radio, or simply observe the world around you—the different people, the changing skies, the architecture. It’s about making a conscious choice to find something good in every situation.

I once had a friend who really embodied this idea. She worked a pretty monotonous job in data entry. Most people would find it dull. But she didn’t. She would find joy in small things like the sound of keys clicking, the patterns in the data, and the little breaks she took to chat with co-workers. She even decorated her workspace with little plants and colorful knick-knacks. Her approach made her days not just bearable but enjoyable.

So next time you feel like your life is lacking, remember Rilke’s words. Reflect on how you’re seeing things. Are you focusing on what’s missing or what’s there? Sometimes, a shift in perspective is all you need to see the richness around you. Life’s poetry is always there—you just have to be open to it.