Quotes from Thanissaro Bhikkhu

The desire for true happiness is nothing to feel ashamed about.

We don't wish for suffering, but once we understand how to be in relationship with it, it becomes the means through which we mature as loving and wise people.

Heedfulness: the path to the Deathless; Heedlessness: the path to death. The heedful do not die; The heedless are as if already dead. Knowing this as a true distinction, those wise in heedfulness rejoice in heedfulness, enjoying the range of the noble ones. Dhp 21-22

Show your thoughts who's boss.

So the mind's committee is less like a communion of saints planning a charity event, and more like a corrupt city council, with the balance of power constantly shifting between different factions, and many deals being made in back rooms.

Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart. If you speak or act with a corrupted heart, then suffering follows you — as the wheel of the cart, the track of the ox that pulls it. Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart. If you speak or act with a calm, bright heart, then happiness follows you, like a shadow that never leaves.

The non-doing of any evil, the performance of what's skillful, the cleansing of one's own mind: This is the Buddhas' teaching. Not disparaging, not injuring, restraint in line with the Patimokkha, moderation in food, dwelling in seclusion, commitment to the heightened mind: This is the Buddhas' teaching. Dhp 183, 185

The Buddha's last words instructed us to be heedful—to see our actions as important and to keep that importance in mind at all times.