As a flawed being, my sisters, I find your constant lamenting over minor hardships tiresome. If the ailment is truly serious, it will manifest itself and be visible in a way other than your complaints. Those who are truly suffering, to the point that it can be classified as a real illness, should speak up and take what they deem necessary. For if you rid yourselves of self-love, any comfort will cost you so much that you need not fear that you would misuse it or lament without reason. If a person does not break the habit of talking about it and complaining about everything – unless it is to God – they will never be able to stop. This body has one deficiency – the more care you give it, the more needs it discovers.
(sv. Terezie od Ježíše, Cesta dokonalosti 11,1–2)
