I am blessed. I am surrounded by good neighbors and friends. They care about me and I care about them. When we move outside of our tight circle we discover a beautiful world filled with beautiful people who care and have loving hearts.
happiness
Poem for Today ~ Orchard
Orchard
H. D. (Hilda Doolittle)
I saw the first pear
as it fell—
the honey-seeking, golden-banded,
the yellow swarm
was not more fleet than I,
(spare us from loveliness)
and I fell prostrate
crying:
you have flayed us
with your blossoms,
spare us the beauty
of fruit-trees.
The honey-seeking
paused not,
the air thundered their song,
and I alone was prostrate.
O rough-hewn
god of the orchard,
I bring you an offering—
do you, alone unbeautiful,
son of the god,
spare us from loveliness:
these fallen hazel-nuts,
stripped late of their green sheaths,
grapes, red-purple,
their berries
dripping with wine,
pomegranates already broken,
and shrunken figs
and quinces untouched,
I bring you as offering.
Thinking Out loud ~ Happiness is Contagious
Let Your Shine Brighten the World
James Allen in his book, As a Man Thinketh, writes, “There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ills of the body; there is no comforter to compare with goodwill for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow. To live continually in thoughts of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison-hole. But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all—such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor.” Pps. 32-33
As a Man Thinketh is available online at gutenberg.org under the Harvard Classics.
NOTE: I’ve read if you’re in a poor mood and force yourself to smile and continue to smile your mood changes. You can’t be in a bad mood if you’re smiling. There is a lot of truth to that saying. Turn on TV. Watch any of the news programs and count how many people you see smiling and happy. They all look unhappy to me. It could be because of the news they’re reporting, the stress they’re under, or the people they work with. Unhappiness is as contagious as COVID. I also believe that happiness is equally contagious. One of the best ways to remain in an upbeat, optimistic, and happy mood is to surround ourselves with like people. Sunshine suddenly flows into our lives.
Poem for Today ~ Afternoon on a Hill
Afternoon on a Hill
Edna St.Vincent Millay
I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
I will look at cliffs and clouds
With quiet eyes,
Watch the wind bow down the grass,
And the grass rise.
And when lights begin to show
Up from the town,
I will mark which must be mine,
And then start down!
Feel Good Tip ~ It’s All So Simple
You’ll Feel Better
In my experience, the answer seems simple. We can eliminate much of the angst we feel today simply by making an effort to connect. I understand it’s difficult if you’re shy or an introvert or too busy. I understand it’s easy for extroverts and folks who easily move into relationships. When things are difficult for us, that is a a great sign. It is a challenge to learn, grow, and become more adept at something that was once difficult. When we connect with others, the world is a bit more friendly. When we connect with others, we gain an understanding of the other person and his/her struggles, beliefs, and dreams. When we connect with others, we discover we’re all in it together on a grand adventure on our trip around the sun. Connect, connect, connect. You’ll feel better.
Thinking Out Loud ~ What Thoughts Dictate Your Features?
Let the Sunshine In
James Allen in his book, As a Man Thinketh, writes, “I know a woman of ninety-six who has the bright, innocent face of a girl. I know a man well under middle age whose face is drawn into inharmonious contours. The one is the result of a sweet and sunny disposition; the other is the outcome of passion and discontent. As you cannot have a sweet and wholesome abode unless you admit the air and sunshine freely into your rooms, so a strong body and a bright, happy, or serene countenance can only result from the free admittance into the mind of thoughts of joy and goodwill and serenity.”
As a Man Thinketh is available online at gutenberg.org under the Harvard Classics.
NOTE: James Allen wrote his book, As a Man Thinketh, in 1903. That was long before scientists began to research the mind body connection. Allen makes the mind body connection and argues that the kinds of thoughts we have will have their expression in our body. From my experience, it’s true. I know many people who are happy, kind, and compassionate. They go about their day filled with joy. They look remarkably younger than those I know who are angry about everything. They are angry about family, politics, and neighbors. Their thinking is written throughout their face. One way of de-aging ourselves is to change the way we think. Let the sunshine in and the years will wash away.
Poem for Today ~ I Have a Rendezvous With Life
I Have a Rendezvous With Life
Countee Cullen
I have a rendezvous with Life,
In days I hope will come,
Ere youth has sped, and strength of mind,
Ere voices sweet grow dumb.
I have a rendezvous with Life,
When Spring’s first heralds hum.
Sure some would cry it’s better far
To crown their days with sleep
Than face the road, the wind and rain,
To heed the calling deep.
Though wet nor blow nor space I fear,
Yet fear I deeply, too,
Lest Death should meet and claim me ere
I keep Life’s rendezvous.
Daily Inspirational Quotes ~ It’s An Easy Choice
“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable or happy and strong.
The amount of work is th same.”
Francesco Reigler
