I liked this quote from a novel I’m reading by David Baldacci, “You take life as it comes to you, and it’s really perfect.” It made a lot of sense to me. I know I’d like life to be the way I want it to be, that is seldom the case. When I allow myself to be disappointed because life isn’t the way I want it to be I become the creator of my unhappiness. When I take life as it is and do my best to make the most of it, happiness happens. Make the best of it in any moment and watch happiness happen.
happiness
Poem for Today ~ Swans
Swans
Sara Teasdale
Night is over the park, and a few brave stars Look on the lights that link it with chains of gold, The lake bears up their reflection in broken bars That seem to heavy for tremulous water to hold. We watch the swans that sleep in a shadowy place, And now and again one wakes and uplifts its head; How still you are—your gaze is on my face— We watch the swans and never a word is said.
Daily Inspirational Quotes ~ A Reason to be Grateful
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Feel Good Tip ~ Music Makes Our Mood
Want to Feel Happier? Music Can Help
The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media provided the following information on how listening to upbeat, happy music can be good for us.
Music tends to hit on us a deep level. Whether it is sad music that helps us feel relatable when we are going through hard times or joyful music that adds an extra bounce to your step, music is incredibly powerful. . . . The Journal of Positive Psychology conducted a study in 2013 that discovered that individuals who listened to music that could be classified as happy and upbeat were able to improve their mood and overall happiness in just a few weeks. Throughout the study, participants were encouraged to try to improve their mood, but they were only able to find success when they listened to happier music. The music options that were offered were Copland (upbeat) compared to the gloomier Stravinsky.
Feeling good about yourself is great, but there are larger implications at play. Did you know that a better overall mood and demeanor are linked to the following:
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- Better physical health
- Higher income
- Greater relationship satisfaction
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Note: Why not create a personal playlist of songs that make you feel happy and want to sing along? You’ll get physical and emotional benefits from listening to your “happy” playlist.
Poem for Today ~ The Flower at My Window
The Flower at My Window
Lucina B. Watkins
O! my heart now feels so cheerful as I go with footsteps light
In the daily toil of my dear home;
And I’ll tell to you the secret that now makes my life so bright—
There’s a flower at my window in full bloom.
It is radiant in the sunshine, and so cheerful after rain;
And it wafts upon the air its sweet perfume.
It is very, very lovely! May its beauties never wane—
This dear flower at my window in full bloom.
Nature has so clothed it in such glorious array,
And it does so cheer our home, and hearts illume;
Its dear mem’ry I will cherish though the flower fade away—
This dear flower at my window in full bloom.
Oft I gaze upon this flower with its blossoms pure and white.
And I think as I behold its gay costume,
While through life we all are passing may our lives be always bright
Like this flower at my window in full bloom.
Daily Inspirational Quotes ~ C’Mon, Smile
“Don’t brood. Get on with living and loving. You don’t have forever.”
Feel Good Tip ~
I asked the AI program ChatGPT to list 5 myths associated with happiness.
Here’s the 5 myths that ChatGPT generated. How many of these myths do you hold as true?
Here are five common myths about happiness:
- Myth: Happiness is the Absence of Negative Emotions: Many people believe that happiness means feeling positive emotions all the time and avoiding negative ones. However, true happiness involves a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and fear. It’s more about having a healthy emotional balance and being able to navigate and learn from different emotions.
- Myth: Money and Possessions Guarantee Happiness: While financial stability can certainly contribute to a sense of well-being, the pursuit of material wealth alone does not guarantee lasting happiness. Studies have shown that once basic needs are met, additional income or possessions have diminishing returns in terms of increasing happiness.
- Myth: Happiness is a Destination: People often think of happiness as a future goal or a destination they need to reach. However, happiness is more about the journey and the way you approach and experience life on a daily basis. It’s not something you achieve and then maintain indefinitely, but rather something you cultivate through mindful living.
- Myth: External Events Dictate Happiness: Many believe that external circumstances, such as getting a promotion, finding a partner, or achieving a certain goal, are necessary for happiness. While these events can bring temporary joy, long-lasting happiness often stems from an internal state of contentment and perspective.
- Myth: Happiness is Selfish: Some people may feel guilty pursuing their own happiness, thinking it’s a selfish endeavor. However, taking care of your own well-being and finding happiness can actually make you more capable of helping and positively impacting others. It’s not a zero-sum game; personal happiness can lead to a more compassionate and giving attitude toward others.
Feel Good Tip ~ Practicing Common Courtesies
The Little Things Add Up
Practicing common curtesies makes all the difference. One of the reasons I like living in south Texas is that folks still practice common courtesies. Rarely do I hear a horn blaring if someone is stopped at a red light and not paying attention to when it turns greens. Going in and out of a building it’s common to have someone hold the door for the next person coming through. And, people are not afraid to smile and greet each other with a good morning or buenas dias. It’s the little things that make one realize we’re all riding together on planet Earth and we just might make it if we’re a bit more friendly toward each other.
