Categories Finding happiness

Giving and getting

For it is in giving that we receive. St. Francis of Assisi c. 1181 – 1226 When I was a young child, I wasn’t particularly fond of returning to school after the holidays — though not for the reason you might think. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t like … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Finding happiness

What’s your dream?

Nothing is to be clung to as in I, me or mine. Buddha 563 B.C. – 483 B.C. Most people have a secret dream, one they aren’t willing to share with many people. I want you to think about your secret dream. It could be a big home in the … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Merry Christmas

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Charles Dickens 1812 – 1870 Christmas is both a joyful and a stressful time of year. Celebrating with the people we love can be quite enjoyable. But given the demands of the season — the … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Growing good corn

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Buddha The following story has been around for some time, but it contains a very valuable lesson that I believe is worth sharing. (All … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Finding happiness

The consumer treadmill

Men do not desire to be rich, but to be richer than other men. John Stuart Mill 1806 – 1873 Treadmills are wonderful — for exercise. Otherwise, being on a treadmill means spending a lot of time and energy but not making any real progress. Unfortunately, we’ve become a nation … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Why ask “why”?

More information is always better than less. Simon Sinek 1973 – When you’re charged with a task, whether it’s at work, at home, or with friends, does the reason why matter? Does your manager try to motivate you by instilling a sense of purpose in your work? Do you try … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

What’s your Christmas wish?

Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves. Eric Sevareid 1912 – 1992 This is the time of the year when the Christians of the world celebrate the birth of Christ. But … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Finding happiness

Getting or giving

Real life is being things on the inside, not getting things on the outside. Ralph Parlette 1870 – 1930 This little incident took place a few years back, at a gathering for some of our extended family. We’d finished lunch and the children had settled into play mode. The weather … [ Continue Reading ]