Categories Finding happiness

Offering help

Many receive advice, few profit by it. Publilius Syrus 1st Century B.C. Human nature is a funny thing. When we discover a new truth or helpful habit, we can become too enthusiastic about sharing our new-found wisdom with others. We’ve all encountered this behavior: the reformed drinker who suddenly wants … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Direction, or directions?

The best executive is the one who has the sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. Theodore Roosevelt 1858 – 1919 Do you want to be a better manager, parent or relationship … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Finding happiness

Controlling foul moods

Things themselves don’t hurt or hinder us. It is our attitudes and reactions that give us trouble. Epictetus 55 – 135 A.D. Have you ever had one of those days when it seems like anyone or anything can get under your skin and put you in a foul mood? Recently, … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

The danger of ‘should’

Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be. Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803 – 1852 A few years ago, I went to my primary care physician for an annual check-up. My … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Do you talk too much?

Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so he is. Publilius Syrus 1st Century B.C. I’m sure you’ve known people who are very uncomfortable with silence: they constantly talk even when they have nothing worth saying. At the other end of the spectrum are people who … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Cuckoo birds

Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other. Benjamin Franklin 1706 – 1790 I’m not sure where or when the word “cuckoo” became associated with doing something foolish or crazy; I think cuckoo birds are fairly smart and cunning. As proof, I offer the amazing behavior … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

How big is your circus?

Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems. Scott Adams 1957 – Recently, my daughter introduced me to a wonderful Polish saying that many of us should take to heart. The phrase captures a wealth of wisdom in its few words: “Not … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Never worry alone

A faithful friend is a strong defense: And he that hath found such a one hath found a treasure. Ecclesiastes 6:14 We all engage in worry at times — some of us on a daily basis. Many of the things we worry about have little chance of happening, so a … [ Continue Reading ]

Categories Lessons in Life

Are you building walls or bridges?

You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late, Before you are six or seven or eight, To hate all the people your relatives hate, You’ve got to be carefully taught! “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” From the 1949 musical South Pacific Rogers and Hammerstein I’d like you to … [ Continue Reading ]