Reaching for Happiness

Know that . . .

You can't be all things to all people.
You can't do all things at once.
You can't do all things equally well.
You can't do all things better than everyone else.
You are human like everyone else.

So . . .

Find out who you are, and be that.
Decide what comes first, and do that.
Discover your strengths, and use them.
Learn not to compete with others,
because no one else is in the contest of being you.

Then you'll have . . .

Learned to accept your uniqueness.
Learned to set priorities and make decisions.
Learned to live with your limitations.
Learned to give yourself the respect that is due.
And you'll be a most vital mortal.

Dare To Believe . . .

You're a wonderful, unique person.
You're a once-in-all-history event.
That it's more than a right to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve,
but a gift to cherish.
And you'll be able to stay one up
on anything that tries to get you down.

~Anon~
(Positive Thoughts)

Be Grateful by Edgar Guest

"Be grateful for the kindly friends that walk along your way;
Be grateful for the skies of blue that smile from day to day;
Be grateful for the health you own, the work you find to do,
For round about you there are men less fortunate than you.

Be grateful for the growing trees, the roses soon to bloom,
The tenderness of kindly hearts that shared your days of gloom;
Be grateful for the morning dew, the grass beneath your feet,
The soft caresses of your babes and all their laughter sweet.

Acquire the grateful habit, learn to see how blest you are,
How much there is to gladden life, how little life to mar!
And what if rain shall fall today and you with grief are sad;
Be grateful that you can recall the joys that you have had."

~Edgar Guest

Let Not a Day Go By

Let not a day go by without being nice to someone,
Smile at a stranger and watch their face light up,
you never know just how lonely they might be or
how good or bad their day might have been.
Pay an unexpected compliment to a friend and thank them for being there.
Write a note of appreciation to your spouse or child and watch them light up inside.
Hand a flower to an elderly person and see the smile it will bring upon their face-
You never quite know just how long it will be before they go to their resting place.
Call your parents, tell them how much you care, and share your life with them.
Tell them you love them and you miss them so.
Just wait and see what it does to them, they'll be happy to know.
Reach out your arms and hug someone in need,
it may not mend all their sorrows but it might help for tomorrow.

So with each passing day,
Light up someone's life.
For these little gestures can help with some daily strife’s,
There may be a time, when you are down and out and just to see a smile
or some reassurance on your way through life, would surely help with daily strife’s,
So put a little light in YOUR life, and light up someone's life today.

© Sherri Emily Avery

Nails in the Fence

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Remember that friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.'

YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!

Please forgive me if I have ever left a 'hole' in your fence.

There's an Angel in my Inbox

There's an angel in my inbox
And she came here from a friend
Who typed in my e-mail address
Then clicked on the button 'Send'
There's an angel in your inbox
And you got her straight from me;
I knew when I finished reading this,
It was something you should see.
This little angel in your inbox
Does contain a nice surprise;
For when you send her on to friends,
Her message multiplies.
She brings you a note of
Happiness, Health and Song;
And the nicest thing you can do
Today is to forward her along.
By simply sending her on
Can make you happy as can be;
She should be sent to everyone
Her message is for all to see.
Please send this little angel on,
And have a great day, too;
Just smile and be happy because
This angel was sent to you!

A Blessing is Coming

A Blessing is Coming

When I woke up this morning, I saw an Angel standing in front of me
looking directly into my eyes; saying what is your morning prayer?

I said, I want my loved ones to be Blessed, and He said to me again;
how many days do you want your friends to be Blessed?

I looked at Him. Directly into His eyes, just the way He was looking
into mine. I said FOREVER AND EVER, and He said Your wish is my COMMAND!

Then I saw Blessings coming down from Heaven in your direction.

TO MY CHILD

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles..

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys..

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day...

Author Anon 

MAYONNAISE JAR AND TWO BEERS

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes....’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed..

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car..

The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children..

Spend time with your parents

Visit with grandparents.

Take your spouse out to dinner.

Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.

Set your priorities.

The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.

The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

Do not judge to quickly

Sometimes people are quick
to judge others,
when what you see
isn't really all there.

People have different moods
different personalities
different desires,
so what you're really seeing
is only a mask,
of what others want you to see.

On the inside,
we all have the same desires,
a kind smile,
a warm heart,
a tender soul,
all wanting to be reached
on the inside.

We're all not perfect,
only human,
we'll have ups and downs
like a merry-go-round,
we'll make many mistakes.

But just remember,
the next time you see a person,
do not judge whats on
the outside,
we could be having a bad day.

Try and see on the inside,
and you will see,
the kind smile,
the warm heart,
the tender soul,
reaching out....

Copyright © Sherri Emily Avery

Rites of Passage

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.

Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next. When living becomes a burden, whether from pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a family by ensuring that their beloved pet has an easy passing. Making this final decision is painful, and I have often felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners. That was before I met Shane.

I had been called to examine a ten-year-old blue heeler, named Belker, who had developed a serious health problem. The dog's owners — Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane — were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four- year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me — I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody and being nice, right?"

The four-year-old continued ... "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

By Robin Downing, D.V.M.,

THE DASH

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend;
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears;
But he said what mattered most of all was the "dash" between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth;
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own the cars, the house, the cash;
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left (you could be at "dash midrange.")

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way the other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say —
about how you spent your dash?

~By Linda Ellis~

There's a Hole in My Sidewalk

A Poem by Portia Nelson:
Autobiography in Five Chapters

1) I walk down the street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
.... I fall in.
.... I am lost — I am helpless.
.... It isn't my fault.
.... It takes forever to find a way out.

2) I walk down the same street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
.... I pretend I don't see it.
.... I fall in again.
.... I can't believe I'm in the same place.
.... But it isn't my fault.
.... It still takes a long time to get out.

3) I walk down the same street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
.... I see it is there.
.... I still fall in — it's a habit
.... My eyes are open
.... I know where I am
.... It is MY fault.
.... I get out immediately.

4) I walk down the same street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
.... I walk around it.

5) I walk down a DIFFERENT street.

Portia Nelson (1920 - 2001) was a renaissance woman: author, singer, composer, lyricist, painter, photographer, and actress. Over the years she wrote the music and lyrics for many revues, television specials, and films. Portia authored the much-loved book There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery, originally published in the 1970's. There's a Hole in My Sidewalk was made into a musical based on the book, and Portia directed, created the music and lyrics, and performed in the production at the York Theatre in Manhattan. This amazing poem has been praised by psychotherapists, metaphysicians, and legions of fans from every walk of life. It is used in numerous 12-step substance-abuse programs, and has been quoted in such diverse books as The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and the preface of My Lives, Roseanne's best-selling autobiography. It also appears on a poster in Dr. Maguire's office (Robin Williams) in the film Good Will Hunting (1997). John Gray, Ph.D., author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, says: "There's a Hole in My Sidewalk explains in a simple and concise way, how life works. It is full of practical wisdom that will allow you to embrace and change your life."

"Are you doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?"

The Flow of Life

If we think and say "I am no good, nobody loves me,"
that is what comes back to us in experience.
Whatever deep intentions we have in our subconscious mind,
we will receive exactly what we are thinking and speaking.
Now imagine saying what we truly want with creative
loving intentions and creative loving words.

The more we repeat consciously a positive thought to our
subconscious mind through affirmations, the more we mean
business. We begin to water down resistance from our past,
as we begin to believe what we are saying. For example ...

“I love and approve of myself exactly as I am.”
“I am a vessel for divine ideas.”
“I am divinely protected and guided.”
"I am at one with the Flow of Life."

How to do it?
Sit quietly, go inside,
slow your thoughts down and say ...

“I am open for divine ideas to flow through me”

and ask ...

“What is it I need to learn?”
“What is it that I could do?”
”What do I have to give?”

Then reflect upon
what comes up for you.

@Roger King

Be Thankful

"The unthankful heart discovers no mercies;
but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and,
as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find,
in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"
~Henry Ward Beecher

Be thankful that you don't already have
everything you desire — if you did,
what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something...
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times...
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations...
They give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge...
Which will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes...
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary...
Because it means you've given your all.

It's easy to be thankful for the 'good' things...
Yet, a life of rich fulfillment comes to those
Who are thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive...
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
And they can become your blessings.

~ Author Unknown

No String Attached

"Unqualified love means there are no prerequisites,
no contingencies, no requirements for your love.
It is a gift given with no strings attached."
~Ellen Kreidman, Ph.D.

I've nothing else to offer,
So, to you, it's love I'll send,
It's nothing that I borrowed,
And it's nothing that I'd lend.

It has no dollar value,
And it can't be overused;
It isn't fragile, so it can't break,
Though, often it's abused.

I've given it to others,
But each time it's unique,
Its meaning's always different;
It depends on what you seek.

It's something you can store away
To feel when you're in need,
But never is it on display;
Its beauty can't be seen.

I'm giving it "no strings attached,"
No costly warranty;
This love that I am sending
Has a lifetime guarantee.

~Author Unknown

Rainbow's End Memorial

"It is at the hour of death that the good angel shows the greatest zeal in protecting and defending the soul committed to his care." ~Pascal Parente .

Honoring the Loss of A Loved One ...
(In memory of our dearest Mother on her 30th Death Anniversary, 16 May 1981)

Throughout history, the rainbow has served as a symbol — whether of blessings, peace, worldly transition or Divine promise, the rainbow has always been a sign of hope, a colorful arc of beauty that connects Earth to Heaven. Walking the Rainbow Bridge is also a mythic metaphor for the evolution of human consciousness to connect with Divinity, bringing Heaven down to Earth, where it is so desperately needed at this time.

We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.
The days that we don't think of you are very hard to find.

Each morning when we awake, we know that you are gone,
And nobody knows the heartache as we try to carry on.

Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose someone like you no one will ever know.

Our thoughts are clearly with you, your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly — in death we love you still.

There will always be a heartache and sometimes we'll shed a tear,
For there remain precious memories of the days when you were here.

If tears could make a staircase and heartaches make a lane,
We'd walk the path to Heaven and bring you home again.

So we'll let our angels guide us — right to the Rainbow's End —
They'll walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

~Author Unknown (Adaptation)

DAYDREAMS

If thoughts could paint pictures that words dare not speak,
And daydreams built castles of that which we seek,

Then artists and architects all would we be,
Our hearts would be open, our minds would be free.

I'd build a castle as daydreams unfold,
Revealing the feelings I secretly hold.

I'd paint a picture of words left unsaid,
And feelings of closeness to which they have led.

But pictures are thoughts that so rarely are told,
For fear of appearing too forward and bold.

And castles are built in the daydreamer's heart,
A lifetime of wishes still lifetimes apart.

And yet we are richer for all that we feel,
No matter how abstract, no matter how real.

For joy is a picture we paint in our minds,
And love is the castle our hearts hope to find.

~Author Unknown~

Light Up Someone's Life Today

Let not a day go bye without being nice to someone,
Smile at a stranger and watch their face light up,
You never know just how lonely they might be
Or how good or bad their day might have been.
Pay an unexpected compliment to a friend
And thank them for being there.
Write a note of appreciation to your spouse or child
And watch them light up inside.
Hand a flower to an elderly person and see
The smile it will bring upon their face.
You never quite know just how long it will be
Before they go to their resting place.
Call your parents, tell them how much you care, and share your life with them.
Tell them you love them and you miss them so.
Just wait and see what it does to them, they'll be happy to know.
Reach out your arms and hug someone in need,
It may not mend all their sorrows but it might help for tomorrow.

So with each passing day,
Light up someone's life.
For these little gestures can help with some daily strife’s,
There may be a time, when you are down and out and just to see a smile
Or some reassurance on your way through life, would surely help with daily strife’s,
So put a little light in YOUR life, and light up someone's life today.

Copyright © Sherri Emily Avery

Source: Positive Thoughts

Be

Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.
Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.
Be generous to those who need your help.

Be frugal with what you need yourself.
Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.
Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.

Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.
Be the first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be the last to criticize a colleague who fails.
Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble.

Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.
Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you, and they may change.
Above all, be yourself.

~Author Unknown

Source: Positive Thoughts

PURPLE CLOVER

There is a flower that bees prefer,
And butterflies desire;
To gain the purple democrat
The humming-birds aspire.

And whatsoever insect pass,
A honey bears away
Proportioned to his several dearth
And her capacity.

Her face is rounder than the moon,
And ruddier than the gown
Of orchids in the pasture,
Or rhododendron worn.

She doth not wait for June;
Before the world is green
Her sturdy little countenance
Against the wind is seen,

Contending with the grass,
Near kinsman to herself,
For privilege of sod and sun,
Sweet litigants for life.

And when the hills are full,
And newer fashions blow,
Doth not retract a single spice
For pang of jealousy.

Her public is the noon,
Her providence the sun,
Her progress by the bee proclaimed
In sovereign, swerveless tune.

The bravest of the host,
Surrendering the last,
Nor even of defeat aware
When cancelled by the frost.

~Emily Dickinson