Here’s a recap of those habits of joyful people covered in previous entries...
Joyful People:
1 Appreciate Life
2 Choose Friends Wisely
3 Are Considerate
4 Learn Continuously
5 Use Creative Problem Solving
6 Do What They Love
Note: Many thanks to Dr. Michelle McCollum for her portion of content in this series. Photo credits: Google Images and Personal Collection
Enjoy Life
“A man can only do what he can do. But if he does that each day, he can sleep at night and do it again the next day.” ~Albert Schweitzer
Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc.
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| 5 LINX Super Saturday Training - Embassy Suites Dallas, TX |
Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past. Learn from it. Don’t live too much in the future. Just prepare for it.
“Well, one thing, at least is good: it is for a man to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, accept his position in life, and enjoy his work whatever his job may be, for however long The LORD may let him live. And of course, it is very good if a man has received wealth from The LORD, and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and to accept your lot in life – that is indeed a gift from GOD. The person who does that will not need to look back with sorrow on his past, for GOD gives him joy.”
~Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Keep Their Word
Honesty is the best policy. Socrates said it like this: “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.”
Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones. If you find that you are unable to keep your word, say something. Don’t just ignore your promise hoping no one will remember. That seldom works out well.
“It’s not what we eat, but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain, but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.” ~Frances Bacon, Sr. quote
Forgive
Forgiveness is a key ingredient to true peace. In Luke 17:4, we learn “Even if a person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.
In the chapter on forgiving yourself of the wonderful book by Paul Meyer, Forgiveness: …the Ultimate Miracle” he gives “The top 13 reasons why forgiving yourself is hard” and they are listed below.
“For most people, forgiving themselves is a very difficult thing to do. Is that true for you? If so, why? Perhaps it is because:
§ You can justify the actions of others, but not your own
§ You still feel guilty, regardless of what others say
§ You cannot accept failure
§ You have to live with yourself
§ You cannot escape your past
§ You can give grace, but you cannot receive it
§ You couldn’t possibly pay for what you did
§ Your mind will not stop replaying the incident
§ You don’t feel worthy of forgiveness
§ You don’t believe others and God have really forgiven you
§ You refuse to forgive others
§ You simply don’t know how
WHATEVER the reason – or excuse – you still need to forgive yourself . I repeat, YOU NEED TO FORGIVE YOURSELF!
When you forgive yourself after forgiving others, you finish the circle of forgiveness. You are completely free to enjoy all the benefits of forgiveness without the side effects of unforgiveness.”
Laugh
“Trouble knocked on the door, but hearing laughter, hurried away.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate, laugh and make light of the circumstances.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favorite films. The lead played by the late Audrey Hepburn sharing my same sentiment, remarked: “I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.”
Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh. Often when people are uncomfortable or don’t know what to say they will laugh as a reflex. Ask yourself, “Am I laughing at someone’s pain?” And if the answer is yes, of course it would be best that you not laugh. However, if it’s not at the expense of another, I say by all means have yourself the best belly laugh you can get out of it.
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| With DPSVP Barry Donalson at 5 LINX Super Saturday in Dallas, TX |
I remember reading once that “Laughter is the human body wagging its tail.” Laughing just makes you feel good. Do it as much as you can and share generously!
Are Grateful
“Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.” ~1 Timothy 4:4 (NLT)
Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.
“To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kindness that stands behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for it.” ~Albert Schweitzer
“It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time. Anger and laughter are mutually exclusive and you have the power to choose either.”
~Wayne Dyer
“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” Gladys Brown Stern
Thanks so much for Reading and Sharing The Love!!!
