Ray’s Daily
October 4, 2017
“Happiness depends upon ourselves.”
Aristotle
It is no wonder that so many folks are down in the dumps these days with all the natural disasters and the mass murder in Los Vegas on top of their own personal burdens. I know my wife and I have not found much happiness in her health struggles. But I also know that to stay happy we need to resist the temptation to give into sadness.
I think happiness is enhanced by how we live our lives. I never want to give into despair when there is always something better. Recently I found an article written by Gary Savoie where he shared his thoughts on how we can be happy. Here in part is what he wrote:
Here are five things that you can give up if you want to be happy:
Complaining
Complaining can be an easy way to blow off steam; however, too much of it can be damaging to yourself and those around you. Complaining is one of those behaviors that feeds itself. By constantly talking about how bad things are, you reaffirm your negative beliefs.
While expressing your concerns once in awhile can be viewed as a healthy and therapeutic outlet, a constant display of your frustrations will only fuel your unhappiness and drive others away.
Limiting beliefs
We often assume that happy people never have limiting beliefs – that they’re always happy – and never struggle with their decisions or confidence. The truth is no matter how happy you’re, there will still be moments where you experience thoughts of uncertainty. The difference is that those that experience happiness often handle their limiting beliefs better than others. Bring awareness to your limited beliefs, embrace them, and use them as an opportunity to grow.
Dwelling on the Past
When you think about past events, chances are they’re not healthy or positive. Negative thoughts are the quickest way to kill your happiness. Dwelling on the past will keep you focusing on the “what ifs” and “how comes.”
Blaming Others
Unhappy people find no shame in blaming others when something goes wrong. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they point the finger in the opposite direction. They find it difficult to believe that the situation they are in is due to their own choices.
It’s okay to be wrong. In fact, most people find it admiral when you choose to “fall on your sword.” Being able to accept responsibility for your actions is a clear indication that you’re comfortable with however the outcome turns out, which can also be interpreted as a sign of happiness.
Resistance to Change
One of Ben Franklin’s most famous quotes is “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Although true, there is one more certainty in life: that’s change. Change is inevitable and being willing to adapt to change is a critical factor in determining your happiness.
People who resist change focus on the problem, not the solution. Instead of embracing change they revolt, which only fuels more negativity – making the situation worse – and making themselves even more unhappy. Life is all about change. The sooner you learn to embrace it, the happier you’ll be.
~~~
“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
L.M. Montgomery
~~~
On their 50th wedding anniversary, a couple summed up the reason for their long and happy marriage.
The husband said, “I have tried never to be selfish. After all, there is no “I” in the word ‘marriage.'”‘
The wife said, “For my part, I have never corrected my husband’s spelling.”
~~~
The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.
~~~
My boss’ wife Sherry was exasperated with her younger sister, who bought an unreliable car and called for a ride every time it broke down. One day Sherry got yet another one of those calls. “What happened this time?” she asked.
“My brakes went out,” her sister said.
“Can you come to get me?”
“Where are you?” Sherry asked. “I’m in the drugstore,” her sister responded. “And where’s the car?”
“It’s in here with me.”
~~~
Always listen to the experts. They’ll tell you what can’t be done and why. Then do it.
Robert Heinlein
~~~
She said: Everybody’s a comedian. I called my local home improvement store for a simple piece of advice. “I know the Sheetrock is nailed to the studs,” I said to the guy who answered the phone, “but how do I find the studs?”
“Put an ad in the personals column.” he suggested.
~~~
The real test of friendship is: can you literally do nothing with the other person?
Can you enjoy those moments of life that are utterly simple?
Eugene Kennedy
~~~
A primer for any couple should be the book MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS. It explains that men and women are from different planets. For example: women like to verbalize their feelings on relationships. It’s difficult for a man to even admit he’s in a relationship.
~~~
Don’t rely on someone else for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can’t love and respect yourself – no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are – completely; the good and the bad – and make changes as YOU see fit – not because you think someone else wants you to be different.”
Stacey Charter
~~~
Ray Mitchell
Indianapolis, Indiana
Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.
Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.
Leave a Reply