The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.
– Doug Larson
The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.
– Doug Larson
Yesterday I posted about the last week or so. In that post I mentioned that my kowhai tree was flowering and that I hoped the Tuis would come and visit the tree.
Well they have been visiting. Yippee! My point and shoot camera has a limited zoom and Tuis are wary of people so my shots are not that close unfortunately.
I hope you can see the Tui in the tree and then flying away. I am so delighted that they are coming to drink the nectar from this lovely tree.
I found this in an old Church recipe book.
“Equal parts of health, honest work, rest and recreation, mixed carefully with diligence, cheerfulness and an even temper.
Sift them through the sieve of determination to get rid of any lumps of idleness or despondency.
Then bring the whole to a cream with the milk of human kindness and spirits of consideration and sympathy, stirring each in gently with an inspiring hand.
Add to this a sparkle of smiles and colour with laughter, a mere thought and a few illusions.
This mixture can be made at home by anyone.”
What does the wee phrase “a sparkle of smiles” bring to mind for you? I’d be interested to know.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In those choices lie our growth and our happiness.” Viktor E Frankl
2011 has had some daunting moments and the events that have occurred will continue to impact on our lives for a long time. I am constantly looking for things that help boost mood, build resilience and an optimistic view of life. The title of this book caught my eye and I requested it from our local library.
“The Happiness Project, or Why I spent a year trying to sing in the morning, clean my closets, fight right, read Aristotle and generally have more fun” by Gretchen Rubin.
I have found this book to be a stimulating, provocative and helpful read. It certainly requires attention and is not some glib, once over lightly wander through “happiness”.
Her website is: www.happiness-project.com and is chock full of extras.
Even without natural disasters, economic recessions and unrest around the world, we humans are fascinated with Happiness. If you want to extend your inquiry into this state read this book.
A good friend of mine is an experienced life coach and writer/editor. I have a link to her Contemplate Life Coaching business on my blog. www.mariankerr.co.nz will take you to her site. On her website she includes articles, book reviews, her blog and all the details about the great services she offers. The stunning photos are her work also!