First impressions count
Each smile creates another—
One more happy heart
Lifting up others
Laughter’s contagious spirit—
Feeling heartfelt joy
Sharing contentment
Cheerful heart opens one more—
Spirit’s gentleness
The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.
The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.
Socrates (death in 399 B.C.) was a Greek philosopher from Athens. He has often been credited with the founding of Western philosophy.
If there were one great message I could deliver to those who struggle with not having an abundance of this world’s goods, it would be this simple yet profound promise for happiness: Great wealth is not related to money! In a word, the secret is contentment.
From Proverbs 16:8: “Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice.”
A very early poem of mine was entitled “Still a Desperate Man“ which was inspired by Eric Church’s top country music hit of “Desperate Man.” If you missed the earlier poem, follow the link. I want to thank Jim Borden of Borden’s Blather for encouraging me to write this sequel. I encourage you to check out Jim’s blog with its wonderful and inspiring variety of posts.
Waking up each morning, right on time
My alarm clock allows this day to climb
Feeling happiness—this life now rhymes
Driving to work in a brand new set of wheels
With low monthly payments, my wallet squeals
Feeling joy—kicking up these dancing heels
Returning from work, this day’s in the books
Satisfied with how that hefty, new raise looks
Feeling elation—inviting a new life’s chinook
Opening up the fridge, filled with favorite delights
Dinner tonight, taking taste buds to new heights
Feeling serenity—life marches in bright lights
Opening the mail one quiet afternoon
My love’s note makes this heart swoon
Feeling peace—love takes us to the moon
Looking forward to seeing her this weekend
Her love will always be a blessed godsend
Feeling humility—life no longer at loose ends
This incredible life now follows a new game plan
Sailing calm waters aboard life’s catamaran
No longer will I ever feel like a desperate man
Originally published July, 2020.
Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you’re aboard, there’s nothing you can do.
If only political leaders would allow themselves to feel, as well as to think, the world might be a happier place.
Golda Meir (1898-1978) was Prime Minister of Israel from 1969-1974. She was and has remained Israel’s only female head of government.
Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures.
The best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible today.
Horace Greeley (1811-1872) was an American newspaper editor and publisher.
Originality is not doing something no one else has ever done, but doing what has been done countless times with new life, new breath.
You can pursue happiness, or you can create it.
Marie Chapian (born 1938) is an American writer and radio ministry host.
Words are the clothes thoughts wear.
The more people I meet the happier I become.
Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) was an Irish writer who enjoyed crafting short stories, poems, and novels.
Write on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.
For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher. He was a leading voice in America’s transcendentalist movement in the 19th century.
Speaking to others
Thoughtful grace shining outward—
Revealing kindness
Enthusiasm’s voice
Sunshine brightens one more life—
Spirits lifted up
Nurtured, fertile ground
Cultivation’s happiness—
Spreading seeds of joy
Big Sky Buckeye 