HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

“Happiness is a choice. If you have the courage to admit when you’re scared, the ability to laugh even as you cry, the nerve to speak up, even if your voice is shaking, the confidence to ask for help when you need it, and the wisdom to take it when it’s offered, then you have everything you need to get yourself to a happier state of mind. Take responsibility for your own happiness.

Here are ten ways to be happy. Here we go!

1. Choose to be the best YOU can be. ...

2. Choose to be around the right people. ...

3. Choose to focus on what you have, not on what you haven't. ...

4. Choose a good attitude. ...

5. Choose to smile more often. ...

6. Choose to take care of your body. ...

7. Choose honesty. ...

8. Choose to help others when you're able.

9. Choose to let go when you know you should…

10. Choose to embrace the next step in your life.”

I love the feeling that happiness resonates. It is so much better than its alternative. Who wants to be sad and feel heavy when you can feel light and be happy!

Don’t you agree?

The jingle of that familiar encouraging song, "Don't worry. Be happy” is playing in the background. Do you hear it?

Photo inspirationcabin.com; Credit:Source: marcandangel.com

MY NEVER LIST

By Vernalee

Allow me to “Vernalize” you with my list of never(s). I can never repeat this list too many times and you may have read it before, but it is either now or never … so here goes…

Never say never! It may come back to sting you. Sometimes, you just never know what you may do!

Never pretend to be someone else.

Never disrespect your parents.

Never act as if you are an island because it's lonely by yourself.

Never set yourself up for failure.

Never keep a notebook of secrets that you don't want to be seen.

Never become a habitual liar. It makes the truth too hard to tell.

Never tell on yourself. You never did it unless your DNA proves it!

Never tell people what you think they want to hear to be kind - if you are being dishonest.

Never lie about where you are going if you don't want your whereabouts to be discovered.

Never make promises that you can't keep.

Never have a hiding spot that is easy to find.

Never back down from your principles.

Never let someone you love go; you may not be able to get them back.

Never be nobody's fool or doormat.

Never get caught.

Never cry “wolf” because no one will believe you when you are being truthful.

Never doubt yourself.

Never put yourself between a rock and a hard place.

Never underestimate yourself or others.

Never trust anyone who has demonstrated that they are not trustworthy.

Never feel defeated.

Never tell a never ending story.

Never forget what should be remembered.

Never give up or quit.

Never forget the "road" that took you over. You may have to come back.

Never judge a book by its cover.

Never knew I needed you until I lost you.

Never once have I _______.

Never pay to play.

Never rub me the wrong way.

Never burn bridges. Crossing back over is impossible if the bridge is gone.

Never make a never list with stuff that you know you will never do because you never know what will come up.

It never dawned on me because there is rarely never a dull moment in my life so never mind me or my list because I am sure that you have your own.

My never list is too long to list it all here.

Nevertheless, just like gospel singer Marvin Sapp, I realized that I need spiritual guidance and that I “Never would have made it without God!

Photo reprint: www.preachit..com

YOU - THEN OTHERS

By Vernalee

When we travel, the flight attendants alert us to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first before attempting to help others. This is not a selfish command, but one of immense survival. How can you help others, if you are struggling; if you are not secure? In like manner, how can you guide others, if you are lost and don’t know what to do? It is imperative that we sufficiently get ourselves together before we extend help to others. There is a strong tendency to follow when we sense that the leaders know what they are doing and where they are going! Right? Operating from a position of strength helps us to better direct others. This strength extends beyond our physical capacity, but travels to the realms of our inner emotional self. It starts with us! We cannot reasonably ask of others what we refuse to do ourselves. If we are a beacon, others will see our light from afar. Our stability helps us to better assist others; to become a beacon of hope.

"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

-John Maxwell Photo credit: www.slideshare.net