“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln
I guess I made up my mind long ago. Happiness is much more rewarding than the opposite. Oh, I’ve had my share of problems and I have some down times just like everyone else. But I can’t stay in grumpy land or feel sorry for myself for very long. I think my overall outlook on life has always been positive because I just don’t like myself when I’m unhappy. And I don’t think anyone else likes grouchy Mary either.
I know there is much in life that is not within our control.
Things happen that hurt our hearts and minds and bodies.
People do things that are mean and spiteful.
The world is filled with pain and suffering and disaster.
But we can control our minds.
We can control our attitude.
We can control how we respond to other people.
We can control how we react to events.
We can make up our minds to be happy in spite of everything.
“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.” Ecclesiastes 3:12. Perhaps it is the second part of the verse that we neglect.
Be happy today …and do something good!
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