2014 December Newsletter

SEASON’S GREETINGS!

This time of year speaks of Joy and Happiness. The brisk air, sparkling decorations, and yes, even the hustle and bustle represent joy, if we make a specific decision to delight in the hope and excitement these things offer.
The gift of Happiness is our birthright. The decision to be happy is ours to make each day, but it is one that can elude us if we do not learn to tap into it.

Michael Singer, in his book The Untethered Soul, tells of God having a conversation with a human being.
Imagine with me, for a moment: God asks gently, “How are you doing? Do you like it here”
The disgruntled, ungrateful human answers, “Of COURSE I don’t like it here! Why SHOULD I?”
“Why not? What’s wrong?”
“Most trees are WAY too crooked; is that ugly, or WHAT? My mate went out with someone else, then ran up a big bill. That guy over there has a nicer car than mine; that woman dresses funny. On top of all that, my nose is too big, my ears are too small, and my toes are weird. This place is NOT okay! I don’t like any of it.”
God says, “Well, what about the rest of creation?”
“Are you kidding? Ants and mosquitoes bite me in summer, and frost bites me in winter. . if I were You, I’d FIX this stuff!”
Do you think God likes listening to this? Ummmm . . . I’m thinking . . . NO!
Thoroughly saddened, He visits someone else: “And how are YOU doing?”
This happy creature replies without hesitation, “I’m ecstatic!”
God says, “Wow! Well, how do you like things?”
“Oh, they’re beautiful. Everything I see makes me truly joyful. Look at that bent tree! It blows me away! The ant may bite me, but I find it amazing that a tiny ant could be brave enough to bite a giant like me!”
Now, you guess who God wants to hang around with!
If you want to be close to God, learn to be joyful. If you remain spontaneously happy and centered, you will find God. Words can’t adequately convey the treasures you’re going to discover! (Words like ecstasy, bliss, liberation, Nirvana, and freedom come to mind. Try it . . . see for yourself!)

Which is your choice in the coming year? Happiness or Unhappiness?

Happy Holidays!

Daniel

Thoughts for the Day

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”
~George Bernard Shaw

“Youth. I don’t seek it through another because I have it within; it’s a state of mind, a spirit that is free, and a mind that is playful. The shell of my being is altered by the effects of time, but nothing will tarnish a soul that will never forget what it’s like to experience creation with endless wonder and appreciation. Each time I see the first snowfall of the season I feel it’s the first time I’ve seen it at all.”
~Donna Lynn Hope

“Just because you’re grown up and then some doesn’t mean settling into the doldrums of predictability. Surprise people. Surprise yourself.” ~Victoria Moran

Thoughts for the Season

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” ~ Chinese Proverb

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” ~Lord George Gordon Byron (1788 – 1824)

Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all the realities and verities of existence.
The bliss of growth, the splendor of action, the glory of power.
And yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision.
But today – well lived – makes every yesterday
a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.~ Sanskrit proverb ~

Lite Thoughts

I was a vegetarian till I started leaning towards the sunlight ~ Rita Rudner

It’s not the load that breaks you down, but the way you carry it.

Kate, this one is for you: The box said “Requires Windows 2007 or better.” So I bought a MacIntosh.

The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe we are above the average driver.