How to Grow Happiness

Step 1:
Plant yourself deep in a bed of FAITH, and pack it down solid and tight. Drench daily with POSITIVE THINKING, and keep saturated just right. Mulch often with FORGIVENESS, for this will help you grow.


Quickly REMOVE any seeds of WORRY, for they will soon germinate, and KEEP OUT the weeds of DESPAIR. nourish disappointments with HOPE whenever it is needed, and always STAY COOL and shaded when you feel irritated or heated. TRIM away GUILT and DEPRESSION, for they reate decay, and cultivate with HAPPY MEMORIES as often as every day.


Step 2:
Harvest the LESSONS of the past; just dig, pick and hoe. And nurture the roots of the present, for now is when you FLOURISH and GROW. Start planting for the future; SET YOUR GOALS in a row. Spade the bed well for all your DREAMS to grow.


Step 3:
Remember that grief is a natural predator, so learn to TOLERATE some damage. Protect your garden with DAILY PRAYERS, for this will help you manage. BURY the CRITICISM and COMPLAINING, for they are injurious pests.


Sow the seeds of LOVE wherever you may go -- for JOY, LOVE and LAUGHTER are surely bound to grow. Although the thorns of life may be here to stay, just sprout a SMILE along the way... and BE THANKFUL for what you have TODAY!


--Michael Rossi

THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE:

Before you say "I can't,"
     Make sure you've already tried.
Before you let doubts stop you,
     Confront them with facts.
Before reasons convince you it's impossible,
    Pursue the one reason that
    makes it possible.
Before failure enters your mind,
     Hide success in your heart.
Before fear holds you back,
     Go forward with faith.
Before problems interfere with your plans,
     Use them to accomplish your goals.
Before you hold back because you think
     others are better,
     Show them what a winner you are.
Before you settle for less,
     Hold on to what is most important.
Before you believe there is no way,
     Keep going and you'll make one.
Before you give up,
     Be at peace inside.
Before you dismiss your dreams,
     Wait until they've come true.
Before you go looking for happiness,
     Make your own where you are!


-- Nancy Sims

MOTTO FOR A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Refuse to be unhappy;
     be cheerful instead.
Refuse to let your troubles multiply;
     just take them one by one.
Organize your time; keep your life simple
     and exactly the way you want it.
Refuse to complain about things;
     learn to improve your surroundings
     and create your world the way
     you believe it should be.
Refuse to dwell on the mistakes
     or disappointments that are
     sometimes a part of life;
     instead, learn how you can
     make things better.
Be optimistic.
Be energetic and positive
     about things you do,
and always hope for the best.
Believe in yourself at all times
     and in all aspects of your life.
Before you know it,
     those wonderful dreams
     you have believed in all your life
     will come true,
     and your life will be
the happy and successful life
     that it was meant to be.


--Ben Daniels

12 QUALITIES OF POSITIVE THINKERS

1. They have confidence in themselves.
2. They have a very strong sense of purpose.
3. They never have excuses for not doing something.
4. They always try their hardest for perfection.
5. They never consider the idea of failing.
6. They work extremely hard towards their goals.
7. They know who they are.
8. They understand their weaknesses as well as their strong points.
9. They can accept and benefit from criticism.
10. They know when to defend what they are doing.
11. They are creative.
12. They are not afraid to be a little different in finding innovative solutions that will enable them to achieve their dreams.

-- Susan Polis Schultz

TEN SUGGESTIONS for a BRIGHTER FUTURE

1. Realize that life isn't always fair. Accept what you must, and change what you can.

2. Think before you act. A moment of carelessness or anger can cause years of anguish and regret.

3. Look for the beauty in life, in people, in nature, and in yourself.

4. Appreciate what you have: the people, the opportunities, the material possessions.

5. Make the effort to have fun. It's a great way to bond with others, and it makes some of the best memories.

6. Set aside some time for yourself. Do something you enjoy without feeling even a little guilty.

7. Accept others without judgment. Everyone is unique, and it's okay to be different.

8. Forgive. Bitterness and resentment hurt you more than the person you direct them at.

9. Learn. Open your mind to new ideas and activities, and don't be afraid to try.

10. Dream. Make plans, believe in yourself, and go for what you want.

--Barbara Cage