Just Being Happy
I recently visited with family in North Carolina and found a box of old books. One of them was called “Just Being Happy: A little book of Happy Thoughts”, edited by Edwin Osgood Grover. I loved seeing it. It was a compendium of quotes in the days before the Internet and Twitter. Copyright 1913!!
One of my favorite points from the author was in his explanation of why he curated the book.
The pleasure in happiness comes in the pursuit and not the attainment of happiness.
I agree. Will I ever be completely satisfied with everything, content with every day at work, joyful in every conversation with friends or family, or pleased with every bill or obligation? No!! But I’m going to enjoy trying to be happy.
Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:
There is a beautiful and an ugly way in which to say almost everything, and happiness depends upon which way we take. You can upset a person for the whole day by the harsh way in which you may call him in the morning, or you may give him a beautiful start by the cheeriness of your greeting. So not only in words but in all the little common courtesies and duties of life, think of the beautiful way of doing each.
– Delia L. Porter
Do not keep the alabaster box of your love and friendship sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them, and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier. The kind things you mean to say when they are gone, say before they go.
– George W. Childs
Life is short, and we ever have too much time for glad denying the hearts of those who are travel linde dark journey with us. O be swift to love, make haste to be kind!
– Amiel
Be Well. Lead On.
Adam
Adam L. Stanley
Connections Blog
Technology. Leadership. Food. Life.
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