2 Keys to Happiness

    The work of the Sower is given to each of us in this world, and we fall short of our duty when we let those with whom we are brought in contact leave us without having given them a kind thought or pious impression.

Nothing is so sad as the cry, "I am useless!" Happily none need ever be so.

A kind word, a gentle act, a modest demeanor, a loving smile, are as so many seeds that we can scatter every moment of our lives, and which will always spring up and bear fruit.

Happy are those who have many around them ... they are rich in opportunities, and may sow plenteously.

    Learning is not without its effect upon the soul; it either lends it wings to bear it up to God, or leaves behind it tiny sparks, which little by little consume the whole being.

If you would ascertain all the good or ill you have derived from all those hours devoted to historians, poets, novelists, or philosophers, put to yourself these questions: Since acquiring this knowledge, am I wiser? am I better? am I happier?

Wiser?—That is to say, more self-controlled, less the slave of my passions, less irritated by small vexations, braver in bearing misfortunes, more careful to live for eternity?

Better?—More forbearing towards others, more forgiving, less uncharitable, more reticent in opposing the faults of others, more solicitous for the happiness of those around me?

Happier?—That would mean more contented with my station in life, striving to derive all possible benefits from it, to beautify rather than to alter it?

Have I more faith in God, and more calmness and resignation in all the events of life?

If you cannot reply in the affirmative, then examine your heart thoroughly, and you will find there, stifling the good that God has implanted, these three tyrants that have obtained dominion over, you: 

(1.) Pride; 

(2.) Ambition; 

(3.) Self-conceit.

From them have sprung: dissatisfaction and contempt of your life and its surroundings, restlessness, a longing for power and dominion over others, malice, habitual discontent, and incessant murmurings. Have you any further doubts? Then inquire of those with whom you live.

Ah! if this be indeed the sad result, then, whatever may be your age, close, oh! close those books, and seek once more those two elements of happiness you ought never to have forsaken, and which, had you made them the companions of your study, would have kept you pure and good.

 Prayer and manual labor are the two greatest keys to a life of happiness.  Invest some time in yourself - take time for thoughtful prayer. And get some exercise or some form of manual labor.

Benjamin Franklin's Thoughts on Moral Perfection

   "I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the one and avoid the other. But I soon found I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I had imagined.  

While my care was employ'd in guarding against one fault, I was often surprised by another; habit took the advantage of inattention; inclination was sometimes too strong for reason. I concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it was our interest to be completely virtuous, was not sufficient to prevent our slipping; and that the contrary habits must be broken, and good ones acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct. For this purpose I therefore contrived the following method.


In the various enumerations of the moral virtues I had met with in my reading, I found the catalogue more or less numerous, as different writers included more or fewer ideas under the same name. Temperance, for example, was by some confined to eating and drinking, while by others it was extended to mean the moderating every other pleasure, appetite, inclination, or passion, bodily or mental, even to our avarice and ambition. I propos'd to myself, for the sake of clearness, to use rather more names, with fewer ideas annex'd to each, than a few names with more ideas; and I included under thirteen names of virtues all that at that time occurr'd to me as necessary or desirable, and annexed to each a short precept, which fully express'd the extent I gave to its meaning.
 
These names of virtues, with their precepts, were:

1. Temperance

    Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

2. Silence.

    Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

3. Order.

    Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

4. Resolution.

    Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

5. Frugality.

    Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i. e., waste nothing.

6. Industry.

    Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. Sincerity.

    Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. Justice.

    Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9. Moderation.

    Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness.

    Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

11. Tranquillity.

    Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12. Chastity.

13. Humility.

Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

   Benjamin Franklin's Way to Wealth

Reaching New Heights!

    Do you have a goal or two you just seem to never quite get around to reaching? Has success eluded you in one or more areas of your life? Try taking a little time each day visualizing your goal - and how you plan to reach your milestone(s).

     The technique is useful in many areas of life -  from avoiding anxiety during a stressful situation, to performing well during competition. You may find it a powerful tool in your work projects or even your very own personal fitness program.

1. Identify and write down the goal you want to reach.
2. Find a comfortable place to sit and relax.
3. Eliminate all distractions—turn off your phone, the television, and your iPad.
4. Close your eyes and focus on feeling relaxed. Free your mind of intruding thoughts.
5. Now, imagine yourself on your favorite beach. Create a picture in your mind of the place—the sights, sounds, and smells. Imagine a perfect day, warm and sunny, with a gentle ocean breeze. Picture yourself with your spouse or a  favorite friend, talking and laughing. Now visualize yourself starting on your way towards reaching your goal. See yourself taking action. Imagine the steps you will take. Practice - in your mind!
6. Take a moment to feel the pleasure and excitement of reaching one milestone after another.
7. Then imagine yourself enjoying your success - enjoying the sunshine, the view, the fresh ocean breeze, the good company and your excellent health. ( Good health and fitness will certainly prove helpful! )
8. Finally, visualize yourself finishing the journey and feeling great, both physically and emotionally.

     If you want to make positive, lasting change in your life, it helps to spend some time thinking about motivation. What are your reasons for wanting to reach that goal? What are your other personal goals? Will they help you? Are your goals in balance with one another?

    What obstacles do you anticipate? Consider how you will overcome them? Make a plan. Then take massive action! Visualize your success and consider how you might celebrate your success!

    Picture yourself winning the race!