Two Things We Want Most

Many people have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. - Helen Keller

Life can be very complex at times. Working on relationships, raising children, building careers, and exploring our faith all require time and effort – no question. As complex as these things are, take comfort in the fact the reasons we work so hard may not be complicated at all.

It has been suggested by psychologists what people want most in life is to experience pleasure and to avoid pain. As a result of spending a lifetime paying attention to what people are saying and feeling, as well becoming more aware of what motivates and drives me; I would suggest the psychologists are wrong. From my life experiences, it is clear what we really want most boils down to two things: happiness, and purpose. Read more

How to be Happier: 16 Life Rules to Remember

Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen. - Mark Twain

Bad things come in threes.

I’m usually not superstitious, but after the events of the past year I’m beginning to believe this particular piece of folklore to be true.

One year ago Mary Beth and I were returning from a Saturday morning run when we received the telephone call her father had unexpectedly died. He suffered a fatal heart attack nobody saw coming. In March, my wife received the diagnosis of the brain malformation which would require surgery later in May. We didn’t see that one coming as well. April brought the news of my mother’s death. She had been ill for some time and although her death was not a surprise, it hurt nonetheless. I guess I didn’t see the pain her death caused coming either.

Bad things did came in threes for us.

This past year has been a year for pain and loss, and it’s been a year for growth and awareness, too. Often it’s the more significant occurrences in our life that provide a better context for what’s truly important compared to what we sometimes think is important.

I’m learning the new normal for me is simplicity and gratitude. Less can be more when we turn down the noise to hear what our hearts are telling us do. My heart is telling me to love everybody close to me as if it were their last day; to move confidently in the direction of my dreams before it gets too much later and to keep learning to be happier with the person I’m becoming.

The following lessons learned over the past year, as well as the past 46, give me comfort and hope that I’m on my way to finding the peace and happiness I deserve: Read more

Old Books Can Bring New Chances

If you give, you will be blessed. - Joel Osteen

Part of running a blog means sorting through a lot of emails and other messages. While most are business-related or an encouraging word from a reader or friend, several each day are just plain spam. Other emails can make me stop in my tracks and pay attention to the message. I received one of those kinds of emails today.

Maria Elena Escasiñas, from Cebu City, Philippines, is being called to serve and shared the following with me: Read more