Warm Fuzzies!

Listening to the General Conference of my church, I was impressed to add another post today. The President of the church spoke about his birthday wish last year that all the members of the church would find a way to help someone in need, to offer some kind of service to another.

He was touched by all the replies he received as many reported back to him what they had done to fulfill his birthday wish. One in particular was very creative and very cute, a clear jar filled with soft, little starburst balls of yarn, "warm fuzzies." Primary children had challenged themselves to fill this jar to give to the prophet as a birthday present. Each little fuzzy represented a kind act that they had performed for someone else, like visiting a lonely woman and singing to her, or giving extra hugs and kisses to their mom while their dad was away in military service.

I loved this idea of a warm fuzzy jar and decided to begin one in our home. I have four young boys and like many siblings, they don't always get along or treat each other kindly. I thought this would be a fun way to encourage my boys to serve and be more conscious of their other brother's needs and wants. I will reward us all when the "warm fuzzy" jar is full by having an ice cream outing or something the boys choose. I know that this will be a fun way to bring more happiness into our home.

I am sharing this idea with you to give you the chance to either implement something similar in your homes or continue to encourage you in your efforts to have an attitude of service in your lives.

The closing hymn of this session of conference was a great song, "Have I Done Any Good?" This hymn ends with the Chorus:

Then wake up and do something more

than dream of your mansions above.

Doing good is a pleasure

a joy beyond measure,

a blessing of duty and love.

It is true as you reach out and offer service, you lose focus on your own problems and find real happiness in lightening the burden of someone else in need. Please find a way to do something good today, you will immediately invite more happiness into your lives. When you do, feel free to report back to this blog and make a comment. It will bless me and all those who read it to hear how people are showing acts of kindness. It will renew the hope for those who are struggling to believe. Thank you.

A beautiful story...

A friend sent me this in an email...I think it is well worth posting.

The man slowly looked up.  This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life.  Her coat was new.  She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.  His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.  "Leave me alone," he growled...  To his amazement, the woman continued standing.  She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.  "Are you hungry?" she asked.  "No," he answered sarcastically.  "I've just come from dining with the president.  Now go away."  The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.  "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily.  "I said to leave me alone."  Just then a policeman came up.  "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.  "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet.  Will you help me?"  The officer scratched his head.  "That's old Jack.  He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years.  What do you want with him?"  "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked.  "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."  "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted.  "I don't want to go in there!"  Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.  "Let me go, officer.  I didn't do anything."  "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."  Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.  The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table.  "What's going on here, officer?" he asked.  "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"  "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.  "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily.  "Having a person like that here is bad for business."  Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady.  I told you so. Now if you'll let me go.  I didn't want to come here in the first place."  The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"  "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently.  "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."  "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"  "What business is that of yours?"  I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."  "Oh."  The woman smiled again.  "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"  "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."  "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"  "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."  The cafeteria manager turned on his heel,  "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."  The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.  "That was not my intent.  Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."  She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"  Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."  "I'm a little older perhaps," she said.  "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."  "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly.  He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.  "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything.  Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days.  It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."  Jack lit up with a smile.  "Now I remember," he said.  "I was behind the serving counter.  You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat.  I said that it was against company policy."  "I know," the woman continued.  "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy  it.  I was afraid that you would get into trouble.  Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right."  "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.  "I got a job that very afternoon.  I worked my way up.  Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.  "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons.  He's the personnel director of my company."  I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled.  "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet."  If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."  There were tears in the old man's eyes.  "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.  "Don't thank me," the woman answered.  "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you."  Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.  "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.  "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered.  "Thank you.  I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget.  And...And thank you for the coffee."

If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.  But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world.  Have a Wonderful Day.  May God Bless You Always.  And don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.  God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.   When God leads you to the  edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.  Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!  The  power of one sentence!  God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send this on.  If you don't believe, delete it.  God closes doors no man can open and God opens doors no man can close.  If you need God to open, some doors for you... remember to be a blessing to somebody ... 

Happiness is Independence!

I am so happy to be an American, "where at least I know I'm free.  And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me.  And I'll gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.  For there ain't no doubt, I love this land.  God Bless the U.S.A."

Happy are those who enjoy the freedom that this beautiful land offers.  We have the freedom of religion, of speech, and the freedom to pursue happiness!

I am very grateful for our freedoms in this country!  Almost 10 years ago, I experienced the overwhelming feeling of joy and relief when my plane touched down on American soil.  I had been away for over a year.  I had truly enjoyed where I had been, and was even a little saddened to leave, but I hadn't expected the surge of emotion that came over me.  As the tears welled up in my eyes, I pondered the significance of being able to freely come, as a citizen, into the greatest nation of all.  

I had a song saved on a tape for the occasion and I'm sure listening to it helped bring on the "choked-upness."  As we descended into the airspace above the airport I pushed play on my tape player and listened to "God Bless America." 

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night with the
light from above.
From the mountains, to the praries,
to the oceans, wide with hope,
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
My home sweet home
God Bless America
From the mountains,
to the prairies,
to the oceans, wide with hope,
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.

 LeAnn Rimes  

Because of the other freedoms allowed to us in this nation, I am now able to focus some of my time and energy in the pursuit of financial freedom.  I am blessed to be able to find it simply by spreading the awareness and attainability of our national ideal, "liberty and justice for all."  I have started making legal services available to everyone, not just the wealthy.  For a small monthly membership fee, anyone can have access to the legal system and the protection it provides.  It is a pleasure to share this life changing information.  I hope we all remember the sacrifices made on our behalf and enjoy the freedoms we have so readily available to us.  

Happy Independence Day!

For more information about legal services or financial freedom through offering these services, check out my website at:  http://www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/capeel

It's all about your choice!

A friend emailed this to me and I felt it was appropriate to post on my website, where I feel driven to lead others to happiness.  Enjoy and ponder this.

"A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.

'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.

'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.

'Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.

Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged…it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.

It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice;

I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.'

So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories.

I am still depositing."

Remember these six simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

6. Be Grateful. (I added this one.)

A reminder to slow down...his name was Mike

Yesterday when I was completing some errands with all of my boys, I was waiting in the hospital pharmacy for our turn to pick up my son's medicine. The boys were behaving pretty well, but I was starting to feel overwhelmed with all the "please don't touch," "get back over here," "don't hit your brother,""don't point and stare," and "stay with me!" Judging by the crowd, it was going to be a long wait. So I decided to take the boys outside on the "thrive walk" through a nicely landscaped area. Enjoying the greenery, my stress level lowered and I felt like extending our walk across the street to the main building of the hospital. I had a question to ask and thought I could find the right department and the answer and get back in time to retrieve our prescription and make our remaining appointments. Remember, I still had all the boys with me so safely crossing the street and finding a new department in the maze of the hospital would be no small task. 

However, as we approached the hospital entrance I caught a glimpse of a man leaning into the parking lot elevators. People were passing all around him not noticing him at all, but something made me stop my little train of boys and watch him for a minute. I soon realized he was suffering. His back was to me, but I could see it rise and fall heavily like he was gasping for air but none was coming. I told the boys to stay put and walked over to him and asked if he was okay. He didn't answer right away, and I was nervous that he might be offended. I waited and asked again if I could help him. He wearily looked at me and said he might like to sit down. I turned and yelled at the boys to bring us a wheel chair that was parked outside the hospital entrance. They sprinted to get it and I could tell they were a bit excited to help. 

Once we got the man seated I asked if he was going into the hospital or leaving. Still laboring for every breath and each word, he said he had an appointment in the pulmonary department. Holding my baby in one arm and helping my eight year old push the chair with the other we headed for the entrance. He added that his appointment was on the second floor, but just to leave him and he could make it. I rubbed his shoulder a little and assured him we were in no hurry and would see to it that he got where he needed to go. 

I asked his name, and he quietly managed just Mike. He was a large man, not easily maneuvered in a chair, so with some trouble we got him into the elevator. We discovered that the second floor was pretty empty and NOT where the pulmonary department was. I saw someone with a name tag and scrubs and asked for help finding the pulmonary offices. She was very helpful, but told Mike that he needed to go to the emergency. He insisted he had an appointment in 10 minutes, but she said they would send him there too. She offered to push him from there so I could get back to attending my boys. She was shocked to find out that I didn't know this man and that I stopped to help him even though I had the four little boys in tow. He was grateful and they were soon on their way to the ER.

My four year old had been complaining about being hungry and having to go to the bathroom, so we stopped off at the cafeteria before going on to the ER to make sure Mike was being looked after. We never were able to find him again, but I used this as a teaching moment for my sons. 

I told them to never be too busy to notice some one else's suffering or too shy to offer help. They could always say no, but I told them how Mike may not have ever made it to the front door. People had been passing right by him in the parking structure and not stopping. Who knows, he may have made it all the way to the second floor and then been too confused and out of breath to determine where to go from there. He could have died right there, feeling all alone in a sea of people rushing around him and not able to speak loud enough to call for help.

We all felt really good having helped him and I reminded the boys of the time last month when we followed a smoking car off the freeway ramp and daddy got out and helped push the old lady's car safely to the side of the road. We were in a hurry then too to go to a cub scout derby, but seeing how distressed the woman was, we called a tow truck and waited with her along side the busy road until a it arrived to help her. She was in tears and gave us all a hug when the truck arrived and she knew she would be safely home soon.

The good feelings you get from helping others, truly is The Happiness so many are seeking.  I hope the boys never forget these life lessons. Never, never be too busy or apathetic to slow down and help a brother or a sister in need. I think they will at least remember the good feelings they got from doing just that yesterday. And in sharing our experience, I hope you will remember the lesson too.

It's impossible to be miserable when...

...you are playing peek-a-boo with a cute giggling, laughing baby.

...are getting a big hug and a "I love you mommy/daddy/sweet heart."

...watching a fireworks show and listening to the star spangled banner.

...touching down on an American runway after being out of the country for a long time.

...you are knelt in prayer with your well-fed children in front of a warm bed with a safe roof over your head.

...you take the time to really examine a beautiful flower, smell its fragrance, count its petals, ponder the purpose of its being and discover it was created for you by someone who loves you.

Ponder this...

I was thinking back to a pivotal time in my life many years ago when I was trying to make some big choices.  At the suggestion of a good book I was reading, I tried to make of list of all the things in my life that made me happy or gave me pleasure.  I remember that I had very few real experiences of stereotypical happiness from which to draw.  I had a difficult childhood, and my adolescence was not much easier.  But as an adult, I was in control and wanted to break any and all bad cycles of the past, moving ahead in positive directions.  In spite of my melancholy past, I still felt very blessed and gifted in many ways and wanted to share my talents with others.  I instinctively knew that this would be my path to happiness for myself.

I read in this book that if you didn't have a safe place to meditate and plan for your life, you could make up one in your head.  It would be your happy place, your safety zone to create, recharge, and plan your next move. So I invented a "happy place" in my imagination.  It needed to be a very definite and detailed place.  So when I closed my eyes, I reclined barefoot in a large, clean room on a comfortable couch where I could soak up the soft, natural light that would flood into the space.  To one side of me there were tall windows bordered with long flowing white sheers that would dance and flick in the breeze across the contrasting sea foam green walls.  In this space all was very organic and natural.  No one here would shout or judge or abuse.  I could peacefully enjoy the soothing silence of the room.

I share this description of my happy place, not because I think it will be the kind of place that everyone would like, but to encourage each of you to seek out a place, either real or imaginary, where you can take time to ponder.  Listen to your thoughts and wait until they've had their say and are quiet.........  That is when new inspirations will come.  Open your mind to them, hear them out.  You can bounce new ideas around without fear, or you can just enjoy a break from the barrage of stimulus that is so hard to get away from now a days.  This sounds a lot like meditation.  Because it is.  Give yourself a few minutes each day.  

An inspiring physics professor once told my unreceptive evening class of young adults that we should drive home in silence and to resist the urge to turn on the radio.  I tried it that night, and have since done it many times.  It was very surprising!  Being alone with my thoughts opened up many new possibilities.  I found out that it's okay to talk to yourself.  Really!  I think the world would be a better and happier place if people thought things through more and pondered the consequences of their actions or lack of responsible actions.  

Pondering, daydreaming, and meditating will be worth the time it takes!   And this tid bit of advice is brought to you by someone who struggles with impulsivity on a biochemical level.  So slow down and ponder away to a brighter day!  

Children Know Best

Young children have an innate ability to be happy.   They don't over analyze any situation, they just enjoy it for all it is worth!  My sons can find pure, unadulterated joy in chasing a bubble in the park, or splashing in a mud puddle, or following an ant across the patio.  The key is that they don't worry so much about who is watching them or if their hair, clothes, or asset portfolio looks just right. When someone smashes their sand castle or pushes them too hard in a game of chase, they don't hold a grudge, they will quickly and easily forgive and start rebuilding their castle even better and higher than before!  They keep trying to make life fun and make new friends where ever they go.  With an absence of peer pressure and fear, they boldly speak out against injustices. Young children always tell the truth, even if they were the ones that broke the cookie jar.  They trust and defend their family who loves them and are not ashamed to say I love you ten times a day.  Just a thought... we could all stand to learn a lot from what the children know best.  Have a great, youthful day!

Happy Trees!

I have a great many happy memories involving mountains and trees.  Just looking at them still makes me happy.  When I was on my mission in the Dominican Republic, my companions and I took a personal day and went on a hike.  It was hot and invigorating!  We crossed a small stream and came upon a hill with an open field surrounded on all sides by lush jungle.  It was breathtaking.  All you could see was a million shades of green below baby blue skies and cotton ball clouds.  The breeze was cool and sweet.  Out in the middle of this field sat a massive mango tree.  We climbed up and laid out on the huge branches and helped ourselves to arms full of mangos.  Later that afternoon back in our apartment the air filled with more sweet smells as we eagerly awaited the mango cobbler that I had created.  That was a good day!

Please post a comment or a picture of a happy memory or thought perhaps regarding mountains or trees.  

Happiness Is...

Late last night I had some impressions about why we pursue happiness so diligently.   And as I was pondering what I wanted to post on this blog, I came across a quote that summed it up really well.  A person I respect, Jack H. Goaslind, said many years ago that..."Our yearnings for happiness were implanted in our hearts by Deity.  They represent a kind of homesickness, for we have a residual memory of our pre-mortal existence.  They are also a foretaste of the fulness of joy that is promised to the faithful.  We can expect with perfect faith that our Father will fulfill our innermost longings for joy.  In fact, the plan he has given to guide us is called 'the plan of happiness.' (Alma 42:16)"

I enjoyed pondering the idea that we were once completely wrapped up in joy and happiness in our Father's presence.  For a time we are here to perform our life's work and learn how to get back home where we will experience pure joy and happiness again.  Still there is much joy and happiness to be experienced here on earth!  Our Father wants us to be happy.  

We will most certainly pass through trials and hard times.  There is a season for everything, but happiness is supposed to be felt throughout our whole earthly experience, including during the difficult times.  It will be easier to feel more happiness at some times than others.  But it should be our constant quest.  We can make happiness happen through little things we do each day.  We are to be of good cheer always, not just when things are going well for us.  

The word cheer comes from Greek words that mean "God within."  When you are of good cheer, you have the Spirit of God in your heart.  It is a familiar place for your spirit.  And you experience happiness there.

I once heard that no two thoughts can exist in the same place at the same time.  So if you have a negative thought it will push out any happy one.  And visa versa.  Since I heard this I have made a conscious effort to think happy thoughts.  Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed or sad, frustrated or angry, I have complete control over how long those feelings stay with me.  If I choose to think of happy thoughts, I then become happy.  

This all goes along with the saying; count your blessings, name them one by one.  Even if you are feeling a complete absence of joy, if you will just start naming your blessings, your mood will elevate and it will become easier and easier to name more and more good things in your life.  The more you do this the more happiness you will feel.  And if you can't think of something nice to be grateful for, turn to a friend or loved one for suggestions.  Or just look around to find something beautiful.  It will be there, He will not leave us comfortless!

Well, I don't want wear anyone out with my ranting.  I want to assure you that even though it may take some effort on your part, happiness happens!  So please, share a happy thought today with someone.  It may be needed at that moment more than you realize.  Feel free to post comments of your happy thoughts, experiences and even pictures here to share with others.  Bye for now!

Welcome to your happy place!

With all the negativity out there and in the news, I have become very motivated to offer a place where people can come and get their daily dose of smiles and warm fuzzies.  I will try to be as inspirational with my blog writing as I have been with past public speaking opportunities.  The purpose of this site is for anyone and everyone who needs a smile to COME AND GET IT!  Here on this blog I will relate past experiences, my life's lessons, and current inspirations.  I encourage all who visit to post comments of their own happy thoughts, memories, experiences, pictures, or descriptions of their own happy places.  Together we can lift each other's spirits and spread happiness and wisdom around.  Everyone needs a happy place to go to when the world gets a bit depressing or overwhelming.  Welcome to that happyplace4u!