“People are like Oreo. The good stuff is on the inside,”
~ Unknown,

Happiness is an emotion. But, it is also a choice. And no one can steal our happiness as it is ours to do with as we please. Thus, one can choose to be happy rather than sad, optimistic rather than pessimistic or hopeful rather than doubtful.

But, on another hand, we have to be mindful, “No one is an island.” As a matter of fact, from the day we are born until the day we die, we are dependent upon the help of others in countless ways. Besides, like everyone else, we also need strength to withstand the everyday pressures exerted from the outside. So never allow every little thing to get to you, drag you down or consume your life. Make today count and live the best you can today. And do what is enjoyable, rewarding or special to your inner soul.

A new mindset and style has been sweeping out the old way we use to live and work. The new generation is motivated by meaning. They are ambitious, confident, achievement-oriented, have high expectations, seeks out challenges, not afraid to question authority and driven by an innate need for excellence in everything they do. Thus, the future seems to belong to those who are competent. Or those who are very good at what they do and those who dare to dream. and work their dream.

For this week, I am sure some of you or your loved ones and friends may be celebrating birthdays. I wish to utilize this space to wishing everyone celebrating their birthdays, a very Happy Birthday. May there be more happy returns of this day. May you experience happiness all through your life. And may your near and dear ones as happy as you will be.

As I conclude my post of the day, I remember a lady, an old lady in fact. And I would like to leave you a poem from this old lady, the late Nadine Stair. when she was asked what she would do if she had her life to live over again;

“If I have my life to live over, I’d dare to make more mistakes. I’d relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice-cream and less cherries. I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I’d have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I’m one of those people who live sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them , In fact, I’d try to have nothing else, just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I’ve been one of the persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I’d start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way in the fall. I’d go for more dances. I ‘d ride my merry-go-rounds, I would pick more daisies.”

In moving forward, we need to look ahead and envision what the rest of our lives would be like if we continue with the philosophy or beliefs we have today. Let’s examine what beliefs have serve us well and what beliefs have serve us poorly. We can then either affirm or change them – I believe if we do this well and do it now, we may look back one day and say; “If I had my life to live over, I’d do it the same way.”

Once again a very “Happy Birthday” to everyone celebrating their birthdays this week …… And to YC, a young and dedicated caregiver, if I may add; “May you have the very best in life. !!!