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Did you know that one of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy?
Oh, how I try to do that! But, for now, I'm about to go on holidays for three weeks......without my trusty computer. So no blogs for three weeks. But, lots of sunshine, hopefully.
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My dictionary defines the word 'impact' as a collision, or the act of one body striking another .
So why do we have to put up with people asking whether actions or (quite minor) happenings will have an impact on something else? They really mean have an effect - or something will affect something else. There is not going to be an impact! Sorry......this wrong use of a word like this really annoys me. It has an impact on my calm state of mind! See? You know the "Bluebird of Happiness" that everyone seeks? Well, yesterday I could only summon up the "Pigeon of Discontent"....But today I aim to only respond to the Bluebird. Wish me luck!
You have to fix your own problems. Don't look for someone to do it for you! Remember Mahatma Gandhi's advice: "Be the change you want to see in the world".
Finally finished (with help from my friend, Patsy) the 28 X 10 inch knitted squares to go to "Wrap With Love" Inc.. Hopefully this blanket will help someone (somewhere in the world) to be warm. 
People seem to be whingeing a lot nowadays. Nothing is "right" for some people.
Next time you feel like complaining about something, just remember....The easiest thing to change is your attitude! Sorry! Jua Gretchen Rubin (of The Happiness Project" fame) recently wrote of her favourite passages from children's books. I have to admit to being extremely fond of children's books and have a couple of favourite quotes to offer (from A.A.Milne):
One is when Christopher Robin is talking to Pooh and it goes: "What would I do?" I said to Pooh, "If it wasn't for you," and Pooh said: "True, it isn't much fun for One, but Two can stick together," says Pooh, says he. "That's how it is," says Pooh. Well, that is how it is, isn't it? I also love the beginning part of the "Winnie the Pooh" story that begins:" Once upon a time, a very long time ago now, about last Friday, Winnie-the-Pooh lived in a forest all by himself under the name of Sanders" . And for an extra giggle, there is a sketch of Winnie-the-Pooh, sitting on a log outside a tree, with a sign above him that reads: "Mr Sanders"! Just saying..................."It isn't enough to love; we must prove it." St Therese of Lisieux.
Think about it. In yesterday's newspaper: "Are you an emotional constrictor? From our early years we were taught to be reserved with our emotions. Joy got squeezed into non-recognition. What would happen if you put joy into your brain - so that it comes out in your body - affects your relationships - changes the way you look?"
Then it goes on to say that Dr Macnab is going to speak about "how to put joy into your brain" at St Michael's in Melbourne. Wish I could go! Being a tad philosophical once again: To paraphrase Dr Carmen Harra's thoughts on attraction and wisdom (I hope I have understood her meaning)........to feel gratitude - and how the wisdom of knowing what to appreciate (probably NOT money!) and what has lasting value, helps us to avoid anger and resentment.
How about that? True? I think maybe so! Having fun selling (or trying to sell) stuff on eBay.
Tonight I had 7 things up for auction. Only sold three. One 'item' was a bulk lot of 17 retro aprons, for which someone paid $29, so that was good. Also sold an Olympic camera strap from the 1980 Olympic Games (remember the boycotted Moscow Games?). That camera strap was a bargain at $4.50. Great souvenir/memento for a collector. And the third thing I sold was a cardigan that I no longer wear. Not much of a sale......Thought I might have a bonanza tonight...but mustn't grumble about $40+ for a bit of fun and a chance to build up my PayPal a/c.! The things people do! In 2007, we were very close to a raging bushfire that continued for days.
Yesterday I found notes that I had written at that time......about the experience. I have put the 'story' on my writing page, in the non-fiction section. I had almost forgotten what it was like on those days where it was dark during the day-time - and embers, blackened leaves and soot fell from the sky. Luckily for us, the wind changed direction at the right time and the fires did not reach us. Yesterday on a one hour train trip, couldn't help but notice how many people sat in the aisle side seat of the two-person seats, with their bag on the adjoining seat or just themselves sitting in a way as to indicate that they 'owned' the seat. People boarded the train, looked around and, seeing there were no vacant seats, had to stand for a great part of the journey. What is happening? How can people be so inconsiderate? There were plenty of seats available for everyone on board to be seated, but many two-seat sections were taken up by one (selfish) person. Are these people afraid of being contaminated by another human being sitting too close to them? Are they just not able to share? Are they wary of strangers to the point where they have to 'protect' themselves from others by placing a bag or other possession between themselves and others? What is happening here?
Of course I was too "chicken" to voice my concerns out loud. Imagine, "Move over, you selfish twit!" or (more politely) "Please remove your bag, so that others may have a seat." Oh, dear! Are we becoming that selfish? Talk about.."I'm alright, bugger anyone else!" |
