Quarter century markers have a certain weight carried with them; a recognition that much has come before to get to 25 and that there is much to follow before the half century marker arrives.
April 16 marks what would have been or what is, depending on your perspective, Josh’s 25th birthday. Since he left this world at age 15 ½ in October 2002, the number associated with his “missed” birthdays did not have a particular poignancy, other than 16 and 21(these are birthday markers in our culture for everything from driver’s licenses to an ID that allows you to legally consume alcohol and presents you as an “adult”).
Yet, 25 evokes a feeling I can’t quite put my finger on, yet I know it is there and I know I am struck by the power of this number.
What could I do with it? What could I do for Josh? He gave us 21.jpg)
Ways to Celebrate Life (see previous posts). So, it hit me last night, I could offer a stream of consciousness list of 25 CHOICES that Lead to Happiness. Isn’t that something we all seek, amidst the challenges that life presents and the joys which we so welcome?
Ways to Celebrate Life (see previous posts). So, it hit me last night, I could offer a stream of consciousness list of 25 CHOICES that Lead to Happiness. Isn’t that something we all seek, amidst the challenges that life presents and the joys which we so welcome?
So, in honor of Josh I share with you 25 CHOICES that Lead to Happiness.
And please add or substitute what resonates for YOU about the choices you make that lead to your happiness, as well as for those around you!
1. Forgive yourself...to be gentle to your heart and Spirit.
2. SMILE....often.
3. Get good SLEEP every night.
4. Eat healthy. Splurge periodically!
5. Keep your body fit and agile.
6. Be kind to strangers you encounter.
7. Express GRATITUDE...constantly....for your blessings.
8. Prayer. If you feel God is distant, it isn't God who moved.
9. Meditation. The resulting stillness is the portal to reaching your inner peace and connecting to the Universe, the source of infinite possibilities.
10. Listen to the voice of your HEART.
11. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts....or with expressions of gratitude for things big and small.
12. When someone is mean to you or causing you stress, shoot back at them with love as your ammunition...silently or aloud. Sounds impossible? Try it. Success comes with practice and a commitment to overcoming anger and expectations.
13. HAVE FAITH!
14. Look at challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
15. Accept the moment as it is.
16. Vision what you want to see in your life rather than focusing on what you want to go away. Your thoughts have energy and attract more of what you're thinking about.
17. Ask for HELP when you need it. We cannot function alone in this world.
18. Give money to people in need, without judgment.
19. Do things that are FUN...regularly. Be playful!
20. Have and take care of at least one plant in your home.
21. Listen to your inner voice, the one that says, "Don't say that to him/her." Or, "I need to go to bed now; I'm exhausted!"
22. Verbally tell those you love that you love them.
23. Take breaks from technology. For a day a week or for a few hours each day....not including when you are asleep. And shut off your devices at least one hour before bed. (Advice from The Sleep Ambassador®)
24. Look in the mirror and say, "I LOVE YOU" 100 times every day. When you go beyond believing this to KNOWING it, reduce the number of repetitions. If you are already there, you are most fortunate!
25. Add your own choices to the list, whatever leads to YOUR happiness!
Wishing you an abundance of happiness!
[source: http://navigatewithnancy.blogspot.com/2012/04/25-choices-that-lead-to-happiness_15.html]
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- Posted by Nancy
- Apr 11, 2013
- Comments (30)
Readers Comments
Pelican wrote: What a great list. Life is so very short. We need to savor each moment in time. Thank god for each and every day he give us. :) :) :)
Karen wrote: Wonderful and lovely list! Some i do, some i still don't(as in saying "i love you to myself"
I can add that iin understanding for real(not pretending but believing) that others have their pain and sorow too. That some people have so many different influences that it is imposible to judge. I'm so much more free of anger and criticism! I know it's not easy--i hadto start with trying to "get it", and reminding myself even when i wasn't validated in the slightest! ;-)
I can add that iin understanding for real(not pretending but believing) that others have their pain and sorow too. That some people have so many different influences that it is imposible to judge. I'm so much more free of anger and criticism! I know it's not easy--i hadto start with trying to "get it", and reminding myself even when i wasn't validated in the slightest! ;-)
Birene wrote: That is a great list! I don't exactly tell myself that "i love you" when i look into the mirror, i say "thank you, lord for making me the person i am.
Life is a wonderful gift,so hard to see someone's shortened before we think it's time. Mom used to say "all in god's time"! Thank you for sharing this story and list!
Life is a wonderful gift,so hard to see someone's shortened before we think it's time. Mom used to say "all in god's time"! Thank you for sharing this story and list!
jsmc10 wrote: This is such a great list, and also, such an amazing way to honour your son, bless you *hugs*
B. Skinner wrote: What an inspiring read! I am sorry for your loss. How you have embraced this tragedy is truly inspiring. Have you considered being a life coach? If i could add to your list my message would be "time well wasted is not wasted time".
Harjot wrote: This made my day as it was exactly what i was looking for. Thank you for helping me. Wishing you all the best.
Joy wrote: Thank you so much for that list of amazing tips. Truly words of wisdom. Much happiness to you and many blessings. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sylvia wrote: Really like this list - thank you :-). I also frequently share small origami peace cranes, butterflies and flapping birds with people when i'm waiting places, sitting and listening with my hands free, or other occasions where something pretty or fun might be helpful. Flowers, stickers, appealing rocks might be other possibilities to share :-).
Eva Morales wrote: Go out walking and bless everyone you see. Like: “have a good day”, “may everything go great”, “enjoy your day”… “may you be well, may you be happy, may you be safe, may you leave with ease”…
DaVinci PHARAOH wrote: Happiness in one respect is like potato salad: when shared with others, it's a picnic and: in the happiness of others, i find my own happiness
