The word is: HAPPY

Abraham Lincoln, a very wise man, one said, "People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. My sweetie, Rich Allred (who is one of the nicest people I know and I am so blessed to have married him), has often reminded me of this very same concept. We can choose to be happy, relaxed and pleasant if we want, or we can choose to be a mean bundle of grouchy nerves. The grouchy thing often comes naturally to me. I have to sometimes work on the nice & happy thing. I know it's better for me, and for the people around me, if I am nice, patient, and accommodating. I want to be this way all the time. I am working on it. It will add years to my life and remove wrinkles from my brow. It's a good thing!

Rich and I had a very pleasant and uplifting conversation with Steph on the phone last night. She's doing so well and is happy, which makes me so happy! I worry much less when my girl is contented. She has lots still to do, but she's on the path. And her "little" brother David is also doing well in school and elsewhere, and he's happy. He's trying hard to find a job, so far with little success (Great Harvest ended up being a no-go), but it will come with time, I know it. Life is just good! We are blessed!

So, for today's word I chose HAPPY. It's pretty easy sometimes to dwell on our problems. But it's oh-so-much better, physically and spiritually, to have a heart filled with gratitude & optimism, and to spread a little love and peace wherever you go.

"Be happy. It's one way of being wise." —Sidonie Gabrielle

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have; but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." —Frederick Keonig