Happy #91: Do something Good.

The surest way I know to feel better in almost any situation is to do something good.

There are events, circumstances, and people who will show up in your life and create unfortunate difficulty in your world. Staying focused on these things (or these people and their actions) will bring more of the same into your life.

So take an action to counter and offset the negative. Tip the scale. Do something good, something positive.

Energy follows thought and matter follows energy. One thought in a positive direction will lead to another and a positive action has the power to create the change for good you desire.

This is hard to do in times of difficulty. Believe me, I know...

But it's the only way to create change for the better.

There are a lot of people out there suffering right now. (And not just in Japan.) You may not be able to do a big thing or help where there is global need, but you can do a small thing--in your life and in the lives of others. And the small things add up.

So think something good. Then do something good.

Begin with a prayer.

One small change.

As a people, as a world, we need more love for each other. In your own life and the lives of those around you, you have more influence for good than you know.

And remember above all else, prayer changes things.

Now go get the day. : )

Happy #90: Freshen up. Find some spring and bring it in.

Fresh flowers are a beautiful way to find some spring. And flowers heal the heart. Kelsie arranged these beauties for my birthday last year. I miss her. And I miss the flowers that were always around the house when she was here.

"Go get yourself some tulips," Mary said to me this morning.

Mary and I became friends when our daughters became playmates in grade school. That was over 15 years ago. She is dear to me, and someone who has been a shining example of cultivating joy. Mary can make any place beautiful, light up the room, warm your heart, and make you smile from the inside out. She inspires me.

But possibly the greatest gift Mary gives to everyone who knows her is the loving and generous spirit of her soul. With her whole selfless heart she serves those around her. And everyone is uplifted when Mary is around.

My children and I have rich and wonderful memories of spending time at her home in Monroe, WA. It was a worn out, beaten down farm when she and her husband Bill bought it. Mary turned it into a a magical wonderland and heaven on earth. Everyone was happy when they were there.

I called Mary after making the post to cultivate your personal joy. When I asked her what she does to cultivate her joy she said, "It's the little things." She went on to share the small wonders and beauties of life that fill her: her children, gardens, birds, doilies, flowers, tea cups, river rock, mucking around in the horse stall and caring for the animals she loves, and silver teaspoons. The list could go on. Essentially, Mary is the extension of spring. And all the hope it brings.

Mary, I love you. :-)

In looking back through earlier posts from a year ago, I saw a pattern for this time of year.

For those of us who believe the key to happiness is to contribute to the happiness of others, we will be better at giving and serving if we are actually happy. So start on the inside--of your hearts and your homes.

Spring is on it's way. In the meantime, "freshen up your nest," as Mary says. Paint. Wash the windows. Open them up and listen to the birds chirp. Toss a few brightly colored throw pillows on the sofa. Sweep. Vacuum in the corners. And find some flowers and bring them in doors.

And take a quick look through some previous thoughts about finding happiness when you're waiting for winter to be OVER. :-)

Happy #22: Trust God.

Happy #5: "You have to know what brings you up."

Happy #9: Exercise.

Happy #28: Find the sun.

Happy #38: Feel the hope of spring.

Find some spring. It's out there. Bring it in.

Happy #89: Cultivate your personal joy.

Women in Barcelona, Spain--dancing the Flamanco for a captivated crowd.

If you read the last two posts, you've read the words of two important people in my life. Gene and Harriet Hatch.

In their thoughtful counsel, they offered wisdom to live by. Distilled down, they said trust God and cultivate personal joy.

During my scripture study this morning I was profoundly moved by the truth and simplicity of their wisdom. If you knew them, you would understand why their words carry so much meaning for me. They are what they represent, so the extension of their counsel comes from a very real place.

I likely speak for my entire community when I say I'm ready for spring to arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah. Trusting God, hoping to clearly see the vision He has for me (thank you, Wendy), seeking His peace and ways to serve, spring is a good time to turn attention to the joy and happiness part of the equation. I think it's all found in the same place anyway.

The pictures below are of two older women (in their 70's, maybe early 80's) who captured an audience. I couldn't help but think of Harriet's advice (that I'm young now but in about three days I'll be 80) when the first woman began dancing to the music. Another joined her and they danced together. It moved me to tears.

Take a look at the pictures. In the zoom I've done for you, look closely at the musicians and people. Everyone was right there in the experience with them. In joy. It was beautiful.







Happy #89 is purely: Cultivate your personal joy. Seriously consider what makes you happy and brings you joy. Then do MORE of those things!! Because we do, afterall, get more of whatever we're focused on...

It's time for spring.

Let the sun shine in. : )

And if you need a laugh, check out these California Billy Jean Dancing Seniors giving a tribute to Michael Jackson. It's hilarious.