richelle-goodrich

Children harbor a great many doubts and sorrows that could be eased by a loving hug from a parent.

Mind what you say, but mind more closely what you do. For though children close their ears to you, their eyes remain wide open.

Validate my existence with your words and I will speak to you all the day long.

Children rarely follow parental advice unless it is acted out repeatedly. It__ called being an example.

I am but the reflection in your eyes, the effect of your expressions, and the sum of your praise and criticism.

Without you there would be no me. I am everything reflected in your eyes. I am everything approved by your smile. I am everything born of your guidance. I am me only because of you.

Our greatest duty to our children is to love them first. _Secondly, it is to teach them. _Not to frighten, force, or intimidate our children into submission, but to effectively teach them so that they have the knowledge and tools to govern themselves.

A moment of torture feels like an eternity, while an eternity of joy passes in a moment. Perhaps time is naught but an illusion.

We forget that the sweetest joys are found in the simplest acts: hugs, laughter, quiet observation, basic movements, holding hands, pleasant music, shared stories, a listening ear, an unhurried visit, and selfless service. It is sad we forget a truth so elementary.

There are still blue skies and rainbows and days bathed in sunlight. There are colorful shade trees filled with sweet bird songs. And there are wishing stars in the heavens as well as angels in God's service. So lift up your eyes. Refuse to be unhappy.

The road to happiness starts with a deep breath and an awareness of the many blessings tied to that single breath.

Giddy is a grin and giggles and that glint of goofiness in your gaze.

Happiness must be a jealous pet. When you try seeking yours out, it tends to keep hidden. But as soon as you turn to help a friend find his, your own happiness comes bounding out of the darkness like some crazed animal.

Imagined happiness is still happiness.

The secret to happiness is elusive because it is a paradoxical truth. To gain happiness, you must first cease pursuing it. Things perceived to provide happiness are like shiny, pretty bubbles that lure us this way and that way, chasing after their glossy buoyancy. But once they are handled, they __op___mpty__anishing along with the hope that happiness could ever be captured. Happiness cannot be caught or won or purchased or even handled. Happiness simply forms like a rainbow in the kindest and most grateful hearts.

Happiness simply forms like a rainbow in the kindest and most grateful hearts.

I can and will improve the world.I will smile, show kindness, and be grateful.I refuse to be unhappy.

Be happy. Be happy for no reason at all. Believe it or not, you have the ability and free agency to make that choice.