Posts Tagged ‘Life’s Reflections’

“HAPPINESS is found more in GIVING than RECEIVING,

HAPPINESS is there in our everyday lives as long as we learn to appreciate what we have,

For HAPPINESS is a positive feelings that we choose to have and treasure,

Not the extent of our GAINS and QUESTS that we have achieved,

And not the positive feelings that others can steal from us as long as we choose not to be affected.”

- PARENT TIMES-

——– 

Just next to my PC, is this ”Happy Cow” that has accompanied me for many years.

It grins at me when I am at the most battled parts of my life and it grins at me at those impossible times when I cry in my heart to give up.

When I forget to stay happy no matter what or get a little greedier in my feelings, you know what it will say to me?

“Cheer Up Buddy, Be Happy! Loosen up and be a little crazier and that is where the fun is!

Hey! Happiness is there with you everyday! Just feel deep inside you, with your heart and soul. Stop searching high and low and reaching out beyond your means!

Look forward to being happy and allow nobody to take away that from you, no matter how battled you are.”

[Haha! Of course, it is not possible to talk to an ornament. However, it is always useful to self-reflect sometimes and look for that inspirational help:)]

As humans, we often have to “Be reminded not to take things or people for granted” AND ”Learn to also Treasure and Give” - These are what bring us that accumulations of happiness everyday.  Have we forgotten to look close enough?

Why do we often hear people say:”I am not happy with my pay”, “My parents are not giving me enough freedom”, “I am disappointed that I did not get the XXX as my birthday gift.”?

Why not say:”Though my pay is not up to market rate, I am happy that I am given a job”, “I am happy to have parents who really love me deeply” and “My greatest happiness is that you are able to be here to celebrate my birthday with me”?

So, what is HAPPINESS to YOU?

This is a pot of Desert Rose (”Fu Gui Hua” in Chinese) that I have kept for years. Some people buy them during Chinese New Year. Others keep them all year long.

I love this flowering plant for its “strong will, toughness and beauty”. Mine blooms red flowers but others produce pink flowers too.

Give it plenty of sunlight and it will survive in hard conditions and with little water and minimal care.   

Like any other plants, it withers. I have seen it shed its leaves till it becomes almost leafless. At that moment, it does not look attractive or the way I have wished it to be.

However, give it a little patience, then new leaves will form. Give it a little more patience, then it will fill you with joy with its clusters of bright flowers.

It never disappoints me.

I am glad that I have never given up on this plant. Mine is blooming now with many beautiful and cheerie flowers. It is such an enjoyable sight.

Look at these beautiful blooms:)

Yes. This might just be a plant. However, it relates to life, doesn’t it?

“By being patient - our efforts will bear fruit.

By not judging someone’s appearance or one-off behaviour - we learn to value that someone’s beauty one day.

By providing the right elements in life - we  appreciate that different individuals excel and be inspired under different conditions.

By not giving up on others easily - we live with no regrets one day.”

- Parentimes-

Learn not to GIVE UP EASILY on someone else - especially our loved ones. The “bloom” might be a pleasant surprise.

As for me, I am glad that I have not given up. I took the risk and I believe in a second chance, especially for my loved ones.  I made my choice and at least, I try.

Ask this question: “Have we given up or pass final judgement on someone else too easily?” <ponder>

Everyone has our fair share of unpleasant moments in life. These bring much UNHAPPINESS.

When you feel unhappy, is it solely because you are facing difficulties in life?  Could the world be a happier place for everyone to co-exist if we compare less, demand less, lower our expectations, look at less fortunate people around us, learn how to let go and move forward, and start counting our blessings?

Like everyone else, I have my encounters of hard times in life.  So, we have our frustrations and sorrowful days. I am happy to walk out of those moments by persevering, staying motivated by what I have, and seeking inspirations from people who knock some positive senses in me.

I believe that - mingling with positive-minded people and reading motivational books - do have some power in influencing our perception of happiness in life.

I enjoy reading motivational books that gives me the strength to keep moving on in life, no matter how tough it might be sometimes. Amongst others, Andrew Matthews’ books are one of those that I read.  Here is one of my book collections “Follow Your Heart” by Andrew Matthews. He has a new book  “Happiness In Hard Times” and surely, I will be reading it. 

I find the following essence of happiness by Andrew Matthews motivating and helpful. Is it also meaningful to you?

1. Gratitude. Miserable people concentrate on what they don’t have. Resolve to wake up everyday and look at what you have.

2.  Do Not Blame Others. Take responsibility. Happy people do their best, giving themselves the best chances to feel good about themselves.

3. Happiness is a decision we make. It doesn’t happen by accident.

4. Accept what you have and where you are at and move on.

5. Get up tomorrow and focus on what you have. Keep on looking for the good things in your life and you will keep finding more. We are an energy system. The more we focus on our abundance, the more we will get.

STAY HAPPY:)