A Better Happiness

Blog: Better Happiness Inspiration

Be Inspired!

These articles provide thought-provoking content to motivate and inspire. Learn how to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those you connect with. Each day is another opportunity to find your better happiness inspiration, and this blog is provided with that purpose in mind. Because knowledge is key to stimulating positive personal growth, and when we know better we can do better.

When we allow others to define us we overlook this simple truth:  We came into the world completely equipped to be who we are, and not simply who others want us to be. You can do it. Consequently, believe in yourself and take the chance. Choose to expand your knowledge and be inspired.  Yes, choose to find your better happiness!

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More
Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
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