Pursuit Of Happiness In Life: 3 Things That Stand In The Way Of Finding True Happiness
Many people believe that the only way to be happy is through a certain career, or by achieving a certain goal. This quick blog post discusses how these beliefs are false and how each of us must find happiness in the pursuit of it - not anywhere else.
The three things that stand in the way of finding true happiness is lack of self-love, attachment to your possessions, and lack of gratituous action. The article encourages readers to find true happiness within themselves before trying to seek it elsewhere.
For more information, please visit the website at: http://www.pursuitofhappinessinlife.com/
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The following is a private letter exchange between Gayle Spangler and me that concerns her two children's growth and development. Specially note how she discusses the importance of kids having an "inner strength" for real life challenges that are faced in high school, as well as tips on encouraging their learning and earning it.
Letter: The following is a private letter exchange between Gayle Spangler and me that concerns her two children's growth and development. Specially note how she discusses the importance of kids having an "inner strength" for real life challenges that are faced in high school, as well as tips on encouraging their learning and earning it.
Dear Gayle,
Thank you for your email. This is one of the most important emails I have ever received. It is my understanding that your children, who are now in high school, have been accepted to MIT. The honest truth is that I am very surprised and impressed with your success as a single parent. You are a wonderful mother, who has instilled great values and morals in your children; something many parents struggle to do. I hope this email can act as a source of inspiration for you during this time period. I would like to discuss 3 important topics concerning the future of your children, if that's ok with you:
1. Education.
2. Inner strength and self-confidence.
3. Getting out of a rut and enjoying life more!
1. Education: If a child is lacking many basic skills in school then he/she will have trouble in life. Therefore, you should make sure your children are receiving a very basic education: reading, writing, math, etc... Before the children go off to college, they must pass a test that proves that they know how to do those things. If a child cannot pass on those concepts then he should not be going off to an expensive college that will not teach him anything else.
2. Inner strength: One of my favorite quotes from the film The Last Samurai is "The only armor we have is our honor, and the only way to keep it clean is to never do anything dishonorable. That way, no one can blacken our name. My father is a samurai. And as a samurai, I will live my life with honor and integrity." The purpose of this quote is to express the importance of being strong in the mind and body. I respect your children for having such high aspirations and goals for themselves, but they must have an inner strength if they are to reach them successfully. You say that your children are not very self confident; however, you still believe in their dreams? This is a key point. Your children need to believe in themselves if they want any shot at making it to MIT. But how are they supposed to believe in themselves if even you don't? You must tell you children that they can do all of these things, and be proud of them while doing so. Tell them how much you love them and how proud you are of the person they are becoming. After hearing that, they will have a better understanding of their potential and will strive to reach it.
3. Getting out of a rut: There is nothing wrong with putting school work first, but your children must not neglect other aspects of their lives. I remember being in your position when I was younger, and there were many times I thought nothing but school. However, the importance of enjoying yourself cannot be stressed enough. Find time to do all of the things you enjoy doing. Get out of the house and go hiking, go camping, take up a sport that excites you, or just go to the movies with a friend(s). Whatever you do, try to find a hobby that makes you happy and stick with it! Your children must be able to find happiness in the world around them or they will forever be depressed. I'll never forget reading this quote from Henry Ford: "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." By dividing your schoolwork into smaller tasks and working on them one by one, it will feel much easier to complete the assignments. This is how you get out of a rut.
My children and I hope to meet you in person someday, and you can thank me in person for helping you to find inspiration. Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,
Isabelle F.
Letter: The following is a private letter exchange between Gayle Spangler and me that concerns her two children's growth and development.
Conclusion: I hope that the above-mentioned tips will be useful for Ms. Spangler and her children. If you have any other tips, please send them to me by commenting on this page or emailing them to me. Thanks!
On a personal note: This summer, I plan on taking a vacation in the United Kingdom, where I will spend most of my time in London. Therefore, from June to August 2011, I will be out of contact with my blog readers.