The Will to Help Others

The purpose of human life is to serve,
and to show compassion and the will to help others.
- Albert Schweitzer

It's a privilege to serve the poor.
- Bono

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.
- W. Clement Stone

A hero is somebody who is selfless,
who is generous in spirit,
who just tries to give back
as much as possible and help people.
A hero to me is someone who saves people
and who really deeply cares.
- Debi Mazar

There is no shame in asking for support.
Our purpose here on earth is to help others.
Consider that in asking another for help,
you are supporting them in fulfilling their life purpose.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Further reading: Create Light for Others

Making a Difference

Basic Kindness

True Measure of a Successful Life
    

Life is Constant Change

Without change, there would be no butterflies.
- Anonymous

If we don't change, we don't grow.
If we don't grow, we aren't really living.
- Gail Sheehy

When you are through changing, you are through.
- Bruce Barton

Change always comes bearing gifts.
- Price Pritchett

Change of any sort requires courage.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

The inherent nature of life is constant change.
To fear change is to fear life itself.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Further reading: Upheaval

Life is an Adventure

How to Change the World
    

Give Thanks for the Commonplace

The enlightened give thanks for what most people take for granted.
- Michael Beckwith

The invariable mark of wisdom is to
see the miraculous in the common.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A thankful heart is the greatest virtue.
- Cicero

Today's affirmation:
I find joy and inspiration in the commonplace
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Further reading: Simple Pleasures

Beauty is Everywhere

The Commonplace
    

Victim of Your Own "Story"

Beware the Rattlesnake of the Mind
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

"Rattlesnake of the Mind" is a metaphor inspired by the Zen term, "Monkey Mind," which refers to the mind's tendency to invent an unending sequence of creative stories about everything we see and hear.

Life does not consist mainly,
or even largely, of facts or happenings.
It consist mainly of the storm of thoughts
that is forever flowing through one's head.
- Mark Twain

The most erroneous stories are those
we think we know best -
and therefore never scrutinize or question.
- Stephen Jay Gould

Cease lying to yourself, and stop telling yourself stories
about why you behave the way you do.
Stop blaming your behavior on other people
and take responsibility for your emotional reactions.
- Sheri Rosenthal

The greatest obstacle to a Joyful Life
is your "story" about your life.
Your story is filled with perceived needs and obligations,
and littered with resentments and regrets.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Further reading: Stilling Your Mind

Overflowing Cup of Tea - Zen Koan

Opening Your Mind

Ten Little Tips to Feel Happier Right Now
    

The Serenity of Simple Pleasures

Life is really simple,
but we insist on making it complicated.
- Confucius

If thou wilt make a man happy,
add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.
- Epicurus

To live a pure unselfish life,
one must count nothing as one's own
in the midst of abundance.
- The Buddha

As you simplify your life,
the laws of the universe will be simpler;
solitude will not be solitude,
poverty will not be poverty,
nor weakness weakness.
- Henry David Thoreau

What if happiness were found in the serenity of simple pleasures.
What if we didn't need the newest gizmo... the highest high?
What if happiness is in the air we breathe...
slowly, deeply, and consciously?
What if happiness is one fresh grape, savored with gratitude?
What if happiness is in our oneness with all creation?
What if happiness is about enjoying life exactly as it comes to us -
without chasing after it?
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Further reading: Simple Life

Bounty of the Earth

Giving of Yourself