Physically, we need food and drink to survive. Emotionally, we crave praise, encouragement, validation, admiration, attention, recognition, appreciation, and commendation. Without them, we cannot lead healthy emotional lives. Despite their importance, however, for many, praise is as rare as diamonds. All of us, in one way or another, feel this need. Take me, for example.
Many of us would welcome an improvement in our lives. Perhaps a better job, better health, a better place to live. Though we would relish an improvement, few actually attain all their dreams. Why is that? James Allen shares one of the reasons: “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve
Finally, a subject I’m qualified to write about: Old Age! Not that I feel old at age 76, but every time I bump into friends that I haven’t seen for a while, they remark how well and serene I look. Those comments remind me of what mourners say about the dearly departed at a funeral:
LUCK: You Are a Fool if You Forget It – And a Greater Fool if You Count upon It. (Phyllis Bottome) Do you believe in luck? Do you believe we are puppets controlled by the hands of fate? Is what happens to us preordained? Are we helpless victims hurled about by arbitrary and chaotic circumstances?
Judging by what we see on TV commercials, our choice of soft drink, underarm deodorant, or shampoo is among the most important of life’s questions. But isn’t getting along with others more important than a clean head of hair? Why is it that none of the many talk shows discuss the value of wisdom? In
Part of human nature is a desire to make progress, or positive change. We all want to improve some area of our life. Perhaps we want to improve our finances, relationships, health, or education. We may want to control our emotions, develop self-disciple, or grow more tolerant. But why do we frequently wind up with
