Happy, Help, Hope, Healthy, Honest

“You cannot protect yourself from sadness
without protecting yourself from happiness.”
―Jonathan Foer

Many years ago I asked my beloved aunt to sign my high school yearbook. She was the first person who had first read to me and introduced me to the many joys of learning in my early years. Here is her message:

“You are responsible for your own happiness. You have a good heart, so follow your instincts and take risks. Be bold and daring and true to yourself. You will overcome your fear and live a life filled with hope and joy.”

Remember, happiness comes from your own choices and actions. Waiting for someone else to make you happy is the best way to be sad. The more you take responsibility for your past and present, the more you are able to create the future you seek.

Don’t give your power away. Start taking responsibility for your life. Use your strengths to help you reach your goals, be happy and celebrate each step you take in the right direction. Make what is honestly your best effort and never give up hope! Don’t waste your energy and precious time on blaming others. YOU, and only you, are responsible for your decisions. Make a good one right now that your future self will thank you for.

Missed the beginning of our journey through the alphabet? Check out the rest of Getting Back to Basics.

Members, are you following along? If you want to create your own words to enrich your positive self-talk, download Real People … An Alphabet Adventure from the Chapter Contests and Activities in the Members Area of our website.