Coffee With Maddie




What if I said I could offer you the secret to happiness? Would that be of interest to you? Would you like to add that to your list of New Year’s resolutions this year - the resolution to just be happy for a change? For some of you that may be “old hat” - for others, a very welcoming thought. Let me give you a formula that’s helped me over the past few years. Alexander Chalmers summed it up quite nicely by having said the following: “The three grand essentials of happiness are: Something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.”

This formula has worked for me over and over again. When I find myself starting to feel depressed or bored, one of these three areas is usually lacking in my life. Once I discover which area isn’t getting enough attention, I try to remedy the situation. It works for me. Maybe it can work for you too. Something to do. Some of you may be saying, “But I already have too much to do!” Been there, done that! At times I find myself overwhelmed, particularly when I’ve said “yes” to activities I don’t want to be involved in. I’ve had to learn to pick and choose what I get involved in and have had to learn to say “no.” If you practice it enough you’ll eventually be able to say “no” without feeling guilty!

We all make choices about the things we do - particularly extracurricular activities. My questions for you to think about are these: “What do you love to do?” and “Are you incorporating these activities into your life on a regular basis?” If not, all the things you’re doing may be weighing you down instead of giving you energy and happiness.

Someone to love. My life has been so blessed in this area. I have a family and many, many friends to love and who love me in return. There’ve been times in my life though when this area has been lacking. The number one reason it was lacking was because of me. When this has happened in the past I found myself busy having a pity party with Me, Myself and I. There was no time to give or receive love to or from anyone. Chuck Swindoll, in his book Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life calls this disease “ingrowneyeballitis!” The fastest way to remedy this is to get my eyes off of myself and start focusing my attention and energy on others. By doing this I open up the channels for love to flow and to grow!

Something to hope for. There have been a few times in my life when I’ve struggled with depression. A counselor once asked me, “Maddie, what is so hopeless in your life right now?” One of things that was lacking during those times was something to look forward to. Now I regularly plan things into my life. My “something to look forward to” ideas include both small and large events. They can range anywhere from having coffee with a friend to planning a week long camping trip with my husband and friends. The common denominator for me is spending time with people, and . . . planning is the key! What can you plan so that you have something to look forward to in the coming year? The ideas are unlimited!

Happy new year to you and yours! May 2003 find you doing the things you love, spending time with the people you love, and planning many wonderful things to look forward to.

Until next week . . . God bless you and yours! -Maddie

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Coffee With Maddie: Archive;
Blessings
Magazine Junkie!
Maddie Goes to College
Changes
Let the season begin!
Getting Older!
I'm Getting Fat!
I Love a good book!
Family Games
Manners!

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About the Author;
Maddie is a dear friend from the Midwest who will touch your heart with her gentle stories of home of family. You can just picture yourself at the kitchen table any early morning with Maddie, a fresh cup of coffee, maybe the smell of bacon in the air, and a log on the fire to take out the chill.

Talk to Maddie at ...
Maddie@boomerjournals.com