Robert Elliott, who was head of the cardiology department at the University of Nebraska, suffered a massive heart attack a few years ago and was forced to spend three months looking at life from a different perspective.
While bedridden, he reflected on his near death experience and on his remaining time. With no history of heart disease in his family, he realized that his heart attack was primarily the result of his stressful approach to life. He wrote of his thoughts later, and offered two rules to live by:
"Rule number one: Don't sweat the small stuff.ΓÇ¥
"Rule number two: It is all small stuff."
I have a similar philosophy. After intensive study and contemplation, I have reached this conclusion: "YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF LIFE ALIVE!" So why not enjoy it to the ut-most? You can die in the bleachers or you can die on the field, so you might as well get out on the field of life and have a good time! Enjoy the grand adventure. Make it the most positively charged experience possible.
As long as you are here, find ways to make yourself happy. Keep in mind that this is a joyous course you have set upon. Revel in your pursuit of the dream. Savor your successes along the way. Your commitment to happiness is critical to your success. You don't need to force a smile but it helps to bring happiness to others as you go.
My high school principal, Charles L. Williams, told us, "Love and happiness are perfumes that you can't sprinkle on others without getting a few drops on yourself."
I have a few sayings that I use when I need a positive charge. You are welcome to use them, too:
ΓÇó Good things are supposed to happen to me. No matter how bad it is or how bad it gets, I'm going to make it.
ΓÇó I'm doing better than good and better than most and some times even better than that. I'm great and getting better.
ΓÇó I embrace faith. I embrace peace of mind. I embrace good relationships. I embrace good health. I embrace love. I embrace every good thing in the universe.
