Activity timeline
March 19, 2009
February 22, 2009
"Each of us should nurture our core identity by doing things that help us to become the person we really are and want to become."
"The Dalai Lama reminds us that 'we are all human beings. We all have the capacity to relate to one another with warmth, with affection, with friendship.' A smile shows a generosity of spirit."
"We build our character by thought, word, and action, habit by habit, revealing our moral purpose, assuming our duty faithfully. Good habits strengthen our goodness."
"Celebrations are not just to provide pleasure. They help us to honor each other, to recognize that, in truth, we should celebrate life together every day, wherever we are, right here, right now. When we say, 'Let's celebrate,' we are sending positive signals in all directions."
"Friends of ours have 'demi-tasse' Sunday nights. After supper, Barbara and Garry each savor a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream drizzled with a demi-tasse spoonful (or two) of their son-in-law's hot chocolate sauce. This treat is a ritual they look forward to. They celebrate the coming week in a festive mood."
"All too often people get caught up in the anxiety of their fast-paced lives, feeling there is no time to celebrate. I feel we impoverish our spirit if we don't regularly come together for some planned happiness to make memorable moments beautiful."
"Family, friends, and lovers are well-meaning when they plan to surprise their loved one, but it might be more thoughtful and loving to ask what would make the other person happiest." (No Awkward Surprises)
"In order to increase your own happiness, you have to get into the happiness habit. Make a list of all the things that boost your happiness. Add to the list as you're reminded of other things you love to do that make you happier. Have your partner make a list. Share your lists with each other. Once a day treat yourself to pursuing something for your own sake as well as taking the other person's happiness seriously."
February 20, 2009
"Whenever two lovers get in the habit of beginning their criticism "you never" or "you always," it is not a good beginning."
" Two people who deeply love each other over a lifetime will encounter many situations where criticism is appropriate. However, no matter how well-meaning the criticism, it is always best to express your point of view kindly, with the goal of not hurting your partner's feelings.... When we are gentle, our partner senses our intention to help."
"We share everything when we love each other. We should share our power to decide how to best find happiness for two. Try to make decisions together. Anything not mutual is most often not fair."
"Don't wait to be asked. Show your love in action by seeing a need and doing your share. Rather than inquiring, "What's for dinner?" assum that you are making dinner. This is a true treat."
"When we go to Paris to celebrate our anniversary every May, we hang out in cafes, walk about the city, make no plans ahead of time for our meals, and experience the greatest happiness knowing a city we love so dearly is always there to help us celebrate our mutual love, year after year."
"Give yourself assignments. Have a reading list. Let one project lead to another. Once you develop the mutual habit, you will find learning to be a key to your shared happiness."
"When you both value being lifelong students, always reaching out to grow more knowledgeable about the world and how to live more successfully in it, you become more interesting and therefore more interesting to each other."
