This is a stream-of-consciousness list of random things that we can be happy about.
Some of the things listed are wonderful little everyday things or special once-in-a-lifetime things. Some of them really touched my heart, and made me think, "Yes! I should be grateful and happy about that little thing." Other things made me think, "Huh? Why would anyone be happy about that?" Things I liked in the list: "a party with a pinata"
"a baby in a floppy white hat"
"figuring out port and starboard"
"baby corncobs"
"being able to say, I made it myself"
"sun burning off the morning fog"
"people who just by their presence warm your heart"
"having your hair braided"
"white Christmas lights"
Things I didn't like in the list:
"handling money" (Gross! Cash has so many germs on it, you might as well be touching a toilet.)
"sipping a Coke" (You might as well pour poison into your body with a tablespoon of sugar.)
"the brake pedal you wish existed on the passenger side of the car when you're riding with a lunatic" (This just gives me anxiety.)
"Sunday morning at Home Depot" (Why aren't you in church on Sunday morning? If you don't attend church, why aren't you at home sleeping in and relaxing?)
"PTA potluck dinners" (Social anxiety central, and food that people cooked in their questionably clean kitchens. For all you know, they sneezed on that macaroni casserole.)
"foot powder" (I just... I don't know.)
"bus terminals" (They always smell like urine. Why is this on the list?) It's a mixture, I guess. Good things, weird things, things you never noticed before, things that don't apply to you, things that resound with a perfect YES in your life, things that are dumb, things that are so clever and witty.
This isn't really a book you sit down and read. It's a book you flip through and scan a page, find a thing that resonates with you today, and maybe say a little prayer of thanks to God that these happy little things are in our lives, beautifying and blessing our existence every day.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. #bookstagram #books #reading
These affirmations and positive sayings are paired with illustrations that uplift and inspire the reader! I love the poignant and thoughtful axioms. Some of them really made me think about life in a different way! "Picture yourself as a little kid. Remember the promises you want to keep to that person."
"Give people a reason to remember your conversations, whether you do that by speaking or listening." However, there were a few sayings that sounded very strange to me, and didn't make much sense.
For instance, "Your ethics and politics are your architecture; build up those convictions and you'll have built a life." Since when does politics become a part of your identity? And how does which way you vote, build you a life? I can see how your ethics and beliefs are a big portion of your identity, but how does politics fit into that? Politics is about choosing which people are the best at organizing and making decisions for your state or for the country. It doesn't really have much to do with personal identity. It's someone's job. We elect them to do a job. How does that affect my identity, my "architecture"? Sounds like some kind of socialist weird ideology to me, where they try to get people loyal to their party by telling people that their identity is wrapped up in who wins an election.
Another strange one is "Money isn't dignity, or even that dignified, and it's definitely not an antidepressant." Except people who are truly poor may need money to help them establish some dignity in their lives. I've known people who lived in huts with dirt floors. I know they think that money could bring them a little more dignity. I've known children with holes in their shoes, and I'm sure they would be happier and less depressed if they had the money to buy nice shoes. The quote in this book should say 'An excess of money isn't dignity. Buying a fancy car and designer clothing is not an antidepressant.' To millions of people in the world, a little extra money could help them have a private toilet in their home instead of having to use the bushes behind their house. Dignity.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. #bookstagram #books
