When we come into this world, we do not get an instruction manual on how to live a happy life. But if you think about it for a moment, you'll realize that we don’t really need one. Life can be much simpler than we think it is, and the only thing we need to do to be happy is to remember a few golden rules. These are my own guidelines to life, and they remind me each and every day how I should be looking at the world and at life.
Before you say something bad, think about those who can’t talk and say something back.
Before you complain about the taste or variety of your food, remember there are starving people in the world.
Before you yell at your partner, think of how lonely some people feel as they go to sleep in an empty bed.
Before you complain about the state of things today, think about all the people who never got to see this day.
Before you get upset because the house is a mess, remember that there are people who don’t have a roof over their head.
Before you let traffic and long commutes irritate you, think about how fortunate you are to have a job and a car.
Before you point an accusing finger at someone, remember that you’re not perfect, and you make mistakes too.
And the most important rule of them all:
Before you let a depressing thought ruin your mood, put a smile on your face and be thankful you’re alive!
And don't forget, every day, to look in five different directions:
Forward – To know where you’re going and plan ahead.
Backward – To remember where you came from and avoid past mistakes.
Downward – To make sure you don’t step on others or ruin things along the way.
Sideways – To see who is there to support you, and who needs your help.
Upward – To remind yourself that there’s someone who’s watching over you.
Send this message to all your friends,
and remind them how easy it is to be thankful.
