Keys to Happiness: The Optimist Creed, by Christian D. Larson

Born in the late 1800s, Christian D. Larson penned The Optimist Creed back in 1912. It was later adopted by Optimist International in 1922, sans the last stanza, as its official creed. These are very wise words, and it's probably some of the best advice you will ever find on how to conduct your life. It addresses most of the things we mortals struggle with on a daily basis.

Certainly a worthy thing to strive for.

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”

Miracles Update: Chinese Newborn Boy Rescued From Sewer Pipe After Being Flushed Down Toilet

UPDATE 5/29/13:  It turns out the 22-year-old woman who reported the baby crying was actually the mother.  She is a single woman who claims the baby slipped down the squat toilet. It's entirely possible she is telling the truth.

Chinese Squat Toilet

It's still a miracle the baby survived.

Some things that happen in life can only be classified as a miracle. Like the rescue in China of a newborn baby boy who was flushed down a squat toilet in an apartment building in Jinhua, Zhejiang province. Tenants apparently heard some cries from the sewer pipes, and that's how they discovered there was a two-day old baby stuck in there. Firefighters cut away a section of the pipe containing the baby, and medical personnel in the local hospital carefully cut around the pipe to be able to remove the baby.

Baby 59 is in stable condition.

If you watch the video below you will see just how miraculous the rescue was.

There have been offers to adopt the boy, but that's not going to happen. If the parents don't claim him social services will take over.

Since boys are the preferred sex in China, as a result of their "one-child" policy, one can only assume that they already had a child and did not want to be penalized for having a second. It's heartbreaking on so many levels, but at least the boy survived.

This baby's soul obviously has things it wants to accomplish this lifetime.  God speed Baby 59.



Source: NY Daily News

Make People Happy - Zach Sobiech's Advice Before He Died Of Terminal Cancer

Zach Sobiech just passed away at the tender young age of 18. He had osteosarcoma, a terminal, rare form of bone cancer. When he was told he had six months or so to live he started writing songs as a way to say goodbye to his friends and loved ones.

The following video is a tribute to his "Last Days", and he gives us all a lesson in how to live.

Live your life as if today was your last, and most importantly- make people happy.

He left the physical plane on May 20, 2013.

Zach's song, 'Clouds' is available on iTunes and other online music stores. The proceeds benefit the Zach Sobiech Research Fund of Children's Cancer Research Fund. 

He was and is an inspiration.

Another box of kleenex video.

It's Better To Give Than Receive- Homeless Man Gives $250.00 To Charity

From a spiritual perspective it's far better to give than to receive. Most religious and spiritual faiths emphasize the importance of giving to others, either through good deeds or monetary aid.  Acts 20:35 of the King James Version of the Bible says:

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

It's even more remarkable when those who have nothing manage to find small ways of giving to others what little they have.  That's what a homeless 77-year-old veteran did. Ed Denst saved up 250 one dollar bills and then donated the lot to the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul Council in Los Angeles. $250.00 might not seem much to some, especially those cynics who believe that since he "didn't lift a finger to get that $250", " giving it away means absolutely nothing," but it does.

KCAL9's Rachel Kim asked Denst, "You could buy meals, you could buy yourself clothes, you could do a lot with that money. Why give it away?"

"Well, because I thought about giving back. (It) makes me feel very good," he said.

Denst, an ex-Marine, said he became homeless after his wife died 23 years ago. He admitted he sold his house and spent all his money.

Denst said he'll continue to give, not just take. He doesn't consider himself a religious man, but he's learning the Lord's prayer.

"Give us this day our daily bread...that is very meaningful to me. I think that is how I have every day," he said.

"What I'm learning is that people are charitable and that should make me thankful."

Kudos to Denst.

Source: CBS

Video- What is love? Bill Forward's Unconditional Love For His Wife Glad

What is Love?

This video of an Aussie couple who have been married for 50 years demonstrates what unconditional love and selflessness is all about. Bill Forward has been taking care of his wife Glad, who has Alzheimer's, since 2004/2005. He now has to do everything for her including brushing her teeth. He does not see this as a burden.

Grab your tissues.



A little background on the video.

Eldon Taylor's Paperback Book Launch Party For "I Believe"

Eldon Taylor, NY Times best-selling author of "Choices and Illusions",  wrote a book called "I Believe" which was published by Hay House last year as a hardcover.  It quickly became an international hit, so Hay House has decided to release a paperback version.

In case you are not familiar with the book:

I Believe: When What You Believe Matters! reveals the importance of choosing your every life belief and the effects these choices have on the quality of your life—impacting areas that may surprise you in ways you have not thought of. From influencing how long you will live and how your DNA expresses itself to what you will allow yourself to see and hear, I promise that you will be astounded at the many consequences for every single belief. It's like a spider web that continually builds upon itself often trapping us where we don't want to be. The book also comes with a CD featuring Eldon’s patented InnerTalk technology.

Eldon's people are inviting my readers to a book launch party, with a bunch of bonus gifts when you order, plus a chance to enter a drawing to win some wonderful gifts from some of Eldon's supporters. This is a limited time offer. If you are interested, check out their promotion link.

http://www.progressiveawarenesspromotions.com/it/13e/index/J.php

The Wonders Of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, that cactus-looking plant that is actually a succulent, has more benefits than you probably realize. It is has anti- bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Normally thought of as a wonderful salve for skin problems, it also helps with many health issues when ingested in  juice form.

During some past flare-ups of my Ulcerative Colitis (UC), I drank aloe vera juice as part of my healing regimen. That, along with Robert's Formula (the brand I used is no longer available) and a product called Intestinew, quickly brought me back into remission.  Not all aloe vera juices, however, are the same. Some contain aloe latex (aloin) which can exacerbate problems with diarrhea if you have Crohns or UC, although if you have constipation it might be useful. Check the label to make sure it is aloin and preservative-free if you have bowel or other issues.  I used a product called George's Road Runner, expensive, but it is distilled and tasted like water- a quarter of a cup was all I needed. (Remember to always comparison shop when you purchase supplements in retail venues and online.)

The juice and gel can help with many health problems including:

Canker Sores
Crohns
Diabetes (can help manage)
Digestion (it's a great cleanser and detoxifier)
Heartburn
High Blood Pressure
Immunity
Irritable Bowel Syndrom
Sunburn
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcers
Weight loss (can help)

Personally, I wouldn't make my own juice from whole aloe plants, unless you know how to remove the aloin, but I have cut open a leaf and used the gel with success for skin troubles.

Remember to always research how to use supplements, and ask your health practitioner if aloe is right for you.  Since it is a potent medicinal plant, I would use it only as long as you are in the healing process, and not on a regular basis.

Lavender And Its Many Health Benefits

Besides smelling wonderful, Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) actually has many healthful benefits. You'll probably be surprised by how many, I know I was. Used as aromatherapy, a tea, and with dried or fresh buds it can help with a myriad of health issues. Lavender is a calmative, and has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal  and disinfectant properties. It contains antioxidants (polyphenols) and is chock full of phytonutrients for good health.

Lavender oil should always be diluted and used sparingly.  It is very potent.

ANXIETY, STRESS, TENSION, DEPRESSION-  Rub some essential oil into your temples and/or under your nose. Or soak in a hot bath that you've added flower buds or oil.

APPETITE LOSS- Breathing lavender aromatherapy for 15 minutes can stimulate the appetite.

DEMENTIA-  Lavender oil has been found to lower aggressiveness and 'agitated behavior' in dementia patients when used as part of massage therapy.

HAIR TROUBLES-

    a. Alopecia (hair loss): When rubbed into the scalp. Combine with oils of cedarwood, thyme, and rosemary. Could increase hair growth by 44% in 7 months. The WebMD recipe is as follows:

For bald spots (alopecia areata): one study used a combination of essential oils including 3 drops (108 mg) of lavender, 3 drops (114 mg) of rosemary, 2 drops (88 mg) of thyme, and 2 drops (94 mg) of cedarwood, all mixed with 3 mL jojoba oil and 20 mL grapeseed oil. Each night, the mixture is massaged into the scalp for 2 minutes with a warm towel placed around the head to increase absorption.

  b. Dandruff: Steep flowers in hot water, cool, and use as a rinse until the flakes disappear.  You can also add 15 drops of lavender essential oil to 2 tablespoons of almond, olive or white sesame seed oil,  microwave until warm (about 10 seconds or so), massage scalp with the concoction, put on a disposable shower cap, let sit for an hour, then shampoo out.  This also might take a few goes to notice a difference.  You could also add some essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner.

  c. Lice and Nits: Apply oil to a comb and comb through hair. It supposedly kills the nits.

INSOMNIA-  Inhale some lavender essential oil before bed time, or put some on your pillow. You can also steep some lavender flowers in hot water to help relax and promote sleep, drink before bed. Adding some chamomile to the lavender could double the effect. Turn on a diffuser with lavender oil at night. Place a vase of dried lavender next to your bed.

PAIN- When inhaled, it can also help reduce pain, probably by reducing anxiety. Massaged, it can  help with joint pain, and headaches.

SKIN TROUBLES- 

   a. Mosquito Bites: Get rid of the itch with essential oil. Dab a few drops of essential oil on the bite, wait 15 minutes.  Then reapply every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours.  If the skin gets irritated within the first 15 minutes, stop using.

  b. Burns or Irritations: Add some oil to moisturizer or hand lotion, or to some water in a spray bottle.

TUMMY TROUBLES- Add food-grade dried lavender to some yogurt to help with bloating and poor digestion, especially from antibiotic use. The polyphenols help with the bad bacteria in the gut.


Besides the above, it has been known to help with many other ailments including acne, asthma, colic, cuts, flatulence, hay fever,  nausea, vomiting,

SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Although lavender is generally safe, there are some potential issues you should consider before using.  If you are trying to lose weight, you should probably stay away from lavender since it can stimulate the appetite. It can also cause constipation, headache, and skin irritations. Stop using lavender in any form at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery since it can slow down the central nervous system too much when used in conjunction with general anesthesia.  Apparently, it's also not a good idea to use on  pre-pubescent boys because of hormonal issues: it can cause gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth). It's probably best to not use on any young children. Diabetics should also stay away from lavender use. And as always, pregnant and lactating women should stay away. And here is some important information on interactions.

Unless you know for sure the lavender is safe to ingest, do not take orally.

Please remember always check with your doctor or health practitioner before you use any herbal remedy.


Sources: HuffPo, Marks Daily Apple, Health Cave, WebMD,