It is not a bad plan to make a point of writing down every day (in a
note-book, or on slips of paper) some special reason why we should
keep happy. Mr. Arthur Knight and I have done this regularly for many
months, and have exchanged our records from time to time. The following
are a few out of many of our reasons. They are not arranged in any
particular order, but are put down just as we wrote them, from day to
day. We recommend every reader to try the practice.
* * * * *
KEEP HAPPY. When happiness is present, the petty things of life fail to
disturb and poison us.
KEEP HAPPY. This means living in the higher part of the mind, where
the air and light and warmth are greater, and where all good things
originate. Keep your thoughts in this happy region of yourself, and you
will not only get the right ideas--the ideas that you really need--but
you will draw other minds up to the same level.
KEEP HAPPY. The more you insist on--and persist in--keeping happy, the
more you will realise and be convinced how absolutely and progressively
beneficial Happiness is.
KEEP HAPPY, and the things that would, in the ordinary way, loom
large and important, and upset our peace and poise, either fade into
nothingness or else become obviously useful as training us to play the
game of life.
If we would be at our best, in body, mind, and spirit, we must keep
happy. Gloom and sorrow lessen our power to be our best and to do our
best.
KEEP HAPPY. There is nothing to be said against it. There is everything
to be said in favour of it.
KEEP HAPPY. Happiness is as much a duty towards God, our “Neighbours,”
and ourselves, as is Purity or Kindness or any other Virtue, and
Happiness makes every other Virtue easier and pleasanter.
However good a physical or mental “system” you may follow, and however
many excellent rules you may obey as to diet or exercise, and so on,
the rule “Keep Happy” is found to be a good addition to your daily
régime.
KEEP HAPPY. The happy spirit is a magnet, and draws all that is most
pleasant and profitable from all sources to seek you and to become
yours.
KEEP HAPPY when you are inclined to be ill-tempered or depressed or
anxious. Then your sight and your perspective will change, and you will
see the good in every one and every thing.
KEEP HAPPY, and give out Happiness. When we give out Happiness, we
always receive more blessings than we give to others.
KEEP HAPPY. Difficulties and troubles enlarge through unhappiness,
which is their fertilising manure.
KEEP HAPPY. To keep happy is good and God-like.
KEEP HAPPY. Whoever is happy, longs and tends to make all others
happier and happier.
KEEP HAPPY. To keep happy is true heroism--no less so than any
spasmodic act of courage.
KEEP HAPPY. Then every good quality within you will grow and flourish
and multiply and radiate.