FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Fr Roy Palatty, a Spiritual Director, wrote an editorial piece titled “The Key to Happiness”. He cited three tips for lasting happiness from the Dalai Lama’s book Happiness.

• There is a big difference between appearance and reality. It is a misconception that achieving certain things is bound to bring joy. Appearances will pass, contentment is intrinsic - search for that.

• Count your blessings. By meditating on the graces we have received, we will learn to overcome the wounds in life. More often than not, under the weight of our perceived losses, we tend to forget the graces we have been blessed with.

• Practice love, forgiveness and compassion. Visit the elderly, feed the hungry, intentionally avoid some happiness to make someone else happy. (Source: Shalom Tidings)

“I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. I re-read passages from my favourite books. I hold the little treasures that somebody special gave me. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”

Dolly Parton (Source: Australian Women’s Weekly)