No 35 8-31-18 “Go out and do something kind for somebody”

“When you find yourself overpowered, as it were, by melancholy, the best way is to go out and do something kind for somebody.”

– John Keble (1792 – 1866)

English Clergyman and Poet

Have you ever had melancholy? I have. I have had times I could not get up and get out. I’ve had times I could not move and communicate. Sorry, but I think I’m not alone. I have been crippled by this cloud of darkness. And now, at 62 I have found the answer to this, giving service to others. It is my drug, my new lease on life, my freedom, my balm in Gilead. Now, the reward from doing something kind to someone else is better than silver or gold.

“I want to remind you that success in life is based on hard slogging. There will be periods when discouragement is great and upsetting, and the antidote for this is calmness and fortitude and a modest yet firm belief in your competence. Be sure that your priorities are in order so that you can proceed in a logical manner, and be ever mindful that nothing will take the place of persistence.”

– Walter Annenberg, Publisher and philanthropist (1908 – 2002 )

Persistence, my key word in life. I also love the phrase “hard slogging”. Oh, I wish the days were easier sometimes, but they are what they are, and life gives us what we need when we need it. During discouragement, I try to be calm, refrain from speaking quickly, and I try to remember the good home training I have, and I try to use it! Persistence, live by it!

“Never speak of yourself to others; make them talk about themselves instead: therein lies the whole art of pleasing.”

What’s the kindness thing you can do for someone? Listen to their story. Don’t interrupt, just hear them out. Let them talk. This is so hard for me because I sometimes actually believe they want to hear about me, but they don’t. It’s all about others and listening to them. To truly please someone else, just close the mouth and listen to them. Who knows, you might learn something, have a good laugh, and have your friendship deepen!

“I am convinced that the world is not a mere bog in which men and women trample themselves and die. Something magnificent is taking place here amidst the cruelties and tragedies, and the supreme challenge to intelligence is that of making the noblest and best in our curious heritage prevail.”

– Charles A. Beard (1874 – 1948)

American historians

To tell you the truth, I have been in a bog for a few months. I’ve felt tired, fat, and I’m having my 62-year-old physical, not fun! Just recently, I have been feeling better, more productive and fuller of hope. I do know that during these rough times in my life, that I am developing that noble strength and growing as a man of service.

“Determine that a thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.”

– Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865)

16th President of the United States

Let’s practice this. This is our motto: “It will get better” …and it will! Don’t give up. Keep on going. You will find a way. Hey, go be kind to someone, you’ll love it!

Thanks for reading!

David Earl Woodbury

Keep on Dancing!

DavidEarlWoodbury@gmail.com

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