Soul Food Revolution

The fifth of the seven principles to success this week is “I will choose to be happy.”

Beginning this very moment, I am a happy person, for I now truly understand the concept of happiness. Happiness is a choice. Happiness is the end result of certain thoughts and activities, which actually bring about a chemical reaction in my body. This reaction results in a euphoria that, while elusive to some, is totally under my control. Today I will choose to be happy. I will greet each day with laughter. Within moments of awakening, I will laugh for seven seconds. Even after such a small period of time, excitement has begun to flow through my bloodstream. I feel different. I am different! I am enthusiastic about the day. I am alert to its possibilities. I am happy! Laughter is an outward expression of enthusiasm, and I know that enthusiasm is the fuel that moves the world. I laugh throughout the day. I laugh while I am alone, and I laugh in conversation with others. People are drawn to me because I have laughter in my heart. The world belongs to the enthusiastic, for people will follow them anywhere! Today I will choose to be happy. I smile at every person I meet. My smile has become my calling card. My smile has the strength to forge bonds, break ice, and calm storms. I will use my smile constantly. Because of my smile, the people with whom I come in contact on a daily basis will choose to further my causes and follow my leadership. I will always smile first. That particular display of a good attitude will tell others what I expect in return. My smile is the key to my emotional makeup. A wise man once said, ‘ I do not sing because I am happy; I am happy because I sing!’ When I choose to smile, I become the master of my emotions. The power of who I am is displayed when I smile. Today I will choose to be happy. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit. Just as the fresh breeze cleans smoke from the air, so a grateful spirit removes the cloud of despair. It is impossible for the seed of depression to take root in a thankful heart. My God has bestowed upon me many gifts, and for these I will remember to be grateful. I am grateful for sight and sound and breath. I will greet each day with laughter. I will smile at every person I meet. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit. Today I will choose to be happy.

Excerpt taken from The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews. Also, follow Andy on Twitter.
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In light of the recent ‘tea bag’ protests happening in our communities tomorrow, those of us at the Soul Food Revolution put our heads together and came up with a revolt of our own! We’re inviting you to join! Here it is: This week’s top ten ways to make the world a more positive place, one person at a time! And by the way…feel free to add to the top ten list! Just make a comment to this post below. The best suggestions will be added to our next list!

Top Ten Things to Do Instead of ‘Drinking Tea’:

Creative Commons License photo credit: Dan4th

10. Open the door for someone. The easiest of gestures can also be viewed as the most appreciated.
9. Clean out your closet! Donate that dress you haven’t worn in 10 years to your local clothing shelter.
8. After you mow your lawn, mow your neighbor’s too! The gift of time is immeasurable.
7. When you grab some lunch at the drive through today, pay for the car behind you. Better yet wait for that tour bus to pull through!
6. Go out of your way to grab the shopping cart that is in the middle of the parking lot at the supermarket. You’ll save someone a dent and get some exercise!

5. Go to the bank, take a $10 bill with you, and exchange it for a roll of quarters. Then head to the nearest laundry mat and randomly pay for people’s laundry.
4. Call a young couple that has a child or children and offer to babysit for them tonight. They could use a night off, or at least a couple of hours.

Creative Commons License photo credit: gina pina

3. That wall you’re trying to redecorate….. get some canvas and allow your kids or grandkids to create a painting for it. You will never know how much it will mean to them….I promise. (only one rule, you can’t tell them what to paint!)
2. Ask your child’s or grandchild’s teacher if you could read to their class this week. They’ll love it!
1. Forward this to EVERYONE on your mailing list! Share this website. Remember, we are trying to start a revolution here, but we can’t do it without you!

Are you ready for a real revolution? I know many of you are passionate about your politics. I’m happy you are. But there is a movement beginning in our country that, I believe, is going to do more damage than good. It is a revolt that is going to distance even further the gap that has been created over the years. It will distance government and people. It will distance religious and non-religious. It will distance poor and rich. It will bring our country to a place we do not want it to go. It will bring our culture to a place of negativity. In fact, I believe this revolt will damage our country to almost beyond repair. Continue reading