by Jodie Stevens | Apr 9, 2015 | Choices, Fear and Anxiety, Happiness |
An article written by a hospice worker describes the top regrets most patients have at the end of their lives. One of the most common is: “I wish I would have let myself be happier.” Why did so many of them have this regret? According to our hospice worker: “Many did...
by Jodie Stevens | Apr 7, 2015 | Choices, Emotional Difficulties & Addiction, Happiness |
I’ve heard that genetics and environmental influences account for roughly half of our overall happiness, and the other half is our thoughts and actions. The good news about past negative environmental influences is they can often be overcome through counseling and...
by Jodie Stevens | Nov 12, 2014 | Choices, Emotional Difficulties & Addiction, Happiness, Hope |
It’s been said that King Solomon was one of the wisest men who ever lived. In addition to wisdom, he had everything anyone could have wanted, and yet he is credited for writing Ecclesiastes, which is probably the most depressing book in the bible (and one of my...
by Jodie Stevens | Oct 2, 2014 | Choices, Emotional Difficulties & Addiction, Happiness, Love |
“You give a little, he give a little.” That’s what the old woman said when I asked her secret to 57 years of marriage. For many people marriage (and life) is a battle of wills with no one prepared to surrender. Sometimes it takes more courage to give up your ‘right to...
by Jodie Stevens | Aug 26, 2014 | Happiness, Thankfulness |
I’m thankful for many things, but gratitude feels different; sort of like deep inner peace that comes from being grateful even in difficult times. Sometimes it wells up inside me and tears spring forth as I think about how much God has blessed me in my sobriety. I...
by Jodie Stevens | May 30, 2014 | Happiness, Humor |
A friend I’ve known since I was a baby sent me birthday present in the mail. It’s a ‘Flashlight Friend.’ He’s a little stuffed dog with a button near his heart. At night when you’re scared, you push him and he lights up. While examining this gift my husband remarked:...
