Lifestyle Choices

Is any other place so dear to the human heart? Wherever we go, our thoughts ever turn to the one spot we can always call our own. No matter how humble, our fondest dreams are centered there. It need not be a mansion or lavishly furnished with the latest appliances. Although these may be desirable, they are not essential to true happiness. As the poet has said:

“Be it ever so humble. There’s no place like home.”

This kind of home is a shelter from the storms of life. It is the one place where the family can enjoy an atmosphere of peace and rest. Such a home will give depth and meaning to all we do, say, or think. If that home is blessed with children who grow into mature and happy young people, there is no lovelier sight in the world.

Building a happy home is never an easy task. If the home is to be a success, it will take a great deal of wise planning in which each member of the family is included. There is no question that many fine houses are being built today, but some of them will know little of genuine happiness. The fault is not in the house. Indeed, it might have the finest floors and walls and the most beautiful windows and doors, but these will never assure a happy home. The people who live there are of greater importance than the fixtures and furnishings, for one may live in the finest house in the community and yet be utterly miserable. On the other hand, the humblest cottage may prove to be the happiest spot on earth.

Everything depends on the attitudes of those who live in the home. If each member of the family has a happy outlook on life, there will be an atmosphere of sunshine in every room. If some are sour and discontented, bitterness will be reflected in almost all they say and do. True happiness does not spring from an abundance of worldly possessions, but from a happy and contented mind. Some people are never happy, no matter how much they may possess. Others enjoy life to the fullest with little material wealth.

Money Is Not the Answer

The story is told of a certain king in ancient times who was very rich, yet in spite of all his wealth he was utterly miserable. Many physicians were called to treat his sour stomach and to alleviate his chronic headaches, but no one could help him. At last someone came up with a rather strange plan. It was suggested that if the king could sleep only one night in the nightshirt of the happiest man in the kingdom, he too would be happy. It seemed rather odd, but the courtiers in their desperation were willing to try anything. Messengers were sent to all parts of the realm, searching for the happiest man.

Finally they found such a fellow—a beggar, his face wreathed in smiles—and they brought him to the palace. The monarch had never seen such a happy fellow before. His face seemed to radiate sunshine and good will. Surely this was the answer to his troubles, but when he asked if he could borrow the beggar’s nightshirt, the king was astonished to learn that the poor man had never owned one. He owned little, yet he was the happiest man in the kingdom.

A happy home does not depend on the size of one’s bank account, nor does it have to be filled with lavish furnishings. In fact, the more we possess, the fussier and more intolerable we may become. It is so easy for most of us to lose our sense of true values and consider a few material benefits more highly than the love and companionship of a contented family. There is no question that a few well-placed ornaments make a home more attractive; however, true happiness springs from the heart, not from an array of glittering show pieces that are here today and gone tomorrow. Among the greatest satisfactions in life are those enduring memories arising from happy relationships within a well-balanced home.

When we create a happy environment for our children, we are building for the future. The influence of such a home reaches out beyond its own small circle. It molds not only our own children, but countless others who will associate with them in later years. Early home training is the most important thing in the life of every child, for there he learns the true significance of life. The sooner he acquires this the better, not only for himself, but for those with whom he comes in contact in later life.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Building a Happy Home, True Happiness, in any Language home is a more beautiful word

• Building a Happy Home, True Happiness, in any Language home is a more beautiful word, sense of Security
• Ideals for Happy Living, hold the Family together
• Alter your Life with Mindful Living Reality TV Shows
• The Real Meaning of Marriage, Love, Relationship, Marriage, Pheromones
• The mind-Mind Care
• Tired Romance, Solving your Marriage Problems, keep Wedding Promise
• How Does the Fact that You Have a Career and Children Compare with your Siblings' Lives?
• Hints for Happy and Pleasant Living, Warm and Happiness
• Past history and personality
• Healing Home Vibrations from the Past