March Madness is upon us!! In addition to always having a stellar basketball team, Duke University once did a study on “Peace of Mind.” They found certain factors that contribute greatly to our emotional and mental stability:
The absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness.
Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression.
Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it.
Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress.
Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune.
Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues — love, honesty, truthfulness, humor, compassion and loyalty.
Do not expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable.
Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self-centered, egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.
The month of March should not be known for its “Madness”, but for its “Peace of Mind”. How is YOUR Lent going — “Madness” or “Peace of Mind”?
GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU IS PROCLAIMED BY EACH SUNRISE!
