Finding Happiness

At church this last Sunday, the pastor told us a story about how a man walked into his office years ago and said he wanted to kill himself. The pastor asked him why and he was met with many reasons – recently divorced, financial issues, his job is stressful, etc.

The pastor shared with us that he cut the man off after him listing about five bad things in his life.

In the story, the pastor got out a piece of paper and a pen and told this man “You are going to write down 100 positive qualities about yourself. If you can’t, then we will talk about suicide”. The pastor started numbering the paper 1 to 100 as the man shakingly started to share phrases like “well… I guess I’m funny”. The pastor wrote down “funny”. Then the man said that others have noticed he’s done nice things for them- “Kind”. After a few more traits were identified using this pattern, the man started rambling qualities left and right and the pastor had to keep up.

And before long, the pastor said “STOP… You are at 90. Take this paper and hold onto it. Write in the last ten by yourself.”

The man moved away, remarried, and had kids. The pastor had a conference in this new city where the man was years later and the man approached him after, pulled out the crumbled paper from his wallet and showed the pastor the last ten (good husband, great father, provides for family, etc.).

Wow. Powerful! Here is my 90….

1. Kind
2. Selfless
3. Compassionate
4. Smart
5. Funny
6. Original
7. Beautiful, but
8. Humble.
9. Ambitious
10. Ability to persevere
11. Ability to endure
12. I fight for what I believe in
13. Sound morals
14. Passionate
15. Goal oriented
16. Courageous
17. I do not judge
18. Trusting
19. Trustworthy
20. Honest
21. Well-versed
22. Respectful
23. I’m proud but not boastful
24. Loyal
25. Devout
26. Emotionally Intelligent
27. Huge heart
28. Empathetic
29. Responsible
30. Good fur baby momma
31. Good god-child momma
32. Good friend
33. Fabulous best friend
34. Adventurous
35. Daring
36. Athletic
37. Hobbies- basketball
38. Hobbies- hiking
39. Hobbies- camping
40. Hobbies- baking
41. Hobbies- writing
42. Hobbies- poetry
43. Hobbies- yoga
44. Forgiving
45. Accepting
46. Loving
47. Strong willed
48. Self-disciplined
49. I support two others on my income
50. I am providing a roof for eight animals and two people
51. I influence healthcare change everyday
52. Hmmmmm…

I got to 52 tonight…. there may be more to come?

Of course! I want to see yours even if it isn’t 90! And of course! – I have bad days like everyone else when these parts of me may seem nil and void.