Sunday Musings With Dad

My dad Kishore V Sonpal, was just short of 82, when he breathed his last on June 12, 2020, 01:24am. He built the habit of maintaining a diary right from his late twenties, when he took up his first job with Indian Railways, way back in 1964. His writings have stood the test of time. They are as relevant today, as they were, when he penned them down. I am sharing third of these diary entries. Just like me, hope you will also find subtle meaning in his writings.

Here is the seventh share. 

Transcript of the Image:

Ten Rules of Happiness

1. Live a simple life, be temperate in your habits. Avoid self seeking and selfishness. Make simplicity the keynote of your daily plans. Simple things are the best
2. Spend less than you earn. This might be tough in the beginning, but it pays huge dividend later. Stay out of Debt. Cultivate frugality, prudence and self denial. Avoid extravagance.
3. Think constructively. Train yourself to think clearly and accurately.Store your mind with useful thoughts. 
4. Cultivate a yielding disposition.Resist the common tendency to want things your own way. Try to see the other person’s point of view.
5. Be grateful. Begin the day with an act of gratitude for your opportunities and blessings. Be glad for the privilege of life and work. Rule your moods. Cultivate a mental attitude for peace and good-will.
6. Give generously. There is no greater joy in life than to render joy and happiness to others by means of intelligent giving.
7. Work with right motives. The highest purpose of life should be to grow in spiritual grace and power.
8. Be interested in others. Divert your mind from being self centred. Its the degree to which you give, serve and help others will be determined your level of happiness.
9. Live in a day light compartment, i.e. live one day at a time. Concentrate on the task in hand. Make the most of the day, because that’s all you have at the moment.
10. Have a hobby; nature walking, gardening, golf, music, photography, etc. Cultivate an avocation to which you can turn to for diversion and relaxation.

Like me, many of you would have read enough on the topic of happiness, However, I have never come across a list this simple, said totally from the heart, with so much of conviction and clarity of thought.

Hope this will bring a smile on your face and conviction in your heart and you would be desirous to do something different today and bring a cheer to someone.

Amen!