The Balance Beam eXperience

Where in the World is Happy Valley?   The riches of peace, contentment, and happiness are possessed when you live in Happy Valley.  No, you can't move there.  In fact, you can't find this city anywhere in the world. Happy Valley is within you.  Its riches provide you with peace of mind, harmony, and yes, the ability to stay on the balance beam of life.  In his book, Napoleon Hill's A Year Of Growing Rich, Hill gives this inventory of the riches and how he acquired them. I found happiness by helping others find it. I found sound health by living temperately and eating only the food my body requires to maintain itself. I hate no man, envy no man, but love and respect all mankind. I am engaged in a labor of love with which I mix play generously; therefore, I never grow tired. I pray daily, not for more riches, but for more wisdom with which to recognize, embrace and enjoy the great abundance of riches I already possess. I speak no name save only to honor it, and I slander no man for any cause whatsoever. I ask no favors of anyone except the privilege of sharing my blessings with all who desire them. I am on good terms with my conscience, therefore it guides me accurately in everything I do. I have more material wealth than I need because I am free from greed and covet only those things I can use constructively while I live.  My wealth comes from those whom I have benefited by sharing my blessings. The state of Happy Valley, which I own, is not taxable.  It exists mainly in my own mind, intangible riches that cannot be assessed for taxation or appropriated except by those who adopt my way of life.  I created this estate over a lifetime of effort by observing Nature's laws and forming habits to conform with them. He concludes by saying, "the Happy Valley man's creed can bring you wisdom to solve all your personal problems - before they arise - and give you peace and contentment." What city is within you?

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"Happiness and high performance come to you when you choose to live your life consistent with your highest values and your deepest convictions."      Brian Tracy "Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty."      Socrates "My crown is in my heart, not on my head, Nor decked with diamonds and Indian stones, Nor to be seen: My crown is called content: A crown it is, that seldom kings enjoy."      William Shakespeare

 

Personal Reflections

No matter where we physically live, the opportunity to figuratively live in Happy Valley exists for us all. When we live the creed above peace and contentment can be ours.  Mr. Hill makes it seem so easy. We know it is not, but we also know that habits can be learned over time; habits which when practiced daily, can have a huge impact on our happiness.  Happy Valley beckons!   I held down the fort last week as John traveled to Tampa to help Valerie move into her new apartment.  He rented a truck and cleared our house of some of our "extras".  The move brought back memories of my first apartment and the "extras" I received from my parents and even my grandparents.  We did the same for our son John's first apartment a few years ago.  And somewhere down the road, our children will be moving their children.    I will be traveling to Birmingham, Alabama this week to represent the American Association of Women Dentists at a gathering sponsored by Sullivan Schein Dental Company.  I am looking forward to sharing the mission that AAWD is the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists.  By the way, our annual meeting will be held in Colorado Springs this summer July 19-21.  I will be speaking on "Clarity, Clocks, and Confidence: Three Roadblocks to Reaching Your Peak Potential".  Contact me for more details if you are interested in attending.   Have a fantastic week and I'll see you in Happy Valley.   Stephanie