Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

happy life

Dr. Jin Robertson Dr. Jin Robertson joyous author. inspiring speaker. dream accomplisher.

Dr. Jin Robertson has been a factory laborer, an immigrant housemaid, a battered wife, and a U.S. army major. Jin received her M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University. She is an international inspirational speaker and bestselling author. [www.drjinrobertson.com]

Happiness is not far away from us. We can always find happiness. Even in the smallest things, with only spare moments to smell the roses.

I believe that happiness and success in life depend on how well we utilize our available resources. No one knows how much effort is required or the price we must pay in that endeavor. I think that’s why people easily give up when the road gets too tough. Throughout many tough times in my past, I was often tempted to give up too. Luckily, I didn’t. Now I’m enjoying happy successes. The best part is that my happy fever is contagious, spreading and creating more.

Consequently, I’m grateful for the nightmarish times of my childhood. I detested getting up in the dark of the morning to prepare breakfast. Walking out half-asleep into a dark yard veiled by white breath, the unbearable cold wintry air slapping me in the face. I wished the whole thing was just a bad dream.

But the anger I discovered within myself towards the harsh reality and discrimination aroused rebellion in my heart. I wanted to become a justice seeker and prove that even a poor girl from the countryside could achieve something big. I desperately wanted to succeed. When my reality sharply departed from my dream, I refused to compromise. I would not allow myself to stop fighting against the unacceptable truth. I later realized that those four years of struggle formed a strong foundation for my hope and courage for my dreams.

Even then, I enjoyed moments of genuine happiness. On summer nights, I would lie down comfortably on a flat, square, wooden bench, indulging in the gentle night breeze. A few neighbors and friends would join my family on that bench. I would look long and hard into the vast night sky, filled with stars, scattered across the limitless space. The darker the surroundings were, the brighter they twinkled. Those stars inspired me to become just like them—proudly shining, high in the sky.

We can find happiness anytime only if we stop ignoring it. Finding the seeds of happiness scattered around and planting them to bloom into flowers, that is the task for us who want a happy life.

– Dr. Jin Robertson

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Ava Sydney
    Ava Sydney Ava Sydney me embracer. inner journeyer. wellness warrior.

    Ava Sydney is the founder of Body Temple LA, a website created for everyone who wants to enjoy optimum health and happiness. She is also a life coach, producer and nature photographer. [www.BodyTempleLA.com]

     
  • Ariel Joseph Towne
    Ariel Joseph Towne Ariel Joseph Towne Feng Shui Expert. Writer. Alchemist of Possibility.

    Ariel Joseph Towne is the author of Serene Makeover: Inner Edition (Feng shui your life from the inside out), which empowers us to address our "inner house" and make changes that can affect all levels of our lives. [www.thefengshuiguy.com/serene-makeover-inner-edition]

     
  • Maia Monasterios
    Maia Monasterios Maia Monasterios compassionate producer. loving daughter. wisdom seeker.

    Maia Monasterios is an award-winning director, producer, and writer of such projects as PBS History Detectives stories including: Vietnam Diary, Titanic Luxury Liner Picture Frame, Clint Black's Rogue Book and The Beatles Autographs. [http://www.indiegogo.com/Vietnam-Veterans-Forgive-and-Heal]

     
  • Dave Smiley
    Dave Smiley Dave Smiley filmmaker. former prison psychologist. transformationalist.

    Dr. Dave Smiley, a former prison psychologist, had an awakening at age 52. Retiring early, he went on to create the first transformational film about spirituality, the mind, and weight loss. [http://TheInnerWeigh.com]

     
  • Taryn Miller-Stevens
    Taryn Miller-Stevens Taryn Miller-Stevens storyteller. curator. globe-trotter.

    Taryn Miller-Stevens believes the world can be transformed by sharing gifts and stories across generations. She's currently globetrotting and curating retreats for big dreamers and doers. [http://flavors.me/tems]

     
  • Philip Isles
    Philip Isles Philip Isles writer. magician. recovery embracer.

    Philip Isles is a writer of middle grade children's novels and teaches children magic, Lego, and video game design. He is a member of the Magic Castle and moonlights as a close-up magician. [www.philipisles.com]

     
  • Zara Larsen
    Zara Larsen Zara Larsen leadership consultant. business coach. proud redhead.

    Dr. Zara Larsen is a change leadership consultant and business coach. Her weekly radio show encourages us to create our own path by walking on it. [www.thelarsengroup.com]

     
  • Robert Moss
    Robert Moss Robert Moss author. pioneer. active dreamer.

    Robert Moss is the pioneer of Active Dreaming, a synthesis of shamanism and modern dreamwork. He believes that dreaming isn't just for sleep; it's for waking up. [www.mossdreams.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Joel Pelcyger
    Joel Pelcyger Joel Pelcyger education pioneer. classroom collaborator. inspired perspirer.

    Joel Pelcyger, a nationally respected educator, has served as Head of PS1 Pluralistic School since 1971 when he co-founded the independent elementary school in Santa Monica, CA. [www.psone.org]

     
  • Barbara Bassill
    Barbara Bassill Barbara Bassill writer. change-agent. actress with a vision.

    Barbara Bassill empowers women to live a life of joy, harmony and authenticity. She's a business woman and mother of three beautiful children. [www.barbarabassill.wordpress.com/coaching]

     
  • Douglas Campbell
    Douglas Campbell Douglas Campbell social cross pollinator. tuxedo adventurer. mindsharer.

    Doug Campbell, co-founder of Mindshare LA and Syyn Labs, is a community builder, experience engineer, and charitable adventurer who uses the power of technology to augment social interaction. [www.projectfresh.com]

     
  • Drai
    Drai Drai designer. conscious brand manager. wild redhead.

    Drai is a priestess, song keeper, mother, wife, and artist. As founder of Wild Redhead Design, she loves to partner with folks who are making a difference. [www.myspace.com/wildredheaddesign/blog]

     
  • Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.
    Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. author. speaker. nagual.

    As a Nagual (shaman), Don Miguel Ruiz Jr helps others discover optimal physical and spiritual health, so that they may achieve their own personal freedom. [www.miguelruiz.com]

     
  • Sonia Choquette
    Sonia Choquette Sonia Choquette Author. Teacher. Intuitive.

    Sonia Choquette - spiritual teacher, intuitive guide, and bestselling author - has a powerful ability to instantly liberate people from limitations and fears into a far more effective, spirit-guided life. [www.trustyourvibes.com]

     
  • Zainab Salbi
    Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

    Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

     
  • Ariel Joseph Towne
    Ariel Joseph Towne Ariel Joseph Towne Feng Shui Expert. Writer. Alchemist of Possibility.

    Ariel Joseph Towne is the author of Serene Makeover: Inner Edition (Feng shui your life from the inside out), which empowers us to address our "inner house" and make changes that can affect all levels of our lives. [www.thefengshuiguy.com/serene-makeover-inner-edition]

     
  • Sandy Corso
    Sandy Corso Sandy Corso free spirited mom. life lover. plant-eater.

    Sandy Corso created Peaceful Daily as well her book, Peace Salad (100 Tips to Inspire a Peaceful Life), to create a community founded on principles of compassion, well-being, and taking action to make the world a better place. [peacefuldaily.com]

     
  • Tim Gallwey
    Tim Gallwey Tim Gallwey author. speaker. inner gamer.

    Tim Gallwey is the author of The Inner Game series of books. His teachings, built on a foundation of Zen thinking and humanistic psychology, heighten learning, performance, and enjoyment. [www.theinnergame.com]

     
  • Kira Ryder
    Kira Ryder Kira Ryder grateful student. generous teacher. unionizer.

    Kira Ryder is grateful for all her teachers and the teachings that have been shared with her. One of Yoga Journal’s Top Teachers Shaping the Future of Yoga in America, her teaching emphasizes tuning into the alignment within your own heart. [www.lulubandhas.com]

     
  • Todd Murray
    Todd Murray Todd Murray musical multi-tasker. quest seeker. early starter.

    Todd Murray uses both sides of his brain. He's a professional singer/songwriter and a businessman. He's a documentarian, real-estate owner/manager, co-owner of gvbradio.com, dog lover ... and he cans pickles. [www.ToddMurray.com]

     
  • Peter Hastings
    Peter Hastings Peter Hastings Filmmaker. Musician. Creative Explorer.

    Peter Hastings has worked professionally in film, television, theatre, and music for the past 35 years. Peter supports [www.onekidoneworld.org]

     
  • Liz Eustace
    Liz Eustace Liz Eustace community stretcher. flexible mama. simple doer.

    Liz Eustace is a total yoga dawg who's savored hundreds of yoga classes throughout North America. She's a certified yoga teacher and the CEO and founder of an online community connecting people to yoga. [www.alignyo.com]

     
  • Michael E. Gerber
    Michael E. Gerber Michael E. Gerber original thinker. entrepreneurial leader. knowledge hunter.

    Over the years, Michael E. Gerber's?companies have helped tens of thousands of small business owners to successfully transform their businesses into world-class operations. [www.michaelegerbercompanies.com]

     
  • Jane Simington
    Jane Simington Jane Simington trauma therapist. keynote speaker. morning pages writer.

    Dr. Jane A. Simington PhD. combines personal experience of healing from the traumatic loss of her son along with professional experience to help others find hope and happiness after a difficult life experience. [www.throughsoulseyes.com]

     
  • Neale Donald Walsch
    Neale Donald Walsch Neale Donald Walsch conversationalist. author. spiritual messenger.

    A modern day spiritual messenger, bestselling author Neale Donald Walsch founded the Conversations with God Foundation, dedicated to inspiring the world to move toward peace, clarity, and love. [www.nealedonaldwalsch.com]

     
  • Judy Clement Wall
    Judy Clement Wall Judy Clement Wall author. lover. cheesecake enthusiast.

    Author Judy Clement Wall recently finished her first book, a literary novel about love (and some other things). She also has a blog, Zebra Sounds. [http://zebrasounds.net]

     
  • Stephanie Parodi
    Stephanie Parodi Stephanie Parodi Singer. Musician. Soulful Songstress.

    Stephanie Parodi is a gifted singer, songwriter, and musician who writes soulful music from the heart. She puts words to feelings that we can all relate to. [www.lifebeyondlimits.com]

     
  • Nic Askew
    Nic Askew Nic Askew filmmaker. musician. poet.

    Nic Askew makes films. Short, black and white. Far beyond simple. Films that shake the soul. Made for those who have set out to consciously seek a meaningful life. [www.soulbiographies.com]

     
  • Camille Maurine
    Camille Maurine Camille Maurine Writer. Performing Artist. Educator.

    Camille Maurine, author of Meditation Secrets for Women and Meditation 24/7, and creator of Moving Theater, gives performances and workshops worldwide. [www.camillemaurine.com]

     
  • Matt Schweppe
    Matt Schweppe Matt Schweppe writer. actor. life enthusiast.

    Matt Schweppe is an enthusiast of life. He writes, coaches, and acts. He founded Taking-A-Stand and he co-founded The Authentic Family Experience and The Inspired Leadership Institute. [www.mattschweppe.com]

     
  • Carole Brody Fleet
    Carole Brody Fleet Carole Brody Fleet loss educator. transition encourager. hope infuser.

    Carole Brody Fleet is a popular motivational speaker, helping people touched by the pain and challenge of loss, regardless of age. She's been a regular guest on local, regional, national, and international media programs. [www.widowswearstilettos.com]

     
  • Larry Zucker
    Larry Zucker Larry Zucker narrative therapist. question asker. listener.

    Larry Zucker is a narrative therapist who believes in people's abilities to create – and find support for – many different and wonderful ways of showing up in relationships and community. [www.larchmontassociates.com]

     
  • Nick Bassill
    Nick Bassill Nick Bassill self acknowledger. dream reviver. bakery investor.

    Nick Bassill is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Launch America!, a social networking, coaching, and advocacy site for start-ups and small businesses. Nick's passion is helping men and women fulfill their American Dream. [www.LaunchAmerica.org]

     
  • Danielle Maveal
    Danielle Maveal Danielle Maveal etsy seller education manager. artist support system. independent motivator.

    Danielle Maveal, Etsy's Seller Education Manager, works to help artists, crafters, and makers make a creative living selling their work. Her focus is to encourage, motivate, and educate. [www.etsy.com]

     
  • John Hittler
    John Hittler John Hittler seemingly impossible creator. game changer. transformation coach.

    John Hittler coaches teams and individuals to transform their lives by design and choice, partnering with them to create significance in their lives. [www.evokinggenius.com]

     
  • Tanya Zoeller
    Tanya Zoeller Tanya Zoeller actress. passion pursuer. creative meditation practicer.

    When Tanya Zoeller was young she found herself seeing plays and films and hours later pondering the questions they raised about what it meant to be human. She dedicated her life to becoming a part of these stories. [www.tanyazoeller.com]

     
  • Kute Blackson
    Kute Blackson Kute Blackson motivational speaker. coach. video star.

    Life coach and motivational speaker Kute Blackson assists people in living life's wild free-fall. He dares you to pick up the instrument that is your heart and play it fully. [www.kuteblackson.com]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)