Goodness Matters for Goodness Sake!

As I woke up this morning with the remnants of a mildly disturbing dream lingering in my head, I thought that it would be nice to have a perfect bedtime story to read to myself every night before dropping off to sleep. It would set things right for the mind. Naturally a prayer or two are helpful as is the practice of counting one's blessings. But I thought that a magical bedtime story would be wonderful, one that went deep into oneself and planted the perfect thoughts.

Then I wrote it. Here it is:

There is a wonderful plan of which you are a part. It is to bring goodness into the world, into your country, into your town, into your home, into your life and heart. You, like all people, are the container of this goodness. You have the ability to spread goodness wherever you go and wherever you are.
 
The plan includes you, but is not about you. It is about goodness, and the more you realize this, the better you feel. The better you feel the more goodness you spread. When you think of yourself, think of goodness. When you think of your work, think of goodness. When you think of the people around you, think of goodness. When you think of the circumstances in your life, think of goodness.
 
This is why you are here - to be good, think good, do good and feel good.

Why Goodness and Happiness Belong Together
Goodness and happiness are not separate things. When you act with kindness, live with integrity, and look for the good in life, you naturally feel happier. And when you feel happier, you can more easily share goodness with others.
It’s a perfect circle. A beautiful one.
So tonight, as you close your eyes, remind yourself: Goodness matters for goodness’ sake.

A Gentle Reminder
This little musing is one of many I’ve written and illustrated over the years. If you enjoy thoughts like this, you might like my books:

• The Importance of Living Happy
• 365 Reminders of the Importance of Living Happy
  

Both are filled with short, uplifting pieces just like this one — reminders to keep your heart light, your outlook bright, and your life centered on goodness and joy.

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