Kevin Bidwell leads us to love and happiness
through generosity of spirit

Certainly you have known someone who can brighten any room-- just by leaving!

I'm afraid that we've ALL known someone like that (and I am afraid, at times, we've also BEEN that person.)

Years ago I was listening to Dennis Waitley--the "Psychology of Winning" guy--and he made this statement:  "I want to be the kind of person who makes others say, 'I like myself best when I'm with you.'"

I liked that idea.  I decided to become that kind of person, for my own happiness and for those around me. On some levels, I think I have even made some progress there. I want to share with you today some of the keys I have found helpful in becoming that "I Like Me Best" kind of person:

1.  "If you can't say anything nice..."

"...don't say anything at all."  If you want to really help people, give up trying to correct them.  Instead, compliment them on their strengths.  Will they still make mistakes that, to you, are obvious and need correcting?  Sure, but I have found that there is ALWAYS someone willing to tell others where they are failing, it is rare to find someone who will tell others where they are succeeding.

2.  Be Optimistic

Everyone likes to be around the "realistic optimist".  The "RO" is a person who can acknowledge that everything isn't always great, but that somehow we will all make it through. Knowing that trials and setbacks are both inevitable as well as temporary makes you an asset to the people around you.

3.  Be Funny (--even Silly!) 

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?  That was TOO LONG AGO.  Learn some jokes and tell them.  Watch a comedy on TV.  Go into Burger King and put on the cardboard crown.  You would be amazed how everyone around you will respond--and how much better you will feel.

4.  Give it away

Go ahead and be frugal when it comes to your bills, your clothes or whatever else you want to save money on--just be generous with PEOPLE stuff.  Give a 25% tip to the waitress who served you that great meal.  Give $5 to a kid you see at church.  Give away hugs like you get paid for each one.  Take someone out to lunch--TODAY.

5.  Live in the Moment

This is a tough self-actualization step for many people:  STOP WORRYING ABOUT TOMORROW.  Instead, live in today.  Live in right now.  Live as if tomorrow will worry about itself.  After all, what can we do tomorrow until tomorrow gets here?  All we can do is whatever is before us today.

6.  Love Deeply

This is the most important tip for happiness. 

Sure, you love your spouse, you love your kids.  But what about the people you work with?  What about your neighbors? If you love deeply I will guarantee you a couple things:  You will be disappointed and hurt, but you will ALSO find happiness from some people who will deeply love you back.  Trust me, it's worth it.

Someday I hope that you and I get to meet and know one another.  I have a feeling that I might be telling you, "I like me best when I'm with you."