This day’s name is October 18, 2023. I woke up thinking about people who are unhappy. The “can’t let go”, “can’t move on”, “trapped in the past”, etc. They are either fixating on negative memories and/or past hurts, or on things they want but don’t have. The solution is simple: they should stop thinking about things that produce unhappiness. You might think that is hard to do and it is. Everything is hard to do until you know how to do it and practice. Search on “How to control my mind”. And start reading. You’ll be glad you did. 10/18 is Alaska Day, Global Dignity Day, Hagfish Day, International Necktie Day, Love Your Body Day, Meatloaf Appreciation Day, National Chocolate cupcake Day, Unity Day, and World Menopause Day. Now some history: On this day in 1648 the 1st labor organization in the US was formed. It was the Boston Shoemakers. On this day in 1685 the French King Louis XIV cancels the rights of French protestants. Same God, different organizations. On this day in 1776 in a bar decorated with bird feathers in Elmsford, New York, a customer requests a glassful of “those cock tails” from bartender Betsy Flanagan. ON this day in 1867 the US took formal possession of Alaska from Russia having paid $7.2 million. On this day in 1921 Charles Strite was granted a US patent for the Pop-Up toaster. On this day in 1968 the US Olympic Committee suspended Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving the Black Power salute to protest racism and injustice during the Olympic medal ceremony. Today’s quotes are from stoic philosophers about controlling your thoughts. Marchs Aurelius said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. Take control of what you think about.” Epictetus said, “When you control your thoughts, you control your destiny.” Seneca said, “We have the power to control our own lives, to determine our own happiness and success.” Viktor Frankl said, “Every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.” You get the idea. I’m of the opinion that Bobby McFerrin was right when he sang “Don’t Worry Be Happy”. That’s also my plan for today. Abide.
