Happy February 21, 2023. It’s another fine day to live. My goal today is to be happy. That’s it. Abraham Lincoln said, “People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” So, I will manage my thoughts and be kind to the people I meet. Should be an easy goal to achieve. Today is Card Reading Day, International Mother Language Day, International Pancake Day, Mardi Gras, National Sticky Bun Day, and Paczki Day. Now some history: On this day in 1173 Thomas Becket became the Archbishop of Canterbury. On this day in 1431 Joan of Arc’s first day of interrogation in her trial took place. It lasted for 9 hours and according to the historians, she remained calm and refused to recant her beliefs or her vision. On this day in 1795 freedom of worship was established in France’s constitution. On this day in 1848 Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published “The Communist Manifesto” in London. On this day in 1887 Oregon became the 1st state to make Labor Day a holiday. On this day in 1916 the Battle of Verdun began. It was the longest battle of WWI (9 months), with an estimated 1 million casualties. On this day in 1918 the last Carolina parakeet died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo. This is the day in 1931 that Alka Seltzer was introduced. On this day in 1965 Malcolm X was shot and killed by Nation of Islam followers at the Audubon Ballroom in NYC. On this day in 1970 the Jackson 56 made their TV debut on American Bandstand. I’m going to keep the theme of Happiness going by giving you some quotes on the subject: The Dalai Lama said, “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.” Thich Nhat Hanh said, “There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.” Democritus said “Happiness resides not in possessions; happiness dwells in the soul.” Epictetus said, “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle. Some things are within your control and some things are not.” I’m sure we all know people that only see a glass half empty, that love being the victim, that are never satisfied. Don’t be like them. Life is too short. Abide.
