02.01.2022 is finally here. Earth has been patiently waiting for 4.5 billion years, give or take a few. I’m happy to be around to enjoy it, and I will enjoy it. I will not worry about the future or regret the past. I will notice the small things, be kind and be grateful. Happiness is easy if you decide to be. Today is Change Your Password Day, Decorate with Candy Day, Dark Chocolate Day (yum), G.I. Joe Day, Baked Alaska Day, Hula in the Coola Day, Robinson Crusoe Day and Spunky Old Broads Day. There’s more but this is enough. I will celebrate spunky old broads because I like them, and I know many who fit that description. I’ll start today’s history lesson with the French King Louis XIV who on this date in 1669 limited freedom of religion. As a result, 200,000 Huguenots (protestants) left France causing serious economic problems. As a side note, Louis XIV ruled for 72 years. In 1790 on this date the US Supreme Court convened for 1st time in New York City. In 1862 Julia Howe published “Battle Hymn of Republic”. In 1867, bricklayers started working 8-hour days. In 1893 Thomas Edison completed the 1st movie studio at West Orange, New Jersey. In 1920 the 1st commercial armored car introduced in St Paul, Minn. This is one of those rare days when I can’t find someone who was born or died on this day to quote. So, I will end this post with quotes about “gratitude” since it is one of the key components of happiness. Brene Brown said, “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – It’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” Aesop said, “Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” I’ll end with Paul J. Meyer who said, “When you view your world with an attitude of gratitude, you are training yourself to focus on the good in life.” Enough for today. Abide.
