Abraham Lincoln’s most famous quote was, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
When I ponder these words of wisdom, I find myself wondering how one can be happy during these unsettling times in America, and in our own community. Last week, Governor Newsom announced additional closures in the state due to an increase in people testing positive with COVID-19. Many non-essential businesses have had to shut down again. Sacramento County “encourages residents to call 311 to report businesses not complying with the recently amended stay-at-home order, and also to call regarding large gatherings that are violating social distancing protocols.”
Avalon Hearing remains open & in service to you as an essential business
As we do this “two steps forward, one step back” dance in our community, please know that you and your hearing needs can still be cared for in a responsible and safe way at Avalon. Depending on you and what you are comfortable with, we offer the following services:
- Drive-Up Services
- TeleHealth Appointments (via phone and internet)
- Safe Social Distancing Appointments in the office
And we are here to connect with you. We are one phone call or one email away. Please, please reach out! Remember, we adopted you into the Avalon Family!
Here are some thought-provoking and timely quotes from Lincoln
- “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”
- “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
- “Those who look for the bad in people will surely find it.”
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”
- “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
- “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
It actually makes me wish that Abraham Lincoln could run for president in 2020! Now, back to reality and the concept of happiness.
Happiness and Balloons – a powerful story and metaphor
A wise teacher once brought balloons to school. She told her pupils to blow them up and write their name on one of them. They were instructed to toss their balloons into the hall. Next, the teacher moved through the hall, mixing them all up. The kids were then given five minutes to find the balloon with their name on it. Though they searched frantically, no one found their own balloon.
Then, the teacher told them to take the balloon closest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. In less than two minutes, everyone was holding their own balloon!
The teacher said to the children, “These balloons are like happiness. We won’t find happiness when we’re only searching for our own. But if we care about someone else’s happiness…it will ultimately help us find our own happiness.” ~ Osho ~
I love this story. It teaches me one way to create happiness…for myself and for others!
Take the Avalon Challenge!
If you live with someone, will you find ways to bring some happiness to them? It’s usually the little things that matter most in any relationship. If you live alone, would you please call someone and bring a little joy to them by reaching out? OR if you have yet to experience Avalon’s EDUCATIONAL Hearing Test, pick up the phone and schedule your complimentary appointment. Find out why more and more people are choosing Avalon for their hearing care, and are happy with their choice.
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
Yours for CONNECTED Hearing & Living,
Owner, Avalon Hearing
P.S. Here’s an interesting perspective on happiness and sadness…
“Sadness gives depth. Happiness gives height. Sadness gives roots. Happiness gives branches. Happiness is like a tree going into the sky, and sadness is like the roots going down into the womb of the earth. Both are needed, and the higher a tree goes, the deeper it goes, simultaneously. The bigger the tree, the bigger will be the roots. In fact, it is always in proportion. That’s its balance.”
~ Osho ~