How to Grow Happiness

Step 1:

Plan yourself deep in a bed of faith,
and pack it down solid and tight.
Drench daily with positive thinking,
and keep saturated just right.
Mulch often with forgiveness,
for this will help you grow.

Quickly remove any seeds of worry,
for they will soon germinate, and keep
out the weeds of despair.
Nourish disappointments with hope
whenever it is needed, and always stay cool
and shaded when you feel irritated or heated.
Trim away guilt or depression,
for they create decay, and
cultivate with happy memories
as often as everyday.

Step 2:

Harvest the lessons of the past;
just dig, pick, and hoe.
And nurture the roots of the present,
for now is when you flourish and grow.
Start planting for the future;
set your goals in a row.
Spade the bed well for all your dreams to grow.

Step 3:

Remember the grief is a natural predator,
so learn to tolerate some damage.
Protect your garden with daily prayers,
for this will help you manage.
Bury the criticism and complaining,
for they are injurious pests.

Sow the seed of love wherever you
may go – for joy, love and laughter
are surely bound to grow.
Although the thorns of life
may be here to stay, just
sprout a smile along the way...
and be thankful for what you have today!

-Michele Rossi