My husband and I both got the text message: I have 2 tickets to the ACC tournament, and you all can have them if you want. I didn't respond. It was 8:30 a.m. and work was calling. Heck, I didn't even know the ACC Tournament was in town. It's more than a big deal in North Carolina, so you would've thought I would be aware that traffic would be hectic around the coliseum … [Read more...]
Be Happy and Loving….on Purpose!
by Keisha D. Hines, As a child, I always knew I’d graduate from college, get married and have a child. But most importantly, I KNEW I’d be happy. I wanted to be happy and so I was. I was able to discern between feigned happiness and real happiness. I witnessed couples at church holding hands and smiling, but not saying a word to each other in more private settings. Mothers, … [Read more...]
You said, “I do!” Now do it! – How to Keep a Marriage Strong in Phase 3
Phase 1 Do you remember when you were dating and you would talk on the phone for hours? You went through that cute "No, YOU hang up...No,YOU hang up...No, YOU hang up" phase. You couldn't keep your eyes nor your hands off of each other and your address was cloud 9? Phase 2 Then, there was the phase two where you started learning more about each other. You revealed your … [Read more...]
5 Ingredients For a Happier Life
Life is not perfect. You will have ups and downs, good times and bad times. It's just a fact of life. If you are waiting for the day that everything in your life will be 100% perfect all of the time, then you may be waiting for a long time. I have a great life...I am truly blessed. However, there are things going on all of the time that could actually have me depressed … [Read more...]
Why Love Doesn’t Equal Happiness
In the game of love and happiness, there are plenty of successful tales to speak of. Many of them are posted right here on this website and featured in the documentaries filmed by Lamar and Ronnie Tyler. But success doesn't come without it's peaks and valleys.It's ebbs and it's flows. There are stretches when you are madly in love with the man or woman that you've chosen to … [Read more...]
What’s On Your “I’m Grateful” List?
by Tara Pringle Jefferson A few months ago, I found myself in a bit of a slump. It started when I was laid off. At first, things were good because my kids didn't immediately come out of daycare. I had a couple weeks to figure out my next move. But then the kids came out of daycare. I received my last severance check. And suddenly it felt like I was on my … [Read more...]
I’m Glad I Chose You
by Tara Pringle Jefferson Things have been difficult in the Jefferson household lately, as my transition to being a work-at-home mom after a layoff hasn't gone as well as I'd like. I'm constantly stressed about money, my inability to keep the house clean, and whether or not I'm spending enough time with my kids as I try to manage my workload. Every day, when my husband … [Read more...]
If You Are Happy and You Know It, Then Your Marriage Will Surely Show It
By Edward C. Lee If you are happy and you know it then your marriage will surely show it. It is funny how the light and silly things of life seem to provide the deepest moments of enlightenment. This morning I was at my son's swimming lesson, jumping around in the pool with about 10, 3-year-olds singing, "If Your Happy and You Know It," when suddenly the realization and joy … [Read more...]
Money Monday: Does Money Buy Happiness?
by Dr. Charles Alonzo Peters, I used to cringe when people said "money can't buy happiness". Obviously these people had never been poor - not known what it's like trying to put food on the table, keep the electricity on, or prevent the bank from repossessing the car. When you don't have much, money can buy a whole lot of happiness. I recently came across perhaps a more … [Read more...]