Sweet Delights

While walking through our neighborhood mall, I went into a candy store that sells current and nostalgic candy bars like Big Hunk, Bit-O-Honey, Sugar Daddy and Clark Bar. It brought back such great memories of my childhood.

Remember “penny” candy? It actually cost a penny. Now it’s like nickel candy. While walking down the aisles I was transported back to our neighborhood store. I could not believe that some of the candy I grew up eating was still being sold. It brought me so much Almond Joy to see all the candy, I began to Snicker(s). One of my favorite candies is the Chick-O-Stick. Even as I write this post I feel so good! Isn’t amazing how little sweet delights and some good memories can make a not-so-good day better if only while you consume them?

That brings me to the point of my story. Every day I speak to individuals who are struggling with the issues of day-to-day life. They express to me how difficult it is to overcome failure, disappointment, and anxiety. As they attempt to deal with the issues they are facing, they feel overwhelmed and hopeless.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not saying a candy bar will make all of your troubles go away, but focusing on the good things can help you overcome the doldrums that life can bring. As people, we tend to focus on the bad and ignore the good things in our lives. I recently shared with a group that it is easy to jump in the river of despair and hopelessness and let it overwhelm you. If that’s where you find yourself, let me throw you a lifeline of hope.

Whether it is enjoying a piece of your favorite candy (in moderation), or taking in the beauty of a flower or feeling the rain on your skin or enjoying the memory of your favorite vacation spot, think on the good things in life and recall great memories. I am not suggesting that you live in denial, but I want to encourage you to focus on the thing you do have control over, and that is how you respond to the challenging events in your life. Your attitude can play a tremendous role in your happiness and bringing happiness to others. When you focus on others outside yourself, you will be surprised that although your problems are still there, they are not as intense. Why? Because you are thinking about and serving others.

So, when you feel down why not enjoy one of your favorite sweet delights!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert


Zig Ziglar—how many of you know the name? Zig Ziglar is known by many to be one of the greatest speakers of all time. Many who knew him said that what made him great was his enthusiasm for life and his positive attitude. Those close to him said that they never saw him in a bad mood. Most, when they hear that, would say that they do not believe anyone could live life and never be in a bad mood or have a poor attitude.


Someone asked him his secret and it was quite simple. He said he possessed an “Attitude of Gratitude.” Each day, when challenged to give in to a poor attitude, he simply looked around and gave thanks for all the good things in his life, (his family, the rain, his health and much, much more). As a child his father died when he was 6 and he grew up in poverty. His mother taught him the value of hard work which carried him through life.


We all can learn a lot from Zig Ziglar and people like him. Living a life of gratitude positions the mind for success and happiness. When you are focused on negative circumstances and pining for the things that you don’t have, it can be torment. Not having what you think you need and not being able to have it will leave you in a constant state of discontentment.


Zig Ziglar filled his heart and mind each day with an “Attitude of Gratitude” and he was able to power through life in a constant state of joy. The impact of his life and who he was is still felt today.


When your happiness and joy is not based on your circumstances you can live a victorious life!