Some people look at money as the be all and end all in life. This is like idol worship. . . and we shouldn’t worship idols.

Of course we need money to survive. But don’t think of money as more important than anything else. Make your priorities your loved ones, friends, and favorite vocations. This is how to find substance in life, and real spiritual power.

People endure terrible tragedy, with many of them eventually passing through their dark time to a brighter day. They become more appreciative of life. How do they do it? They never forget, but they don’t let painful memories stop them from growing spiritually.

We should empathize with those going through a terrible time. They need our care and support. But when someone you care for goes through major turmoil and doesn’t move beyond their sorrow, becoming stuck in their grief instead of finding the joy in life, you need to help guide them if you can.

Cynicism is destructive. Instead of seeing the good in others, we criticize them as being evil or corrupt. Instead, we should be looking inward to see what our own issues might be.

Such a negative mindset evokes contempt in your soul. It’s vital for your spirit to see the good in others. All of us have some potential which is worthwhile. 

When greeting a mourner, most people say something like, “I’m sorry for your loss.” This is like what’s in the middle of a bagel. It’s cliché. They will respond with a smile and a thank you, to make you feel better for your lack of originality. So what should you say?

One way is to make them laugh, or at least make them smile. This will ease their anguish, as you will remind them of the joy in life.

Or say words of strength and praise to understand that their loss is not an affliction against them. It will help them find acceptance, feel better, and have a quicker recovery from their mourning.

Then you will have done a very good deed. It will make both of your spirits smile.

Would I change anything in my life? No. Anything I changed in the past would change who I am today. I have faults, but I like myself and have confidence to believe I can do almost anything I put my mind to.

Love who you are, be positive about who and what you can still become, and know you can accomplish almost anything you want to. Self-confidence is not just a human quality, it’s central to what we accomplish.

If you believe in an afterlife, what will yours be like? It will be based on how you treated others in this life.

You don’t know how long you have to live. So hurry to do more good, and to treat others with respect and compassion. How you exist in the World to Come depends on that.

A dark force is bent on corrupting your moral fiber. It influences you to act with ill will – destroying your spirit of decency, respect, and acceptance. It keeps you veiled from divinity. 

Enlightened people can sense this is wrong, and won’t allow it to control them. 

A shortcut to happiness is to dance. It’s an artistic form of nonverbal communication. You feel delight when dancing, and it can lift you up when you’re down. That’s why dancing is intrinsic to religions and celebrations. So dance! It keeps your spirit in a good place.

The best kind of friend to have is one you can sit on your porch with and not say a word. And when you walk away, you feel like you had a great conversation.

If you love the things in your life, and you use the people in your life, change it to the other way around.