January 8th, 2026

The Underrated Duty

“There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.”

Robert Louis Stevenson (Scottish Novelist, Essayist, Poet and Travel Writer; November 13th, 1850 ~ December 3rd, 1894)

“But don’t you want to start making happiness a habit right now?”

“YES!!! In action as I write.” (Heather Houston 1-8-22 & 1-8-26)

“Happiness is not a possession to be prized. It is a quality of thought, a state of mind.”

Dame Daphne du Maurier (Lady Browning; quote from Rebecca) (Author, Playwright and Romantic Novelist; May 13th, 1907 ~ April 19th, 1989)

“But the magic seeds of contentment are planted deep within us. Happiness that the world cannot take away only flourishes in the secret garden of our souls. By tending to our inner garden and uprooting the weeds of external expectations, we can nurture our authentic happiness the way we would nurture something that’s beautiful and alive. Happiness is a living emotion.”

“Ultimately, genuine happiness can only be realized once we commit to making it a personal priority in our lives.”

“BINGO!” (Heather Houston 1-8-22 & 1-8-26)

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–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 7-8 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.