t pay her a call, and so
on--always a grievance to relate until one is prepared to look
sympathetic at sight of her.

And such petty, petty grievances for this great, good life to be marred
by!

And all the result of her own disposition. Had she chosen to look for
appreciation and attention and good will she would have found it
everywhere.

Then, about your temper? Is it flying loose over a trifle? Are you
making yourself and every one else wretched if a chair is out of place,
or a meal a moment late, or some member of the family is tardy at
dinner, or your shoe string is in a tangle or your collar button
mislaid?

Do you go to pieces nervously if you are obliged to repeat a remark to
some one who did not understand you? I have known a home to be ruined
by just such infinitesimal annoyances. It is a habit, like the drug or
alcohol habit--this irritability.

All you need do is to stop it. Keep your voice from rising, and speak
slowly and calmly when you feel yourself giving way to it. Realize how
ridiculous and disagreeable you will be if you continue, what an
unlovely and hideous old age you are preparing for yourself. And
realize that a loose temper is a sign of vulgarity and lack of culture.

Think of the value of each day of life, how much it means and what
possibilities of happiness and usefulness it contains if well spent.

But if you stuff yourself like an anaconda, dwell on the small worries
and grow angry at the least trifle, you are committing as great and
inexcusable a folly as if you flung your furniture and garments and
food and fuel into the sea in a spirit of wanton cruelty. You are
wasting life for nothing. Every sick, gloomy day you pass is a sin
against life. Get health, be cheerful, keep calm.

Clear your mind of every gloomy, selfish angry or revengeful thought.
Allow no resentment or grudge toward man or fate to stay in your heart
over night.

Wake in the morning with a blessing for every living thing on your lips
and in your soul. Say to yourself: "Health, luck, usefulness, success,
are mine. I claim them." Keep thinking that thought, no matter what
happens, just as you would put one foot before another if you had a
mountain to climb. Keep on, keep on, and suddenly you will find you
are on the heights, luck beside you.

Whoever follows this recipe _cannot fail_ of happiness, good fortune
and a useful life. But saying the words over _once_ and then drifting
back to anger