Happy Mantis
This is one of my favorite pictures.
And, now that Michelle is forced to use words on Wordless Wednesday, she’s no longer in a position to complain about me doing so!
So, with that in mind, I can tell you that I’m working on an eBook on happiness, to be sold in a set of eBooks. If you’d like to be considered for inclusion, please leave a comment about what makes you happy. If I decide to include your comment, you’ll get a link and a free copy of the Happiness eBook when it’s completed.
For more wordless posts today, visit Wordless Wednesday.
He does look happy. But still - bugs = yucky. LOL.
He (or she) would probably eat your house centipedes for you. But, then the centipedes won’t be there to eat the silverfish and termites, neither of which the praying mantis is likely to eat.
And, a praying mantis is not a bug. All bugs are insects but not all insects are bugs. And pill bugs aren’t bugs at all, because they’re not insects.
I agree with teeni: a happy bug is better than an angry bug, but he’s still a bug.
As for what makes me happy? Well, lots of superficial stuff, like ice cream, sleeping late, or finding out my skinny jeans fit, but really the first thing that popped into my head was gratitude. Whenever I’m feeling depressed or crabby, I think about everything I’m grateful for. It sounds corny, but it always lifts my spirits.
Okay, all bugs are insects but not all insects are bugs.
And, the praying mantis is not a bug. The assassin bug, however, is a bug.
Oooh, that’s a good quote. That’s going on my shortlist!
They key to being happy is contentment - contentment in all situations as St Paul says
“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
I have been in both situations and neither are preferable to each other- each season in my life had something real to offer me that I would have not acquired if my situation was different.
Too I despise complaining- complaining comes from an undisciplined, self centered mind that wants much and does not appreciate what is already had. I don’t think the goal is happiness- it is contentment.
Good thoughts, but I find it hard to believe you despise complaining. All I have to do is mention “vintage” and the complaint comments start pouring in.
My online personality is nothing like me in real life. In real life I am not high maintenance or combative. My husband would tell you that I am one of the most easiest going persons ever. I do have a pet peeve against complaining- I have been in some really really rough spots in my life and there is no reason to complain about anything, particularly if you live in America.
My humor which I got from my hippie dippy druggie Dad has an outlet online… that I do not have in real life except for with my husband and kids (they think I am a comic genius, whereas most people offlline are unnerved by my sardonic dead pan).
Offline I am dedicated Lutheran mother of five, who volunteers at church functions and schools. When I retire ie.. the kids move out I will probably go to Seminary and become a Deaconess in the LCMS. I initially trained to be geriatric psychologist, but realized early on old people have more lessons to teach me- then I have for them. I thought then I would get into a more regular practice of psychology but I realized I could not handle people complaining and whining about their lives and their parents and their spouses…
Yes I actually do despise complaining!
And for the record there are a million and one vintage websites more knowledgable and better then mine… I suppose I just thought you could use a “sparring partner.” If my blog ceased to exist tomorrow, I would be okay with it, because sometimes it is more work then fun. Right now- it’s fun though.
Sorry, didn’t mean to strike a nerve.
Offline, I don’t much like complaining either, especially at restaurants. It’s like, don’t poke the bear! You don’t know what people might do to your food once they take it out back. Sure, you might have a legitimate complaint that they brought you a fish sandwich instead of a hamburger, but you never know what might set them off and what kind of “condiments” will be on your hamburger when they actually do bring it to you. Better to shut up and enjoy your fish sandwich.
Hmmm I have no nerves or at least I an nonplussed by this…
I think I probably felt the need to distinguish the two “me’s” because of Teeni’s recent postings on people faking it online and having different online personalities….
I tend to take my online life with a grain of salt… one has to, no one really know what people are like they know from online.
So- you don’t know the half of it… I used to work at Burger King when I was 17 and this dude that worked there too used to rub the buns on nekkid butt behind the bun toaster when he would get pissed off at people… I never complain at restaurants. Too there was this guy who used to live down the road from us in Colorado who was a manager at Taco Bell and he got arrested because he would stick his junk inside the burritos in piss in them… It was in the newspaper. I still kind of get freaky about eating at Taco Bell and never ever eat the burritos. The only thing I want to find in my food is a picture of Jesus or Mary or Elvis because then I can sell it on eBay.
I knew someone that used to work at a fast food place, and would get upset when people would ask for less or no ice. He just thought they were cheapskates worried they weren’t getting all the soda they ordered. But (a) some people have sensitive teeth and (b) in summer weather the ice melts so fast that by the time you get halfway through, you have a watered down soda that’s not even worth drinking anymore.
I used to like the breakfast burrito at McDonald’s. I loved that thing. Then, one day, we had breakfast at work and, near the last bite, out came this nasty nasty hair. I threw the rest of the thing out. My co-worker went and called McDonald’s to complain. They offered a free one. Yeah, I don’t think so! I wasn’t able to eat another one for years. Just the thought of it reminds me of that nasty hair. Ew. And, when I did have one, it certainly wasn’t enjoyable anymore, because you’re just wondering if you’re going to get a nasty hair. I haven’t had another one since. Even now, it is just ewwww to think about it.
Happiness is all about attitude and the people you share it with. Laughter and a glowing personality are contagious. Before you know it, you forget why you weren’t happy all along.
Great thought.
Sometimes, I think there’s a fine line between crazy and happy too.
[...] a quick reminder that I am still looking for comments on happiness on my “Happy Mantis” post from [...]
Here’s what makes me happy: My work, my family, and being able to get out of bed each morning using my own steam.
[...] to leave a comment for consideration for possible inclusion in the eBook, please leave a comment on this post. And, by “this post” I do not mean the post you are currently reading, which is this [...]
Waking up each morning is a gift to me. And gifts make me happy. So I hope I get a lot more gifts.
Does that thing have eyelids? Because when I look at that picture I can’t help but imagine his poor, exposed eyeballs must hurt. And I worry about them popping, which is gross, but I can’t help it.
Animals make me happy. Watching happy animals be happy is contagious.
Not to sound all mushy, but since I have a newborn (3 months old) to make him smile is the best medicine to cheer me up.
[...] If you have other ideas for being happier that you’d like to share, please comment on this post. [...]