This article is an extract of chapter #3 in Karl Moore’s best-selling book, ‘The 18 Rules of Happiness.’

“I will say yes to every favor, request, suggestion and invitation. I will swear to say yes where once I would say no.” – Danny Wallace

“No!” is a wonderful word.

It’s powerful, it’s universally understood, and it stops everything in its tracks. By saying no, you’re instantly slamming the door and holding it shut, ensuring nothing else gets through.

But how many of us say “No!” way too often?

You see, “No” really holds us back in life. It closes us off to many of life’s wonderful experiences, and causes us to resist what happens around us.

This article is an extract of chapter #2 in Karl Moore’s best-selling book, ‘The 18 Rules of Happiness.’

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” – Meister Eckhardt

We live in a fast-paced, microwave, drive-thru, Buy-It-Now society.

It’s a society that has forgotten to be truly grateful for the things around it. We only tend to be grateful for things when we no longer have them.

Think of the sense of relief you gain when you just get over an illness, and are so thankful that your turbulent tummy has now settled. Consider how appreciative you are when those tests come back clear. Or when the speeding camera doesn’t flash. Or when you finally find your lost child in the supermarket.

A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.

“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.

The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. I have a full life.”

Mildred Norman was born on a small New Jersey chicken farm in 1908. A review of her youth provides few clues to the destiny that lay ahead. Her family didn’t attend church and adhered to no particular religion. Mildred graduated from high school, got a job, wore makeup, bought nice clothes, drove a fancy car, went out on dates, and wrote amateur plays for a local Grange group.

The momentum of conventional living carried Mildred into marriage just as America fell into the Great Depression of the 1930s. Her husband had trouble finding work, and later, due to differences in fundamental values, their paths eventually diverged and the marriage ended. In this time of crisis, Mildred began to question her entire existence and its meaning. It was a turning point and time of preparation for her life to come.