Say “no” only when it really matters. Wear a bright red shirt with bright orange shorts? Sure. Put water in the toy tea set? Okay. Sleep with your head at the foot of the bed? Fine. Samuel Johnson said, “All severity that does not tend to increase good, or prevent evil, is idle."

Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life.

Forbearance is a form of generosity.

Happiness comes not from having more, not from having less, but from wanting what you have.

Getting paperwork under control makes me feel more in control of my life generally.

The belief that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish is misguided. It's more selfless to act happy. It takes energy, generosity, and discipline to be unfailingly lighthearted.

Writing makes me happy.