Comments on: Kerrying On: Tombstone Talk

By: Frank Luzzo

Frank Luzzo — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:34:07 +0000

If only adults could be as honest as kids with no pretense

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:48:25 +0000

Far too few people see life as a ‘body of work’. They see accomplishments as line items or $ signs and never take a step back to lack at the sum and impact of their efforts. Kudos to you for having the wisdom to do so.

By: Helen Harry

Helen Harry — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:50:43 +0000

Dear Mr. Patterson,
I always enjoy your articles. They are so down to earth and speak of what is most essential in life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Helen Harry
Chaplain – Froedtert Hospital

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:46:13 +0000

@Sheila Porter My mother was very much like you describe yourself. Her absence impacted my childhood (as an only child) greatly, but in spite of that pain I became independent and capable and carried an exceedingly strong work ethic into even my first job. The work ethic she taught me has served me well in every aspect of my life, and I have learned along the way the one thing she couldn't teach me: balance. Her lack of balance taught me to seek it and live it. In her advanced years, she has also learned the importance of balance and lives a fuller life now as a result. It is very possible to have both but it must be consciously pursued and made a part of every day. Best wishes!

By: Helen

Helen — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:02:56 +0000

I loved this article and sent it to all of my staff and friends. My boss insisted that I be accessable via blackberry at all times, which made me feel guilty if I neglected to look at it during my personal time (weekends and evenings). This article and the accompanying blogs has lessened that guilt, as I realize that I am skilled in seperating my work and personal life; something I should be proud of. Thank you, Kerry.

By: Derek in Stockholm

Derek in Stockholm — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:50:13 +0000

“For instance, when you ask people which will make them happier—a bigger salary or taking a daily walk with a loved one—people generally pick the money.”

Do people really “generally pick the money?” How sad. I hope that it is just that you are out of touch or spend most of your time with the type of people who “generally pick the money.”

By: Ruth Johnson

Ruth Johnson — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:03:56 +0000

I am a nursing faculty member, teaching many students for whom English is not their first language. The pace and pressures are exhausting. I think that I am a positive mentally healthy person taking bits of joy as they appear. Having become recently very ill I realize that I need to change my approach to joy. Yes, recognize the bits and pieces of happiness as they come into my life, but more importantly create the opportunity for happiness. I craft learning for others, and now am much more attuned to crafting joy and happiness for myself. Playing with a grandchild now trumps working on a department committee. Really listening and accepting compliments from students has started to feed by soul. Life is much happier when I stop to notice the roses and then inhale deeply.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:59:37 +0000

Touching story:) Thank you for sharing this with us:)

By: Beth Sordi

Beth Sordi — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:30:53 +0000

What a terrific story! Great article!
There’s a great book out called “The How of Happiness” and how we can boost our happiness levels by performing daily activities that mean something to each of us. The author (Sonja Lyubomirsky) also has created an iPhone application to support the activities mentioned in the book. While I don’t use it everyday, her suggestions have been of great help to me and my husband the past couple of years. You’re right – happiness isn’t a destination or something you finally achieve one day – it’s in the daily details. THanks for the article.

By: Lee Grant

Lee Grant — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:07:37 +0000

You should have given her a copy of the books, you don’t know how many teachers, the principal, janitor etc. it may have helped. In addition, I would like to point out that in the 5th grade my reading tested as 2nd yr. college as did two other girls in my classroom. I don’t know how many tested as college level in the other six 5th grade classrooms. Or in the 6th grade since the scores weren’t shared. Yes this was a public school George Elementary in Ypsilanti MI.