Virtues in Paradise
Easter a time to step back and reflect on our lives
Sunday 1 April 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Easter is coming, a holy season for many faiths.
Resumption of AA meetings good news
Saturday 24 March 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
I was glad to hear that Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are starting up again in Rarotonga.
Joy comes in finding your true calling
Monday 19 March 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
We all want to be happy. Isn’t a happy life the very reason for living? I really love a happy ending when I finish a novel. I told a young woman I’m mentoring as an author that I hope the book she’s writing will have a happy ending. She wisely said, “It doesn’t have to be happy. It has to be meaningful.” Out of the mouths of babes. When you think about it, the greatest source of real happiness is a meaningful life, one that serves a purpose beyond mere pleasure. Some of the happiest people I’ve known were in the last stages of terminal illness. As they looked back on their lives, they focused not on the money they made or the things they had, but how they had served, what they created, and how well they loved. People tend to die the way they live. If they were constantly whingeing and focusing on the negative, they typically complain and criticise, even at the end. Those who are cheerful and have a good sense of humour continue being funny and optimistic as they approach their own death. A dying woman I visited in hospice made up what she considered a hilarious answer to people when they asked her how she was. “Progressing well, thank you.” Then she would break into giggles. Her disease was progressing rapidly and instead of giving in to fear, she found something to laugh about. She had a graceful ending indeed. My brother John could have written a joke book for the terminally ill. Despite aggressive brain cancer, he never lost his wit. He had always been funny, and nothing changed as he faced death. When the nurses came in to inject him, he’d say, “Oh, grab and stab time?” and laugh. He loved telling people who asked him how he was:“Well, I’m way past my ‘sell by’ date.” Why am I speaking about the dying in a column on happiness? Because happiness, contrary to popular belief, is not dependent on circumstances. It is meeting whatever happens with what my brother called “Vitamin T” – trust. The Book of Mormon says: “Ye must press forward, having a perfect brightness of hope.” (2 Nephi: 31:20) So, where do we find meaning and happiness? Joy comes when we find our calling, offer a needed service, do something that matters. It doesn’t have to be big or earth-shattering. Mother Theresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” We can invest love into whatever we carve, sing, cook or create. Sufi poet Rumi said, “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” We serve our purpose by loving others and forgiving their frailties, being a faithful friend, being thoughtful, kind, sincere, and trustworthy. The courage to do the right thing brings a deep sense of inner peace, and creates a wellspring of positive energy. Sometimes we confuse desire and addiction with happiness. But it doesn’t last and it isn’t real. It stirs up discontent and a desire for more and more. That isn’t happiness; it’s enslavement. St Thomas Aquinas said, “Man cannot live without joy; therefore, when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.” True spiritual joys come when we are fulfilling our unique destiny – the meaning and purpose of our lives. And of course, men need to understand and believe the great laws of the universe: “Happy wife, happy life.” “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” I’ve got the T-shirt to prove it - a gift from my husband. www.lindakavelinpopov.com
Indulging in gossip never ends well
Monday 12 March 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
When we first arrived in the Cook Islands five years ago, many felt it was their obligation to warn me about other people.
Do we love it enough?
Monday 5 March 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
The slogan of Araura College’s Enviro Squad in 2017 was, ‘Do you love it enough?’
Island schools learn more about virtues
Friday 25 August 2017 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Schools across the island are counting themselves fortunate after being given the opportunity to participate in a workshop on the Character Education Programme by New Zealand visitor Judy Dixon.
'Thy will, not mine, be done'
Saturday 15 April 2017 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Easter is a holy season – a time to remember the sacrifice Jesus Christ made, the pain and suffering he endured, and the ultimate victory of his resurrection.
Time for a look at yourself
Saturday 8 April 2017 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
The first step in creating healthy balance in your life is to take an honest, compassionate look at yourself, and ask, “How am I, really? What stresses me and what blesses me?”
Virtues can help you achieve life's goals
Saturday 11 February 2017 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
How are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions? Do you even remember them now that we are several weeks into the year? I know better than to rely on my memory.
Out of illness comes whole new awareness
Saturday 4 February 2017 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
THERE are times in our lives, when we receive major wake up calls.
Your time is what most youngsters want
Wednesday 28 December 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
WHETHER in a small island shop, or a humongous mall, there are plenty of gifts to choose from. During this busy season, when family members come together more than any other time of year, take a moment and consider a different gift you could offer. This one is more precious than gold, frankincense or myrrh. Better than a Tonka truck or a diamond tiara: It’s you.
Spiritual discipline calls for language of virtues
Monday 11 July 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
AS A CHILD, were you ever growled, smacked, or beaten, leaving you hurt, feeling worthless, shamed and humiliated?
In the circle of caring...
Sunday 24 April 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
One of the jobs I loved most was as Spiritual Care director at a hospice, serving the dying and their families.
Gather courage and write your life story
Saturday 16 April 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
This week, I will pause for applause, because I have just completed writing my first novel, A Scent of Sage. It will be published soon on Amazon, God willing.
Dealing with death needs careful touch
Saturday 9 April 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
What do you do when someone learns they are going to die?
Clear all that clutter, and become free
Saturday 5 March 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
At this season of my life, I have a longing for order and simplicity.
Determination can conquer all
Saturday 20 February 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
When I did a Virtues Pick for 2016, I received Determination.
The most important job in the world
Saturday 13 February 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
As Oprah Winfrey once told me when I had the blessing of being on her television show with our first book, The Family Virtues Guide, parenting is the most important job in the world.
Welcome back, students
Saturday 6 February 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Welcome back to school, kids! is a message especially for you from Mama Virtues. If you don’t read yet, I hope your family will read this to you out loud.
Virtues alive and well in paradise
Monday 18 January 2016 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
This is part two of last week’s column on three virtues that will create real happiness in the New Year, based on a Jewish scripture from the Tanach, or Old Testament.