Pioneer educator Alice Freeman Palmer (1855-1902) was known as “The Ambassador of Sunshine” because of her sunny disposition. Once, when conducting a round-table discussion, she was asked to reveal the secret of her deep cheerfulness.

“I will give you three simple rules,” she replied.

“First, commit something to memory every day–something good, true, beautiful. It need not be much–just a pretty bit of poetry, or a motto. But memorize something good.

Second, look for something fine every day. And do not miss a single day, or it will not work.

Third, do something for somebody else every day every day.

This is all that is necessary.”