The Art of Letting Go

428 IMPROVEMENT ERA. of becoming parents. These may be called the misguided. They are intelligences of a high order, in some special directions. These shun marriage under the impression that it interferes with the development of their so-called genius, and use such argument to justify themselves in their chosen course. In this thought^ they are mistaken, from the fact that the becoming of a consistent parent enhances, rather than diminishes, one's powers and excel- lence in any direction. Then^ even if this latter statement were not true, and the choice between standing on the pedestal of cold worldly fame, or sitting on the throne of household happiness were given, who that has known both would not choose the latter? "Home, home, sweet, sweet home." Parenthood means home. Home means happiness. Happiness means heaven. THE ART OF LETTING GO. We held on to a great many things last year which we should have let go,—shaken off entirely. In the first place, we should expel from our minds completely the things which cannot be helped,- our past misfortunes, the trivial occurrences which have mortified or humiliated us. Thinking of them not only does no good, but it robs us of peace and comfort. The art of forgetting useless things is a great one, and we should learn it at any cost. It is just as important to learn to let go as to hold on. Any- thing that cannot help us to get on and up in the world; anything that is a drag, a stumbling-block, or a hindrance, should be ex- punged from our memory. Many people seem to take a positive pleasure in recalling past misfortunes, sufferings, and failures. They dwell upon such experiences, and repaint the dark pictures until the mind becomes melancholy and sad. If they would only learn to drive them out, and banish their attempts to return, as they would banish a thief from the house, those painful thoughts would cease to demand entrance. We want all we can get of sun- shine, encouragement, and inspiration.—Success.