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Dale Carnegie: Becoming HappyTBy Sonny Melendrezhe man who taught millions how to win friends and influence people, Dale Carnegie, believedhappiness isn’t shaped by circumstances but by mindset. As he explained:“It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.”Carnegie made a sharp distinction between success and happiness:“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”His life is an inspiring American tale. Born into poverty on a Missouri farm in 1888, Carnegie dreamed of becoming a public speaker. Determined to escape farm life, he worked hard to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. After landing a small role, he struggled financially and lived at the YMCA on 125th Street.Seeing an opportunity, Carnegie persuaded the YMCA director to let him teach public speaking courses, earning 80% of the proceeds. His classes became popular, and he soon earned $500 a week— equivalent to nearly $10,000 today.By 1914, Carnegie had found his calling, and in 1936, he published How to Win Friends and Influence People. Over 30 million copies have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling books of all time.Carnegie’s teachings went beyond communication techniques—he emphasized the importance of enthusiasmBuy 2Bundtletsand get one FREE One per visit. Expires 1-31-25and authenticity:“If you want to be enthusiastic, actenthusiastic.”He also encouraged people to avoidtrying to impress others:“Be yourself. One reason why birds andhorses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses.”Dale Carnegie passed away in 1955, but his legacy continues to inspire those seeking success and happiness. His timeless advice reminds us that happiness isn’t something we find—it’s something we create through our thoughts, how we embrace who we are and the kindness we extend to others along the way.Sonny Melendrezis an award-winningmotivational speaker,Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author,based in San Antonio.For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit www.SonnyMelendrez.com and listen to his podcast.San Antonio - Stone Oak700 E. Sonterra Blvd San Antonio, TX 78258(210) 495-2253NothingBundtCakes.comOrder Online! We Deliver!WHAT WE OFFERIrrigation Design Irrigation Installation for Residential & Commercial Maintenance & Repair Landscape InstallationsSod Installation System ChecksRain Bird WiFi Module New Sprinkler System Installations!* Exclusions Apply. Extra $20 Off Service Calls When You Mention This Ad.FREE CONSULTATIONS! 210-791-6788 www.benitezirrigation.com admin@.benitezirrigation.comI Spy With My Little Eye... ContestBy Sally KalosP lease look carefully on each and every page, scanning up and down, left and right, from front toback, and then back to front. Don’t give up! If you can find Rudolph the reindeer you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $50! Just email the page number and location where you spotted Rudolph the reindeer tocontest@stoneoakhighlights.com. The deadline is January 9, 2025.We hope you’ll have fun with our version of a mini-scavenger hunt within our pages. Good luck!Congratulations to our NovemberI Spy winner Frances NaterDec. / Jan. 2024 -25www.stoneoakhighlights.com5