The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. The Dalai Lama Regularly expressing appreciation forms the basis of gratitude, a key component to leading a joyful life. Showing appreciation goes beyond writing an occasional thank you note, rather it needs to become a habit practiced daily. Based on my experience and those of others I have spoken to, here are a few ways to incorporate appreciation and gratitude into your [...]
“As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise you will miss most of your life.” Buddha The road of life is filled with challenges. Its weary travelers focus on the negative aspects of their lives, while its happy travelers savor their positive ones. Knowing how to cope with negative events and appreciate positive ones is essential to living a happy life. Therapists, psychologists and scientists who study happiness are now exploring [...]
I recently came across an article written by Dr. Stephen Post, a professor of preventive medicine and bio-ethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine wherein he stated, “Every great moral and spiritual tradition points to the truth that in giving of self lies the discovery of a deeper self.” Dr. Post went to say that when the happiness, security and well-being of others become real to us, we come into our own. How inspiring. [...]
The following version of the poem “Do It Anyway” was found written on the wall in Mother Teresa’s Home for children in Calcutta. The poem is beautifully universal and most appropriate as we embrace the New Year. I happily share it with you along with wishes of peace, love, and happiness. Do It Anyway Mother Teresa People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of [...]
You are not a good board member if you do not attend meetings regularly. What do I mean when I say regularly? You must attend at least 75-percent of the meetings. Miss more than that and the agency should professionally, impartially and respectively ask for your resignation. Here are a few of the most common excuses I have heard over the years regarding poor-attendance …. It’s hard to find board members so we need to [...]
My favorite radio station hands down is NPR (National Public Radio). Its primary appeal to me is its variety of programming choices, making nearly every show a learning experience. While listening to a Writer’s Almanac segment hosted by Garrison Keillor, the name Charles Bukowski was mentioned – specifically, as the author of the poem “Throwing Away the Alarm Clock”. Curiously, I never heard of the poem nor its author. I quickly launched an internet search [...]
In keeping with my happiness project, have you ever wondered why many of us scrutinize the parts of ourselves and our lives we wish to change and seemingly ignore our successes? Think about it. We all need a little TLC and praise and there is no reason we cannot give it to ourselves. This might require taking time out for a “me day” where you do some or all of your favorite things or reward [...]
Attitude. As defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, "attitude is a mental position with regard to a fact or state; a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state." You can have a bad attitude or you can have a positive attitude. The choice is yours. Generally speaking, people who maintain a positive approach to life situations and challenges are better able to move forward more constructively than those who become stuck in a negative attitude. In [...]
