New Year’s resolutions are often broken by the first quarter of the year. We tend to set lofty goals only to fall short within the first month or two. This year, why not try a different approach? Try a word or a phrase of your choosing that is like your…
Category: Tools to Increase Happiness
Connection: One Easy Step To Enjoy Your Loved Ones Even More!
During the holidays our desire to connect with our friends and family may be even greater than other times in the year. A helpful tip to improve your chances for a meaningful interaction is to recall what you appreciate about each person with whom you will be visiting. Starting about…
Intention versus Expectation
There is a subtle difference between intention and expectation yet they yield very different emotions. When we expect a situation to turn out a specific way we are often disappointed. If we were to lower our expectations then evaluate the situation after the fact we may be happier with the…
Embracing Emotion
The only way through something is through it. When we try to avoid addressing situations, especially difficult ones, they tend to come back allowing us the gift of the experience. When it comes to emotions it seems that when we focus on them, they become bigger. For instance, if I…
Five Tips for Happier Holidays
It is nice to reconnect with family and friends over the holidays. Some of our relationships, usually with family, can be difficult. Our egos get involved and we seemed to be more emotionally invested in things working out a certain way. If that is true for you and your family,…
Spice in Life
Spices in our food make the dish more pleasurable. Spices add depth to the flavors and thus to the enjoyment of our sustenance. Even a simple addition, such as salt, can really make the difference between edible and delicious food. Spice in our lives can do the same thing. I…
Doing Our Best
Each day we are different from the day before. We can even fluctuate throughout the day. This fact is often overlooked when we have expectations of ourselves and others. Take for example, our energy level. Our energy and mental acuity often fluctuate based on sleep, nutrition, wellness, and emotions. Some…
Discomfort to Empowerment in Six Easy Steps
It would sure be great if we didn’t have to struggle with anything, or would it? Everything doesn’t go our way all the time. There are situations that challenge us to accept what is and move forward in a way that represents our best self. When we find that things…
Changing the Story
Our lives are forever in flux. Each day brings about new and interesting adventures, experiences and sometimes challenges. This is true for all of us so why are some people happier and less affected by adversity. Positive Psychology research suggests it is the story we tell ourselves that determines our…
For or Against
We all need others to support us. Sometimes, that “support” comes in the form of advice on what to do. “If Suzie would only do what I think she should do, she would be much better off”, said Grandma. When Suzie doesn’t follow Grandma’s advice and is still suffering, Grandma…