Dr. Laura Trice talks about why we need to give and receive thanks
Gratitude is a an essential component to our well-being. We are happier and healthier when we are grateful people, but we also need to know that others are grateful and appreciative of us. It’s a primal need. It’s validating. It’s energizing. And, it’s o.k. to ask for it. But we don’t, and there are some [...]
Appreciation and novelty keys to long-lasting happiness
There’s a lot of talk about happiness — how to find it, feel it, hang on to it. We covet happiness as though it is an ultimate goal or objective rather than a state we can choose and influence throughout each of the moment of our lives. While each of us comes equipped with a [...]
Three ways to create a better-feeling life
In Monday’s post I wrote about the 10:1 ratio. It takes 10 positive comments to offset one negative. Think about this with your kids. Every time you say something negative or critical, it takes 10 more positives to buffer their psyche, according to educators. It’s just as important to find the pros in the workplace [...]
Finding the good is the key to managing the bad
10:1 That’s the ratio required for positive statements to counter balance the negative when it comes to parenting and educating children, say teachers. Ten positives to offset the devastating impact of one negative or critical statement. Relationship expert John Gottman says that we need to have at least five positive statements to every one negative [...]
Be Brave: 3 Ways to Practice Courage
Deciding to have a child took about all the courage I could muster and even then I was afraid. Even then I didn’t think I had enough. Even then, I did it anyhow. It’s the same with writing this blog, being honest and vulnerable, it’s scary. It has required me to face some of my [...]
Check in with spirit to prevent malnourishment
Feeling down? Hurt and distressed? I t could be time for a little spiritual rehab. I wrote about this in August and talked about the importance of making a course correction in your life when we’re feeling off-kilter and unhappy. Spiritual rehab is a way to get back to your core self. It’s a way [...]
Easy practices to open the conduit of compassion
Compassion is a kind of the one-size-fits-all quality. It’s good for everyone, available to anyone, and soothes your mood without any unnecessary calories. Yet sometimes we forget. We think that people have to act a certain way to be worthy of our kindness. Baloney. Compassion is a choice. Your choice. Will you live a life [...]
A little compassion solves a lot of problems
If you want to accomplish something small, say, like, brokering world peace, or creating lasting happiness for all; or you want to attempt something major like making it through the morning routine without drama over how the five-year-old wears her hair (maybe that’s just me) — compassion is the key. I think it is the [...]
How a change in scenery changes your brain
My space is cozy and tidy. The papers that are on my desk are in neat piles. A few loose newspaper clippings are scattered about. Three books sit stacked on the corner and box of pens lays along the outer edge of that desk. This is just about right. Too much clutter, and I become [...]
Kindness is a quick pick-me-up and you can try it at home
Feeling low? Go do something for someone else. Not kidding. I’ve written before about the importance of giving and serving. It’s a biggie. Not only does it make others feel good, but it is actually healing for you. Generosity reduces stress, improves immune system response and helps the heart and improves mental health, says Dr. [...]




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