My Daily Gratitude: 08/06/2013
I'm grateful for the way exercise can alleviate stress.
I'm grateful that today wasn't any worse than it could have been.
I'm grateful for the resilience of the human will.
* * *
Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:
Embracing happiness wasn't easy today. School is starting for the kids and my wife is finishing up a really stressful class. The difficulty level of our schedule as a family seems to double when school starts and thinking about it gets me down a bit.
Having gotten that off my chest-- a positive thing that happened today was that I had a few really in depth, interesting conversations with two co-workers. I got a few complements today on my helpfulness for various sources and I exercised today despite all the reasons not to do so.
And as it seems to be the case, I sometimes don't feel like posting these things when I log in, but by the time I'm finished-- I find myself feeling a little bit better. This stuff might really work.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Studies show that keeping a long term journal of recent positive events from your life can promote happiness and wellbeing. You have found my attempt at that endeavor right here. I will also share any helpful ideas that I hear about and post them on this blog. My goal is to inculcate myself with the skill of happiness and share my experiences with others. After all-- if happiness is a skill, wouldn't you want to learn it? I would; feel free to join me.
Showing posts with label adversity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adversity. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
DocuShare: Happy
I recently ran across a documentary entitled Happy-- which coincides with the main theme of this blog perfectly.
As for me, I watched this excellent film via Netflix instant streaming. However, the homepage for the documentary provides a way to rent the film in case you don't have any other means of access. They also offer the DVD for purchase as well, if you're so inclined.
This documentary explores the many facets of happiness through examining people from various walks of life along with interviewing researchers about their findings concerning happiness. The film goes in depth as the producers go searching for the necessary ingredients to live happy.
Anyone seeking to increase his or her happiness needs to watch this film.
Happy challenges the common notions we generally have about the basic requirements for a life filled with happiness. The idea of what success is and the true impact that money has on happiness is also explored in an insightful way during this film. Phenomena such as the Hedonic treadmill, the impact of gratitude, genetic disposition, adversity and trauma, societal bonds and living conditions are all taken into account as the requirements for happiness are closely investigated. How do these elements truly impact our happiness? The answers to these questions are very important to consider because a lifetime of groping for happiness in the wrong places can lead to a very miserable life!
This film uncovers the fact that research repeatedly demonstrates that experiences such as "flow", having a sense of purpose, a sense of social connectedness, physical activity, and being true to one's self are needful for maintaining long term happiness. These ingredients seem to transcend the more common notions we hold for happiness such as possessing vast sums of money, having the appearance of success, material possessions, or having a problem free life.
And during the film, one of the scientists suggested that happiness may very well be a skill that we all can learn and hone.
And . . . that's why you should watch the film Happy. Find out what it takes to learn the skill of happiness. Discover in your own time what works for you and create your own plan for happiness. Watch this film and get a better sense of what you need for your life to be completely and truly happy.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
As for me, I watched this excellent film via Netflix instant streaming. However, the homepage for the documentary provides a way to rent the film in case you don't have any other means of access. They also offer the DVD for purchase as well, if you're so inclined.
This documentary explores the many facets of happiness through examining people from various walks of life along with interviewing researchers about their findings concerning happiness. The film goes in depth as the producers go searching for the necessary ingredients to live happy.
Anyone seeking to increase his or her happiness needs to watch this film.
Happy challenges the common notions we generally have about the basic requirements for a life filled with happiness. The idea of what success is and the true impact that money has on happiness is also explored in an insightful way during this film. Phenomena such as the Hedonic treadmill, the impact of gratitude, genetic disposition, adversity and trauma, societal bonds and living conditions are all taken into account as the requirements for happiness are closely investigated. How do these elements truly impact our happiness? The answers to these questions are very important to consider because a lifetime of groping for happiness in the wrong places can lead to a very miserable life!
This film uncovers the fact that research repeatedly demonstrates that experiences such as "flow", having a sense of purpose, a sense of social connectedness, physical activity, and being true to one's self are needful for maintaining long term happiness. These ingredients seem to transcend the more common notions we hold for happiness such as possessing vast sums of money, having the appearance of success, material possessions, or having a problem free life.
And during the film, one of the scientists suggested that happiness may very well be a skill that we all can learn and hone.
And . . . that's why you should watch the film Happy. Find out what it takes to learn the skill of happiness. Discover in your own time what works for you and create your own plan for happiness. Watch this film and get a better sense of what you need for your life to be completely and truly happy.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Gratitude Alleviates Sour Moods
My Daily Gratitudes: 08/03/2013
I'm grateful that my daughter kept her composure when she realized we couldn't make it to the mall today (as promised) so she could buy that bear she saved up for. She responded with a great amount of maturity when considering how excited she was before her letdown. We're going to make sure we take her tomorrow.
I'm grateful for having my mom to help us out when we get blindsided by unexpected financial issues.
I'm grateful that I finally found the time to get my technical difficulties behind me from yesterday.
* * *
Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:
I'd have to say the most positive thing is posting this blog. I was actually in a bit of a sour mood (going through all your bills and and fiscal "gotchas" can be a bit of a downer). The act of thinking about what you're grateful for and documenting it seems to gradual lift the mood. I needed that.
Oh, and I found some new car insurance since my last policy provider (of over 15 years) dropped me.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
I'm grateful that my daughter kept her composure when she realized we couldn't make it to the mall today (as promised) so she could buy that bear she saved up for. She responded with a great amount of maturity when considering how excited she was before her letdown. We're going to make sure we take her tomorrow.
I'm grateful for having my mom to help us out when we get blindsided by unexpected financial issues.
I'm grateful that I finally found the time to get my technical difficulties behind me from yesterday.
* * *
Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:
I'd have to say the most positive thing is posting this blog. I was actually in a bit of a sour mood (going through all your bills and and fiscal "gotchas" can be a bit of a downer). The act of thinking about what you're grateful for and documenting it seems to gradual lift the mood. I needed that.
Oh, and I found some new car insurance since my last policy provider (of over 15 years) dropped me.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Technical Difficulties . . .
This post was meant to be my Daily Gratitudes Post for 08/02/03. I got blindsided by some work related technical issues and I didn't get the change to post before midnight. Nonetheless, my Daily Gratitudes for 08/02/03 are:
1. I'm grateful for our media and free speech. Yeah, our media can get carried away a lot with some really stupid things. But, when they do things like expose fraud and hold State and Federal governments accountable, I'm well pleased.
2. I'm grateful that it was a really fun, easy going Friday until my unexpected problem started. It has dampened my happy buzz somewhat because I may have to go check some things-- which means leaving home, heading out just when I was about to go to bed. But, that's OK. I know I'll get my happy buzz back. In due time. I'm grateful I had it for when I did, today.
3. I'm grateful for having access to the music I love. Listening to my favorite songs can really lift my spirits.
* * *
Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:
I'm still keeping that laundry under control. I washed some smaller loads and I've been keeping it under control. That has gone a long way towards keeping my living space ordered and has kept stress down. I'm really glad about that.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
1. I'm grateful for our media and free speech. Yeah, our media can get carried away a lot with some really stupid things. But, when they do things like expose fraud and hold State and Federal governments accountable, I'm well pleased.
2. I'm grateful that it was a really fun, easy going Friday until my unexpected problem started. It has dampened my happy buzz somewhat because I may have to go check some things-- which means leaving home, heading out just when I was about to go to bed. But, that's OK. I know I'll get my happy buzz back. In due time. I'm grateful I had it for when I did, today.
3. I'm grateful for having access to the music I love. Listening to my favorite songs can really lift my spirits.
* * *
Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:
I'm still keeping that laundry under control. I washed some smaller loads and I've been keeping it under control. That has gone a long way towards keeping my living space ordered and has kept stress down. I'm really glad about that.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Happy Just to be Alive
My Daily Gratitudes: 08/01/2013
I'm grateful for being able to get my wife's car to work again. It was just an old battery. I got it tested, bought a new one, and installed it in the battery tray. I bolted it down, attached the terminals-- voilĂ , it cranks!
I'm grateful to have had the experience of a super fresh, wonderful cup of coffee today from a new coffee shop that just opened up. The building had the promise of opening soon, but was always vacant. My daughter pointed out there were finally some people inside as I passed by. How thoughtful of her to point it out as we passed by!
I'm grateful for our exercise machine. It has made squeezing in my workouts into my schedule so much easier. I worried it would become a coat hanger, but so far it has been essential to my weight loss goals and my happiness experiment.
* * *
Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours
Just having a good laugh today with family and friends. Feeling lighthearted enough to act silly and generate laughter. Sometimes stress dampens our ability to just enjoy life and laugh. On several occasions today, I laughed and made others laugh while riding around town trying to get everything I needed to replace the car battery-- and that has made the day much, much better. That feeling of lightheartedness made me glad just to be alive.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
I'm grateful for being able to get my wife's car to work again. It was just an old battery. I got it tested, bought a new one, and installed it in the battery tray. I bolted it down, attached the terminals-- voilĂ , it cranks!
I'm grateful to have had the experience of a super fresh, wonderful cup of coffee today from a new coffee shop that just opened up. The building had the promise of opening soon, but was always vacant. My daughter pointed out there were finally some people inside as I passed by. How thoughtful of her to point it out as we passed by!
I'm grateful for our exercise machine. It has made squeezing in my workouts into my schedule so much easier. I worried it would become a coat hanger, but so far it has been essential to my weight loss goals and my happiness experiment.
* * *
Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours
Just having a good laugh today with family and friends. Feeling lighthearted enough to act silly and generate laughter. Sometimes stress dampens our ability to just enjoy life and laugh. On several occasions today, I laughed and made others laugh while riding around town trying to get everything I needed to replace the car battery-- and that has made the day much, much better. That feeling of lightheartedness made me glad just to be alive.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Could Be Worse: Gratitude in the Face of Adversity
My Daily Gratitudes: 07/31/2013
I'm grateful that today is payday.
I'm grateful that my wife's car isn't any worse off than it is. It wouldn't start today-- but I think I've narrowed it down to an old battery. I'll take that over the alternative being something like the alternator, water pump, or oh . . . I dunno . . . a locked up engine.
I'm grateful for being able to eat lunch with my wife today. Since we had to ride together today, lunch just felt like the right thing to do. The time together was nice.
* * *
Positive Event from the past 24 Hours:
I had a good work day today. I got a lot done and I was in the zone some today. I felt like I was "rockn' an' rollin' all day. Another positive thing is that I've determined to exercise after I post. Yeah, it's late, but I had to troubleshoot the car, feed the kids, and give my wife time to study. I really want to just crash-- but I gotta keep up the habit of working out. I've determined to do it tonight-- and I think in the long run that's a positive thing.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
I'm grateful that today is payday.
I'm grateful that my wife's car isn't any worse off than it is. It wouldn't start today-- but I think I've narrowed it down to an old battery. I'll take that over the alternative being something like the alternator, water pump, or oh . . . I dunno . . . a locked up engine.
I'm grateful for being able to eat lunch with my wife today. Since we had to ride together today, lunch just felt like the right thing to do. The time together was nice.
* * *
Positive Event from the past 24 Hours:
I had a good work day today. I got a lot done and I was in the zone some today. I felt like I was "rockn' an' rollin' all day. Another positive thing is that I've determined to exercise after I post. Yeah, it's late, but I had to troubleshoot the car, feed the kids, and give my wife time to study. I really want to just crash-- but I gotta keep up the habit of working out. I've determined to do it tonight-- and I think in the long run that's a positive thing.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)