Can you imagine how gas we have saved by having insulation in our homes? Gas prices would probably be completely out of control were it not for this simple and effective invention. While I am appreciating insulation, I feel that I would be remiss if I did not point out that modern day insulation is [...]

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I went to see John Mayer tonight. He went off on a great riff (of the mouth variety, not on the guitar) about “haters”. He basically said that haters are faceless and perpetuated by the rumor mill. So, his advice was that when you hear that someone said something about you, ask for names. He [...]

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I feel disappointed. We have been planning for the Happiness 101 skydive for months and it was cancelled today due to high winds. In her book, Positivity, Barbara Fredrickson stresses the importance of being GENUINELY happy. This means acknowledging how you really feel, not just glossing it over with a plastic smile. In fact, she [...]

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Dogs. Four-legged unconditional love. During dark times, they are there at your side, comfort at the ready in ample doses. Miraculously, some therapy dogs have been able to connect with people when no one else could. They are soft and feel pleasant to the touch. They can make a good sleeping companion and provide warmth [...]

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Frequently when people are asked what would they like to do if they had more time and money, they frequently respond: “Travel”. So imagine that it is neither time nor money that is restricting you from travel but it is your physical body. A good friend of mine had heart surgery just over one year [...]

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Yes, I loved it. There were many great moments and messages in this movie. Please do not mistake it as a “chick flick”. It addresses big questions for all of use and what Thoreau called the feelings of “quiet desperation” many of us feel tugging at us on a daily basis. Eat Pray Love speaks [...]

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Okay, the only thing better than Ruth’s Diner, is Ruth’s Diner with great brunch conversation. I love the ambiance. It was a perfect weather day for Ruth’s. They have an extensive patio and often have live music (the Stoddard Brothers are rumored to be regulars there). Ruth’s even has nice shaded areas out front for [...]

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In the PBS special “This Emotional Life”, host Dan Gilbert said that IF there was one key to Happiness it would be social connection. This has been indicated not just by studies by by meta-analysis (which is a study of studies). In Sonja Lyubomirsky’s book, The How of Happiness she has “nurturing social relationships” as [...]

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Do you know what will make you happy? Are you SURE? Do you know your favorite way to drink coffee? How about your favorite spaghetti sauce? Again are you SURE? In the attached video Malcom Gladwell tells the story of Howard Moskowitz. You can thank Howard for much of the variety you find at your [...]

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I don’t know quite how to describe it or what mechanism it is that controls it, but I really love teaching Happiness 101 when I am “on”. When I am “on”, the information flows freely, I am relaxed, having a wonderful time, all the information comes to mind quickly and easily and I am giving [...]

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