If you were to start a journey destined for “happily ever after”, how would you plan your trip? Where exactly IS “happily ever after”? Is it on the map? What does it look like and how would you get there? To get where we are going, we must know where it is and how we are to get there. In Happiness 101 I teach what happiness is and give a specific road map on how to get there. Most of the classes have been geared toward teaching individuals how to be happy. After all, it is difficult to be happy in a relationship, if one does not first know how to make one’s self happy. Studies (Lyubomirsky, The How of Happiness) show that being happy takes thought (mindfulness) and effort – to consciously make decisions that will bring you happiness. This too is the way to “happily ever after”. Many marriages float along on a current easily jostled by moods, events du jour and life changes. Business man Harvey MacKay said people “don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan”. There are many business basics that can be applied to relationships. This is the foundational concept of Dino Watt’s “Business of Marriage” workshop.

Think about it: Would a marriage not fair better with a specific plan for success. How about regular “meetings” where you could discuss how the relationship has gone thus far and what direction you would like to go – together, as a couple. Do you even know the aspirations to which your significant other is currently striving as an individual? How might those plans effect you? In this planning, communication is crucial. Therefore, Dino has invited me to teach about the basics of communication; to make sure the signal sent is the signal received. When I work with couples in my private practice we usually find miscommunication to be a basic part of the problem. In a very short period of time, you will learn how to communicate effectively and have the opportunity to practice it and use it in your daily life immediately. This technique is ideal when you do not feel heard, have difficulty saying what you want to say and dealing with irate people. I use this technique in my daily life as a therapist, a friend and a partner. Join us for “The Business of Marriage” workshop, Friday, January 22nd (starting at 9am) and Saturday January 23rd. Cost is merely $198 PER COUPLE! Plus you can get $50 off just by going to http://bizofmarriage.eventbrite.com/ and use the discount code: Happiness101. This workshop is not only for those in relationship. It is also for people that want to be in a good healthy relationship. In other words, everyone is welcome! See you there.