I have SO much fun doing the Happiness Socials.  We had 14 there last night.  It is so great watching people go from total strangers to exchanging E-mails, phone numbers and making plans to get together again.  Each Social is different.  Last night I started by having everyone introduce themselves by first name then talk a little about things they are hopeful about.  Then I had them write down 3-4 people they admire, then characteristics about those people they admire.  We did a little brainstorming to make sure everyone had an ample list of characteristics and strengths that they admire.  I then in kind of a speed dating kind of format (it was in no way dating, but gives you a frame of reference) I had each of them spend a minute and a half talking about how they embody that characteristic.  Then, “SWITCH!” and they went to a different person and talked about a DIFFERENT strength they posses.  So, by the time it was over, they had spoken to a dozen people and talked about a dozen of their own strengths.  By the time it was over, they felt more accepting and happy with themselves and connect with others.  A truly great time.

Frank Clayton, the Happy Therapist