There are days when I simply want to enjoy my own company. I’m happily married (most of the time) and have been for 50 plus good years. I have a network of friends and acquaintances with whom I enjoy many social activities. I love socializing, being around people, and doing things with others. Sometimes, however, […]
Take time for Afternoon Tea
Despite sub-zero April temperatures in Southern Ontario and with a dusting of snow on the ground, I joined a group of interesting women at a local golf club yesterday for a springtime tea celebration. For winter-weary Canadians, this festive event brought a feeling of the freshness of spring despite uncooperative April temperatures. While it wasn’t […]
Harness the Benefits of Journal Writing
For years I’ve written a journal. I don’t know if journal writing has improved my life but when I don’t write in the morning, it feels that the day hasn’t begun as it should. A comfy chair in my den is my preferred spot for journal writing. Occasionally I choose to write in bed propped up […]
Retirement Happiness — Learn from what’s not working
When we want to learn about what works in life, taking a look at what’s not working offers many lessons. When you try something and it doesn’t work, you learn from the experience. Sometimes, it’s smart to leave a frustrating endeavour and try something else rather than discouraging yourself in a hopeless project. If the […]
Life Lessons the Olympics Teach Us
Since the start of the Winter Olympics on February 9, I’ve spent too many hours glued to the television. Bedtimes have stretched to the wee hours of the morning as I sat mesmerized by daring athletes seeking medals, personal best records, and honour for their country. After 16 days, I’m afraid that I’ll suffer withdrawal now […]
Increasing Happiness by Changing your Happiness Baseline
I’ve learned that we’re all born with a happiness baseline that can be improved from choices made every day. Happiness comes from within; increasing the natural happiness baseline comes from smart choices. Positive psychology studies refer to a ‘hedonic set point’ or general level of happiness that may go up or down during certain periods […]
Retirement Happiness — Make Time for Self-Care
Sometimes the daily schedule is filled with so many activities that it’s difficult to make time for self-care. When this happens, I’m stressed. How did a day of retirement pass without enough time for some exercise, for a few moments of gratitude, for journal writing, or for a hobby project? I had an excuse when […]
Can a positive attitude help you face winter?
It’s mid-January. Earlier this week ‘blue’ Monday occurred. This third Monday of January is deemed the most depressing day of the year. Whether it’s blue Monday, January doldrums, or winter blahs, at this time of year it’s difficult to stay motivated and energized. For many who live in the Northern Hemisphere, the holiday cheer faded […]
How Colour Affects Happiness
In recent weeks two of my favorite happiness gurus, Gretchen Rubin https://gretchenrubin.com/blog/and Margaret Manning http://sixtyandme.com/have been discussing colour and its effect on happiness. Their comments prompted a new recognition of the importance of colour in my life. I am a visual learner and heavily dependent on pictures, mind maps, graphs and other visual cues as […]
Prepare for A Happy New Year
In a few days, we will turn the page on 2017 and prepare for the ‘Happy New Year’ that is wished for us in almost every encounter. There is something special about a new year. The past is gone. A clean slate opens. It’s a time to anticipate fresh opportunities. A ‘Happy New Year’ won’t […]