Tag Archives: gratitude

Reflecting on what truly matters

We tell our children that you can learn more from failure than from success. But do we actually believe that ourselves? What do we do after we’ve failed to reach a goal we set for ourselves? This week, I’ve had a chance to reflect on these questions myself in a very personal way. On Sunday, I was unable to finish the Moonwalk half marathon – fainting from the heat and humidity after mile 12 of the 13.1 – and I experienced many feelings in the aftermath. Some I expected – … Continue reading

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Love and Simple Acts of Kindness

Think about when you and your partner fell in love. That alchemy continues throughout life, and how we treat each other matters. We can change neural functions when we’re more compassionate. And holding hands is enough to reduce stress. The possibilities for opening our hearts are endless: Express gratitude. If you notice a caring gesture or a job well done, why not mention it? You may be pleasantly surprised at what you get in return. Inject humor. Lightheartedness is often the first casualty of a busy life. Humor, playfulness and … Continue reading

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For the Love of Giving Back

  Today is Valentine’s Day, so why don’t we celebrate all kinds of social bonds? Whether you’re partnered or single, connecting through giving back can  strengthen and enriches everyone. And the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. I have just returned from volunteering on the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean, where a dedicated and collaborative team worked in a community that welcomed us with open arms. It wasn’t a two year commitment to the Peace Corps so you may see it as a drop … Continue reading

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Coping with the Unhappiest Day of the Year

Earlier this week, we experienced what has traditionally been dubbed “the unhappiest day of the year.” For those in the Northern Hemisphere, January is often the most depressing month: the days are cold, the nights long, bills from the holidays have arrived, and we’ve already broken many of our New Year’s resolutions. So what can we do – this week – to cheer up, take on a different approach and make the choice to move forward? Here are some strategies that work for me when I’m dealing with hassles. Give … Continue reading

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