Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm: The Magical Ingredient that Makes Dreams Come True

If you want to make your journey through life fun as well as exciting, pick a dream that you’re truly enthused about. Once enthusiasm enters the picture, there’s no procrastination because you won’t be able to hold yourself back. Also, enthusiasm is contagious and therefore attracts other people. This means you won’t have to chase…

Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything - Available from Amazon.com

A Four-Step Formula for Successfully Adopting New Habits

​Dr. B. J. Fogg, author of Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything presented his formula for adopting new habits in The Wall Street Journal. He said his formula applies to everything from flossing your teeth to running marathons. In his words, “To instill a habit, the first thing you need is motivation; Pick a behavior…

Fireworks

A New Year’s Resolution That’s Fun to Keep

Most of us are not afraid of trying new things; we just don’t make it a priority. Then, when we do try something new and realize how positive the experience was, we often kick ourselves for not having done it sooner. Trying new things enriches our lives in a number of ways:  It allows us…

Good Morning

Your World is What You Make it

​Until a year ago, I rarely dealt with the bank branch that handled my business account. Those transactions were always handled by an associate. Then, it became more convenient for me to take care of those transactions. When I first started going there, the place seemed dark, dreary and lifeless—I felt like I was in…

Forgiveness

Forgiving Others is a Sign of Bravery

A Dear Abby column carried a poem titled Decide to Forgive that was written by Robert Muller, a former assistant secretary-general of the United Nations. Several lines in the poem caught my attention: To forgive is the highest, Most beautiful form of love. In return you will receive Untold peace and happiness. The column then ended with this statement: “Only the brave…

Talking

Overcoming Our Fear of Talking to Strangers

​Paul Nicolaus posted a fascinating article titled, “Want to Feel Happier Today? Try Talking to a Stranger,” on npr.org. According to the article, talking to strangers puts us in a better mood, makes us feel more connected to our community and improves our level of happiness. Despite these benefits, Mr. Nicolaus points out that many…