Tag Archive for: the happiness project

Want to meet me & Gretchen Rubin in Chicago?

I used to be the queen of networking and go to lots of events every week. That’s when I was first building this blog and also launching my book Listful Thinking. I wanted to get the word out! But after my appendix ruptured over a year ago and I vowed to slow things down a bit.

And I quickly I realized essentially every networking event is the same.

Think about it, how many networking events have you been to that take place in hotel banquet halls filled with clammy handshakes, and awkward conversations punctuated with the exchange of business cards? And those cards usually end up in the garbage.

So how do you stand out?

How do you make your mark in the short amount of time that you have with someone new?

Well it’s all about your pitch! That’s how. Read more

10 Habits of Truly Optimistic People

optimisticThe publishers of my book, Listful Thinking, recently asked me to take a look at a new book they’re publishing called 10 Habits of Truly Optimistic People by David Mezzapelle. I love these sorts of books like The Secret or Gretchen Reuben’s Happiness Project – so I was excited to check it out. I’m a big believer in the power of positive thinking, I try to remain optimistic even when things are looking bleak.

The following excerpt from 10 Habits of Truly Optimistic People really spoke to me. It seems like this man has the worst luck in the world – but then he turns it all around and lives a fulfilling life in the end. All because he didn’t lose sight of optimism and positivity – and feeding his soul.  I think we could all learn a lesson here.

Meet Frank Stranahan, and his son, Lance

“Frank’s father was the co-founder of Champion Spark Plug Company, so obviously he was born into a wealthy family. At an early age, Frank found his passion in golf and became known as the best amateur golfer of his era and even to this day. In addition, he developed an excellent physique from vigorous weight training. He believed weightlifting would make him a longer hitter, and he was the first person ever to combine strength training with golf. As a result, he earned the nicknames “Muscles” and “The Toledo Strongman.” Read more

What’s on Your Happiness List?

D. Sharon Pruitt

What is happiness? That answer can be as different as a fingerprint – unique and personal for every single one of us. I went to a screening, with my friend Terri, the other night to see Project Happiness, which is right up my ally. I joke that I’m a happiness seeker in my Twitter profile – but it’s true – I try to find the best in all situations and the silver lining in anything. I can’t help it – my mother is like that and it rubbed off on me.

The film sought out to answer the huge question “what is happiness?” and although I felt it fell short – it got me thinking and inspired me to think about my own experiences with happiness. (Side note: I liked the book The Happiness Project much better.) I think the problem with the film is that they were looking for one big “aha moment” as Oprah would say. But the thing is – that isn’t going to happen. I’ve always said it’s the little things that make should people happy: Read more