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Quick bits of therapeutic info and learning, ideas, concepts, and quotes.
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3: Keys
2: Concepts
1: Quick Article
"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
- Marcus Aurelius
3 Keys to Defining Happiness:
Self-Reflection: Do you know what makes you happy? Sometimes we all need to take a moment to evaluate what brings us joy. Consider the activities, experiences, and relationships that light up your life and bring a sense of contentment. By understanding what truly matters to us, we can align our lives with our values and priorities and give more energy to the people, places and things that matter most.
Gratitude Practice: “Focus on the Positive” is something you’ll hear daily around the offices. Cultivating a daily Gratitude Practice to shift your focus from what you lack to what you have really does make a difference. Research shows that practicing gratitude can enhance your mood, improve your relationships, and increase your overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.
Mindful Living: The world is moving so fast…When was the last time you stopped for a moment to embrace mindfulness in the present moment and simply savored some of life's simple pleasures?
A Couple of Concepts:
Authenticity: Consider how living authentically aligns with your happiness and well-being. Personal authenticity involves embracing your true self, honoring your values, and living in alignment with your innermost desires. When you live authentically, you experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose— and this indeed leads to greater happiness and contentment.
Connection: Research shows that strong social connections are a key predictor of happiness and well-being. How are your connections? Please take a moment and reflect on the importance of the connections in your life and how they may or may not be contributing to your happiness.
A Quick Overview: Reflecting on What Truly Matters
In our quest for happiness, it's essential to pause and reflect on what truly matters for our own sense of happiness and well-being. Some of us intrinsically know; others find that happiness is somewhat elusive.
Studies in positive psychology suggest that happiness is not solely dependent on external circumstances but is heavily influenced by internal factors such as mindset, attitude, and behavior. As noted earlier, cultivating a practice of gratitude has been shown to increase happiness levels by rewiring the brain (yes, neuroplasticity again!) to focus on the positive aspects of life.
And what we focus on really does expand.
Similarly, engaging in acts of kindness and fostering meaningful connections with others has been linked to greater levels of happiness and life satisfaction. We’re ‘hardwired’ to be part of a community. Social connections activate regions of the brain associated with reward and pleasure, such as the release of dopamine and oxytocin. These chemicals promote feelings of happiness and well-being, reinforcing the importance of social interactions in maintaining a positive emotional state. Thus, engaging with people we care about not only enhances our mood but also contributes to a sense of belonging and fulfillment.
Living authentically and in alignment with our values is also essential for our happiness. Do you know what your values are? Individuals who embrace their true selves tend to experience higher levels of psychological well-being and life satisfaction—and by staying true to our own values and beliefs, we develop a deeper sense of fulfillment and contentment. This alignment between our actions and our core values not only boosts our overall happiness but also enhances our resilience and ability to cope with life's challenges.
Happiness is not a destination but a journey—a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection. By reflecting on what truly matters to us and aligning our actions with our values and priorities, we can achieve a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment that extends well beyond those fleeting moments of pleasure.
References:
Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. Penguin Books.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144–156.
Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008). The authentic personality: A theoretical and empirical conceptualization and the development of the Authenticity Scale. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(3), 385–399.
Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.
by Laura Weber Garrison, PhD
From the publisher…
"Damaged Rudders" emerges as a vital guide for those traversing the turbulent waters of trauma and seeking pathways to recovery and wholeness. Authored by Laura Weber Garrison, PhD, this book introduces a transformative approach that melds creativity, restorative yoga, artistic expression, and profound spiritual insights to foster deep healing.
Here, Garrison shares her own compelling journey alongside practical, evidence-based strategies that empower readers to reclaim their lives. Each page resonates with her commitment to nurturing creative resilience, promoting self-discovery, and facilitating transformational change.
This is not just another narrative on overcoming adversity; it's an invitation to reshape your life through unique, science-based integrative practices that reconnect you to your inner strength and divine purpose. "Damaged Rudders" is a must-read for anyone ready to restore their spirit, renew their passion for life, and rediscover the joy of living in alignment with their deepest truths.”
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