Karen’s Corner: Glass Half Full

Happiness.  Such a simple, harmless word but it yields so much power in our thoughts and well-being.  Recently, I listened to happiness expert, Shawn Achor, speak. He was the Keynote at WPO’s 20^th Anniversary Celebration.  He spoke for nearly 90 minutes and I wish to share three pearls of wisdom that I found impactful…

1. Happiness leads to success.
2. Happiness is a choice. (It is not just up to our genes and environment.)
3. Pleasure is short lived, but happiness is the joy you feel moving towards your potential.

I have chosen to start the year with a focus on Gratitude.  Many people focus on what they don’t have instead of what they do have.  We are blessed with warm homes, employment, our eye sight and sense of taste.  We can hear laughter and enjoy the colors of leaves changing and appreciate the beauty of fresh fallen snow.  We are breathing and can choose to start the day with the freedoms not everyone on this planet was born with.  Gratitude is “fuel” to bring us joy and realistic optimism that will lead to happiness.

Shawn Achor suggested that we write down three things daily that were positive to embed these good experiences into our memory.  He also recommends trying a happiness exercise.  This exercise when done for 21 consecutive days can become a positive habit and bring happiness.

Exercise:  every day for 21 days… Reach out to one person daily with a two-minute text or email and tell that person why you think they are great.  Positive feedback is powerful. 

Social connections are the top cortile in our realm of happiness.  Happiness increases our creativity and helps us live longer.  Choose the glass half full…. What do you have to lose?

Check out this 12 minute Ted Talk from Shawn Achor – both funny and impactful!

Wishing you a new year filled with happiness.