Social Distance is not Social Disconnection

Doctors ask us to keep two meters apart to reduce transmission of COVID-19. But don’t let physical distance lead to emotional disconnection. We need each other more than ever right now. Whether you are passing people in a hallway, sitting a safe space away, or speaking via video or phone, Smile. When you smile on … Read more

Civility, Where Art Thou?

I’ve traveled extensively in the past month, adding stamps to my passport from Netherlands, Czechia, Japan, and Singapore – and of course the US when I returned. The experience of passing through Customs and Immigration in those first four countries was fairly pleasant. “Hello, how are you? How long will you be in our country? … Read more

Act Happy Week, Day 1: Smile On Purpose

The focus of Act Happy Week is to educate the public about purposeful actions you can take to create chemical shifts in your body that drive Positive Emotions. Here is today’s exercise: Day 1: Smile On Purpose Smiling initiates a complex shift of muscles, breath, and body chemistry (you release endorphins!) that creates a more … Read more

My Summer Reading

I don’t create a huge summer reading list any more.  but people still ask.  So as I’m making my selections, I’m sharing.  Here are some books I’m reading while on the beach this year: For personal transformation, Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown.  Everyone who has read this insists I will love it — about being vulnerable and showing … Read more

Never Underestimate the Power of Kindness

We don’t always recognize when we are being Kind to another person. Sometimes just offering a smile or a listening ear to someone who’s having a bad day feels so “easy” for us yet has a huge impact for the other. Perhaps the best strategy is to show up, always, with respect and a willingness to be of service.

Say Cheese: 15 Fascinating Facts About Smiling

Ken recently contacted me to share an article he thought my Happiness audience would also enjoy — on Smiles.  Of course!  Ken’s audience is nurses (www.nursingschools.net), so he’s really grounded his research in the medical world — proving that smiles are GOOD FOR YOU! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Everyone loves the quote “laughter is the best medicine,” and … Read more

Coca Cola and the Happiness Machine

Yes, a high-fructose, corn syrup-based soft drink that is currently under attack for being a significant contributor to the obesity epidemic has gone on the Happiness offensive.  First, watch this delightful video, then keep reading. Coke = Brand Mastery I must admire Coke for their masterful work in Brand Management.  I mean, how can you … Read more

Come To Work Happy

A reader from Singapore sent me this cartoon.  Happiness in the workplace is a global concern.  In an era of cost-cutting and bad news, this presents a clever, low-cost strategy for improving morale ** **Funny, yes?  The thing is, studies have shown that even FAKE SMILES can have an impact on mood.  That stems in … Read more