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Seven Proven Ways to Live A Happy Life

There has been a lot of research into how to live a happy life, and these are just some findings I came across.

“Proven ways” refers to generalised results suggested by these studies and until you try each one out for yourself, it remains unproven for you as an individual.

So why not try a few and see for yourself which really lead to a happy life?

photo credit: waffler

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Posted by Daphne on | February 6, 2010 | 26 Comments

Pruning the Grapevine: Good vs Bad Gossip

Some of my readers have been wondering if I’m ok because I’m posting less lately. I’ve been very well actually, and making new friends. The bad news is that I’ve found myself gossiping more than usual with this new found circle.

With every social group, it takes time to ascertain where the boundaries lie – what each person will and will not say or do. With my tried and tested friends, we know when our sharing of news is crossing over into hurtful gossip and we automatically stop and change the subject. With this new group, things are more fluid and the line has been crossed, often by myself, more often than I’d like. How do we prune the grapevine by cutting out the bad gossip and keeping the good?

“Good gossip is just what’s going on. Bad gossip is stuff that is salacious, mean, and bitchy; the kind most people really enjoy.”

- Liz Smith

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Posted by Daphne on | January 18, 2010 | 23 Comments

The Gift of Forgiveness

At Christmas time, we throng the shops to buy gifts for each other. If only we would storm heaven to find and give forgiveness instead, how different our lives and world would be.

While the pleasure of exchanging gifts is thrilling but short-lived, the freedom from forgiveness is quiet but everlasting. However, forgiveness is much harder to give than a physical item.

I am no saint and struggle with forgiveness as much as the next person. I still get angry over the silliest of things. Yet over the years I’ve learnt to forgive more quickly and more completely. Here’s what I’ve learnt about forgiveness from people far wiser and more loving than me.

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Posted by Daphne on | December 22, 2009 | 23 Comments

Can You Pack Your Life Into Two Suitcases?

Many people tell me they want to travel the world. I too have this romantic notion that one day I’ll just pack my bags and go live anywhere in the world I want to.

While I’m happy to stay put for at least the next few years, the practical effect of this idea is that I now have a simple way to narrow down life’s essentials. I ask the question – will this go into my two suitcases?

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Posted by Daphne on | November 18, 2009 | 35 Comments

Is 85 the New 65?

I’m honoured to have the opportunity to publish an article by Al Weatherhead, author of The Power Of Adversity and chairman and CEO of multi-million dollar company Weatherchem, a private manufacturer of plastic closures for food, spice, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

Al has survived arthritis, heart disease, depression, and alcoholism. At age 84, he is healthy and happily married, a proud father and grandfather, and a thoughtful philanthropist. In this article he shares his thoughts on maximising life.

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Posted by Daphne on | October 28, 2009 | 26 Comments

No More Crappy Days

It’s been almost a month since I last posted, the result of technical problems with this site initially followed by inertia resulting from loss of blogging momentum. While away from this blog, I fully engaged in ‘real’ life and had a few pleasant revelations.