This is a blog about living well and being happy. Subscribe for free updates to get the latest posts on living Joyful Days.

How to Stay Positive

Today I’m delighted to host a guest post by Jeremy Day who blogs at Insight Writer. Jeremy writes on personal development with a realistic touch: not the usual happy-clappy new age stuff but a real person leading his life the best he can. Do visit his blog via the link at the end of this post.

“You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” -Dale Carnegie

I think the best people in the world are those that make it their job to be encouragers. I try to be one of those people when I can. However, I do eventually get run down by all the negativity in the world.

Recently I have been going through a little bout with depression. It’s not the kind that destroys you, but it sure takes all the fun out of your day. And your life! Because I haven’t had any depression in awhile I was in a funk and didn’t know what to do. I eventually decided that I would make a list of strategies that work to combat depression, so I could practice them now, and prevent more depression from occuring in the future.

Continue reading this article…

Posted by Daphne on | November 2, 2010 | 12 Comments

Joyful Days Awarded as a Top 50 Wellness Guru

Top 50 Wellness Guru Award

It seems I am some kind of guru now.  At least I have a badge and award that says I am, courtesy of eCollegeFinder. A big thank you to all my loyal readers who have helped make this blog what it is today. Here is the official press release.

October 21, 2010 – Philadelphia, PA – Joyful Days has recently been honored to receive eCollegeFinder.org’s Top 50 Wellness Gurus Award.  The Wellness Guru Award recognizes the top 50 Internet-based resources providing support and advice for college student’s mental, emotional and physical health.  By introducing and exemplifying important messages about taking care of our bodies, Joyful Days has shown its commitment to teaching students a few things about improving their overall lifestyle.

Continue reading this article…

Posted by Daphne on | October 22, 2010 | 12 Comments

Simplify Your Life With The “One In, One Out” Method

Putting the little elves to work.Do you ever feel that things keep piling up and you have more on your plate than you can handle? It could be work tasks, family events, friends’ requests, or clutter in your home. As these increase, the quality of your life decreases.

One manager I know was so frustrated that she started a policy of “one in, one out.” When she was asked to write an additional report, she politely asked which other report she could stop writing to make room for the new one.

The “one in, one out” method can work wonders for you because it is a simple mantra to remember, and will restore balance to your life in many ways.

Continue reading this article…

Posted by Daphne on | October 19, 2010 | 4 Comments

What Makes People Happy? The Top 10 List

what makes people happyThe one thing most studies on happiness agree on is this: family and relationships are the surest way to happiness.

Close behind are meaningful work, positive thinking, and the ability to forgive.

What does not seem to make people happy are money, material possessions, intelligence, education, age, gender or attractiveness.

In rough order of importance, here are the factors that make us happy and what you can do to increase happiness in your life.

Continue reading this article…

Posted by Daphne on | September 15, 2010 | 21 Comments

“I Want To Change My Life!”

i want to change my lifeSomeone I know recently came to me with this vow: “I want to change my life!” Her life was messed up. Work was going badly and several projects had gone down the drain. She had also lost some important relationships through betrayal of trust.

In her desperation she had sought help from gods of every form. Prayers were said to the Christian God. Black magic was invoked by a Malay bomoh. Scientific cures were sought from a qualified counsellor. This person was serious about wanting to change her life.

As I watched this friend’s struggle, I realised I was witnessing a personal transformation before my very eyes. Since real-life examples are more helpful than theories, I thought I’d write down my observations. So here it is: the anatomy of a life change, based on a true story.

Continue reading this article…

Posted by Daphne on | September 8, 2010 | No Comments

Setting Boundaries

HollywoodHow often do you agree to do something you don’t want to do because you don’t know how to say no? How many unwelcome behaviours have you tolerated to keep the peace instead of confronting the other person?

While giving in helps us avoid immediate unpleasantness, it often results in a build-up of anger and a simmering resentment under the surface.

If you experience these issues, you are not alone. Many people have difficulties setting boundaries. A personal boundary is a clear line which says “this is where my space begins and you’re not welcome in here.”

Continue reading this article…

Posted by Daphne on | August 20, 2010 | 10 Comments
« go back — keep looking »