Chapter 6 - Take the "Un" out of "Unhappy" and BE GRATEFUL!

This is one of my favoite chapters in "Powered By Happy" In order to feel true happiness, sometimes you have to understand what makes you "unhappy" and turn it around! Being grateful is not just for this time of the year, it is something you should practice everyday! If you just get in the habit of being thankful for one thing each day, it will definitely contribute to turning that frown upside down! Cheesy, maybe. However, being grateful is something that scientifically is proven to increase your level of happiness and improve your goals! Read on...Psychologists from the University of California, Davis, conducted a study on gratitude and thankfulness. They divided hundreds of people into three groups: One group recorded daily events, another recorded daily hassles, and the third recorded what they are grateful for. The last group reported more alertness and optimism and better progress towards their goals. They also felt more loved. Now, who doesn't want that? I do! Start today. Be Thankful for one thing a day and see where it takes you! A Blessed Thanksgiving wish to you all!

A great event....

Last night I attended a WELD (Women for Executive Leadership Development)reception honoring 12 women you need to know. I would like to congratulate each and every one of them. In their bio's, they mentioned advice to young women on how to get ahead and be successful. In just about every speech you heard characteristics like....teamwork...attitude...volunteer for everything, these are all pieces of great advice that Powered By Happy demonostrates in stories of successful professionals. Now, more than ever it is critical to work harder, prove your value, be known as the unique one or speedy one. Attitude is a big piece of that. In the "gift" bags, each person that attended (around 350) received a copy of Powered By Happy. Many asked me what happiness is? My simple answer, it's your attitude in how you deal with the cards you have been dealt. It's a choice. It's by YOUR design. Go out and design yourself some happiness at work or at home. It's up to you!

I don't feel like going to work today....

Sound familiar? How many times do you wake up and feel this way? Once? Twice? Never? First of all, if you do this more than a few times a week, it may be time to change your situation and find a job you don't dread. However, if you are just in a rut, what are some of the things that will help get you up and going in the morning? Plan your days. Make sure you have something to look forward to. A conversation with your boss, lunch with a friend, finishing up work you have been procrastinating doing. Think beyond your day. Sometimes we DO have days that are jam packed with crap! So, plan something you enjoy in the evenings to celebrate the crappy day being over. Also, think about new projects or work you can be doing that might spice up your job. Volunteer for something new, it will not only help energize your work day but make you look good to the execs in the mean time. One last piece of advice, find a friend at work, build relationships, offer help to your colleauges, it makes work much more interesting, rewarding and fun. Have a happy day!

And such is life....

So, my entire "free time" this week was 100% diverted to getting my youngest daughter ready for her first homecoming. We are talking nail appointments, hair appointments, tanning appointments, getting shoes, ordering boutineers, making driving arrangements, making picture arrangements, making dinner arrangements, and finally buying the perfect accessories! Oh, and did I mention this is all beyond the whole dress buying, which was another whole day! We topped off the "day of homecoming" with a mommy and me day! We went for sushi, we went shopping, we got her hair done and ended the day with a make over by mom (which turned out quite nicely!). Was it stressful, absolutely. Was it hard, absolutely. Did I want to rest every day but couldn't, absolutely! Was it one of the best days of my life! ABSOLUTELY....Giving your all to the ones you love will bring you the greatest joy in your life.

Daily Inspiration....

Be happy. Talk happiness. Happiness calls out responsive gladness in others. There is enough sadness in the world without yours . never doubt the excellence and permanence of what is yet to be. Join the great company of those who make the barren places of life fruitful with kindness. Your success and happiness lie in you. The great enduring realities are love and service. Resolve to keep happy and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.


~ Helen Keller

I Survived the ELLEN show in Los Angeles!

I just returned from a girls weekend in Los Angeles to see the ELLEN show! We had a fabulous time! One I will remember always. I realized on my way home, these types of trips are what life is all about. It's building not only wonderful memories with family & friends but creating a lot of happiness along the way. Those "trips" can be short (even an afternoon) or days long. They can be a special lunch with a special friend. They can be "mommy and me" trips or a date with your spouse. Some of the best memories of my girls are the "mommy and me" trips we had. But these "trips" need to be planned and scheduled just like your "to do" list at work. Find time for happiness! Schedule it! Make it happen! When you are happy at home, happy at work follows!

Look for me on the ELLEN show!

Well, don't get too excited. I'm not ON the ELLEN show, but I am going to the ELLEN show. It's on Monday, October 4th! We actually tried to contact Ellen's prize coordinator and offered to give out my book, Powered By Happy, to everyone in the audience if she mentioned it, but we haven't heard back yet! Somehow I will figure out a way to be SEEN! LOL! Hopefully ELLEN will pick me to dance with her or I will fall off my shoes and make a scene! TEVO the show and watch! The guests are Kenny Chesney and Grey (Ellen P) from Grey's Anatomy! I'm SO HAPPY to see them!