In this episode we talk about listening; to each other, to ourselves and to our inner guidance. So much static gets in the way of authentic communication, and when we can't hear, we can't connect. Come with us as we dive into body wisdom, sports metaphors and paying attention. We cover lots of other ground too, if you've been keeping up with us, you know that there will always be surprise topics in the mix. 

The final installment in the happiness series: participation. Participation makes for an empowered bookend to the very first episode, forgiveness. Not only do we need to forgive ourselves and others for the sake of happiness, but we also need to move forward together into actively participating in each others' enjoyment of life. When we participate, in effect, we believe. And what we're declaring is that each one of us holds a unique, integral aspect of life to be enjoyed by each other. When we believe (and prove through participation) that we're part of something bigger, things tend to be less daunting, and maybe even fun. 

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood to be your own best neighbor. Why is it that we can muster up kindness and respect for others, but sometimes forget that we also deserve that same energy be spent on our own happiness? Things are becoming more and more obvious as we go through this series: our happiness is no mystery, we're already doing the effort...it's just a matter of making it a priority.

We discuss the many faces of the Virtues as inspired by Western and Eastern thinking and how those Virtues can either be a stumbling block or elevate our happiness.

It's never good to fall asleep in the driver's seat--this is especially true for a vehicle in motion. The same can be said for life and your happiness with life. If you're prone to letting others take the wheel, you and your sideseat driver/passengers are in for an exhausting and perilous journey, at best. Your happiness, and the happiness of those you love, depends on you being the driver. Not later down the road. Right now.

Connection is a basic human essential. How do we get it? Where do we find it? Why so elusive? In this episode I share some of my own struggles with depression, and how connection became part of my solution. It's not as heavy as it sounds, so enjoy!

What does it mean to co-operate with life? Sometimes it's as obvious as making sure you've got gas in the tank before hitting the road, or, doing the menial chores of balancing your checkbook and working within a budget. Much of co-operating with life is: facing facts, tying up loose ends, and paying attention to how you can make the most of what you have right here right now. 

What makes happy people tick? One major factor is that happy people live in the moment...not as careless idiots, but as people bound and determined to savor every second of life. If we fixate on the past, we may find ourselves prone to regrets and nostalgia. Fixate on the future, and it's very possible to become overwhelmed by anxiety, or, conversely, unfounded optimism. Being aware of our perspectives on the past and the future and finding balance is how we utilize that information is a good start in finding happiness in the present.

The exciting conclusion of our discussion of Forgiveness as one of 8 Elements of Happiness.

Our first section in this series addresses the need to clear a path for moving forward with happiness. Forgiveness is that broom, or mop, or bulldozer...whatever works, as long as it's kind to yourself and others. The article referred to in the episode,  "The Social Disease of Contempt", was written by Steven Stosny, Ph.D.