Choose Your Words Carefully

The words we use have power, especially those we use with ourselves. Choosing a single word to focus on each day can help us be more purposeful about our daily lives.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMay 26, 2021words, tranquility, verbal development, vocabulary, mental guide, positive attitude, intention, purposeful living, daily practices, mental health, communicationComment

The Goldilocks Theory of Creativity

When you become frustrated trying to solve a problem, rather than persist for too long, take a break to do another activity that requires some focus. Research shows it will allow your brain to keep working on the problem to find a solution.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMay 19, 2021creativity, problem solving, idea generation, brainstorming, rest, breaks, frustration, motivation, Goldilocks, stimulation, ADHD, unconscious, MozartComment

Hugs Reduce our Stress and Lift our Moods

When we receive a warm embrace, we don’t have to wonder about how someone feels about us. In addition to improving our relationships, hugs reduce our stress, strengthen our immune systems, and promote resilience.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMay 12, 2021hugs, health, happiness, resilience, immune systems, relationships, physical touch, affection, relaxation, anti-depressants, self-esteem, mood Comments

Delight in Moments of Joy

There are many opportunities for moments of pleasure throughout our day, if only we take note of them. Doing so can increase our overall level of happiness.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMay 5, 2021joy, bliss, delight, positive affirmations, happiness, pleasure, enjoyment, paying attention, gratitude, Greater Good Science Center, positive psychology, well-being, simple pleasures, units of momentary happinessComment

When Kids go off to College—The Myths vs. The Reality

Sending a child off to college evokes complicated emotions, including sadness and anxiety. In time, most parents adjust, and begin to take advantage of their newfound freedom to explore their own opportunities for growth.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiApril 28, 2021college, letting go, love, teenagers, transitions, empty nest syndrome, parent-child relationship, dread, anxiety, grief, change, feelings, individual growth, goals, parentingComment

How Spring Cleaning can Bring us Peace

The concept of spring cleaning is linked to various religious and cultural traditions. Cleaning actually has health benefits associated with it, and decluttering can improve our moods.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiApril 21, 2021cleaning, peace, decluttering, self-care, Marie Kwon, letting go, Steven Covey, sharpen the saw, Daily OM, setting intentionsComment

The Natural Ebb and Flow of Friendships

Friendship is a rare and special gift. Each relationship has its own pattern, which evolves over time. It’s best not to hold on too tightly.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiApril 14, 2021friendship, friends, relationships Comments

You Deserve a Break Today

To have a happy life, it’s important to find balance in all things, but especially in the areas of work and play.

Turn Inward to Rediscover Yourself

Being too other-focused comes at a cost. It is only when we become still and listen that we can return to ourselves and discover the next right thing.

Why it's Good to Accept Help

Reciprocity in relationships gives each person a turn to be the giver and a turn to be the receiver. If we exclusively give, we rob others of the opportunity to feel the joy inherent in helping others.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMarch 24, 2021help, giving, taking, assistance, sensitivity, childhood, shame, embarrassment, shadow self, negative emotions, compassion, inner child, reciprocity, relationships Comments

Blessings From the Irish

For all the contributions the Irish have made to civilization, it’s their people—full of charm, stories, and song—that we celebrate today.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMarch 17, 2021blessings, Irish, Ireland, St. Patrick, Holderness Family, history, Christianity, stereotypes, positive traits, heritage, troubles, happinessComment

Boost Your Mental Immunity Through Reflection

Just as we can take steps to develop physical immunity, we can cultivate mental immunity as protection against suffering. Meditation and reflection can help lessen the intensity of negative thoughts and feelings.

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