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Connecting with Nature
You can be alone, but it still provides companionship. When everything is shutting down, it perseveres. If you feel glum, it lifts you up. Nature. Being in nature is good for us. It’s good for the mind and body. It makes us happy. We know the Japanese custom of forest bathing has a positive impact on our mood. Taking time to breathe and notice life continuing is a suggested activity in the Coping calendar. I am thankful that connecting with nature is still an activity I can enjoy safely on my quiet neighbourhood paths. It gives me an opportunity to slow down and spot the encouraging signs of spring. According…
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International Day of Happiness
At my former office, I was fortunate to have a lovely colleague who would bring in goodies to celebrate different occasions. Throughout the year, we enjoyed treats and impromptu social gatherings in the kitchen for celebrations like Saint Patrick’s day and fun food days like World Cupcake Day or World Samosa Day. I discovered occasions I did not know existed. While I had my head down commuting to work, she was cooking up ways to brighten our day at the office. She is one of the kindest people I know. When she left our division to move to another position, there was a void. Not only related to yummy food,…
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The Little Book of Lykke
Looking for a book to read? Perhaps you have some unexpected time at home. How about a happy book? The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World’s Happiest People. Lykke (pronounced Luuh-kah) means happiness in Danish. It’s written by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. The book is the second in his trilogy of books on happiness – equally adorable and inspiring as his first and third books. In this little book, Meik takes us on a treasure hunt to find what makes happy people happy and “look for the good that does exist in the world.” So get your marker, get your…
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The Art of Making Memories
He had me at Hygge. Then there was Lykke.* And now happy memories. * These Danish words have become quite popular, but as a quick refresher: Hygge (hoo-gaa) is a cosy feeling of contentment and Lykke (luuh- kah) is happiness. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, has made a trilogy. Cue Star Wars music. 🎵 Duuh Duuh da da da Duuh Duuh… 🎵 A trilogy of insights, advice and tips on happiness research. The Art of Making Memories: How to create and remember happy moments is his latest book from the Copenhagen institute spreading happiness and joy. Clearly, I am a fan of nostalgia. I devote a whole…
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A hyggelig time
There is a warm glow from the fireplace. The air smells of tangy Balsam fir. The soft lights on the Christmas tree twinkle. The dog is curled up on the sheepskin rug basking in the heat of the fire. On the mantle are homemade clay pots from our wedding filled with cedar clippings from the garden, and three little reindeers from my childhood. It’s cold outside. I am cozy in my wool socks, under a soft blanket on my couch, sipping warm cinnamon tea and eating a gingerbread cookie. My husband and daughter are sitting nearby quietly reading. Hygge (pronounced hoogaa). I have used the word hygge so many times…
