This blog post is a part of the following blog hops:
Wordless Wednesdays At 5 Minute Mom
Happy Spring! Wordless Wednesday
Tag Archives: self improvement
40 Things That Make Me Happy – And Why You Should Make a Happiness List, Too
There are times in our lives when trying to remember those little things we usually enjoy, becomes a difficult feat. May it be, because we experienced loss, are suffering from depression, going through marital problems or have financial trouble, a list of things that make us happy, can remind us of what we have, and help us for a moment to create a more hopeful state of mind to work from.
Here are 40 Things That Make Me Happy – No Matter What
- Hugs from my kids
- The excitement of my dogs, when I get home
- Coffee
- Thumbprint cookies
- Great, fresh bread
- the scent of rain
- Ducks upon a pond
- the sound of a horse breathing
- Drama television shows
- a good romance novel
- getting a text message from a friend
- online banking
- blog groups and link ups
- taking pictures
- designing/creating/working on a piece of my art
- warm socks
- flannel sheets
- hibiscus tea
- the sound of birds in the trees
- spring time
- black and white photography
- inspirational quotes
- flowers
- the theater
- a fresh, new notebook to fill with ideas
- typing “The End” after a long short story, or a book
- Jared Leto (yes, I am weird, lol)
- being “cleaned” by my cat
- A comfortable sofa
- Nutella
- a smooth-writing pen
- Irish Dance
- traveling
- German chocolate
- strawberry cheesecake
- Happy Endings in stories
- thick, white snow
- trees
- squirrels eating peanuts
- my dog barking in her sleep
What do you have on your list? Why not create your own post and share it with us in the comment section below!
Check out the following journals for your gratitude and happiness lists:
Flower Power, Ivy by Sophie Gamand
from: Redbubble
Nine by fioski
from: Redbubble
Caterpiano by Jorge Lopez
from: Redbubble
Book Review: How To Succeed With Continuous Improvement by J. Ahlstroem
Title: How to Succeed with Continuous Improvement
Author: Joakim Ahlstroem
Genre: Self-help/Business & Investing
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional
Rating: 3/5 Stars
If you run a business, specifically one that involves more than just your family, this book has value. What it is not, is a self-improvement book for those of us, who are looking for a book based on personal improvement that is for the everyday person.
But even then, with the exception of one concept, this book only repeats the techniques of what others have been already covering over the last few years, truly great coaches like Tony Robbins, or lifestyle experts like Tim Ferris. What both are capable off, unlike the Author of this book, is to speak to everyone, no matter if they own their own companies, are thinking about creating their own business or are working for a cooperation. That relatability is lacking in this book.
That said, this book is written concise and to the point. It has its value in the space of self-improvement and coaching, it just isn’t for a more general audience.
(Disclaimer: This book has been given to me by the Publisher, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review)
Three New Self-Help Books You Should Read
There are constantly new self-help books arriving on the market, and while some of them are absolutely questionable, or a simple rewrite of other volumes – I have reviewed some of these gems – there are a few new books, that are worth reading, and emerging yourself into. I will present three of them here for you:
1. The Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit by Tori Hartman: A workbook for those serious about making a change in their lives, and are willing to put in the work required.
2. Manifest Moment to Moment: A spiritual self-help book that transcends the boundaries of a singular belief system, designed to assist you in the creation of the life you always wanted.
3. Habit Stacking by S.J. Scott: A book that emphasizes how deliberate little changes can add up to a profound shift in many aspects of your life.
What are your favorite self-help books? Which “classics” or contemporary self-help volumes do you enjoy?
Book Review: Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit by Tori Hartman
Title: Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit
Author: Tori Hartman
Publisher: Watkins Publishing Limited
Publishing Date: September 18th 2014
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
This is not a book that is to be read, but a book to be worked with. If you are willing to put in the time, commit to exercises (which are plenty and enjoyable), to make a change in your life, then this book is a worthwhile purchase. Beautifully illustrated and well written, the Chakra Wisdom Oracle Kit is not only for those who have some experience in the subject matter, but is easy enough to use, that it will be a worthwhile workbooks for those who are new to Chakras and Oracles.
As I stated in the beginning this book is one of action, not a book of leisurable reading, and it asks the reader to commit to the entire year journey. Self-discovery is not a fast process, especially when one wants to make a lasting impact on one’s life. As a companion on your journey, this book is a valuable addition in self-improvement.
Have you every worked with Chakra’s of an Oracle Kit before? What is your favorite and why?
Here are some other self-help books I recommend:
A Smart Girl’s Guide To Getting What You Want
Self-Image
Use one adjective to describe yourself. A question that should be simple, in it’s first glance, but it isn’t. How you see yourself is essential to the creation, and realization of your dreams.
Do you define yourself by adjectives others have put upon you? Or have you chosen your own labels, embraced them, embodied them, and most importantly lived by them? I love the following adjectives as a choice to describe myself, because they empower, rather then limit.
Powerful – I am indeed powerful (and so are you). It takes strength to overcome, power to push through despite the odds, and determination to stick with what you believe in.
Weird – In opposition of normal, not bound by norms others put upon me (or you), calling oneself weird can be freeing – which leads to the feeling off being powerful (see above)
Fierce – it implies to me, that I am not someone who allows others to limit me. I define myself, and the word fierce embodies this. It also shows the ability to overcome fear, move beyond it, further myself, stretch until I am where and who I want to be, no matter what.
What words do you choose for yourself?
This blog is a part of the Daily Prompt post and a part of the “Express Yourself” Blog Roll.
The following bloggers are wonderful people who choose to share a part of their lives on a regular basis – check them out!
http://abozdar.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/battle-plan/
http://dragoneystory.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/daily-prompt-peeves/
http://tuckedintoacorner.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/on-dislike/
Book Review: Happy Lemons by Thomas Flindt
Book Review: Happy Lemons – How Laughter Breeds Success
Author: Thomas Flindt
Publisher: Pine Tribe Ltd.
Release Date: May 4th 2014
Rating: 5/5 Stars
This is a very unique approach to a self-help book, charmingly written, with an interesting view on how laughter can improve ones life, beyond the initial thought of “just feeling happy”/
Laced with exercises that range from embracing the little annoying habits of others, to learning to laugh at yourself, this book is practical, more practical than I originally have thought, when I received the volume.
I love being surprised by different approaches in self-help, as I have read many, and the genre is filled with books that increasingly sound the same. This book is lovely in its uniqueness and provides an insight into techniques such as Laughter-Yoga.
Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fresh technique on how to improve ones life. I enjoyed the volume.
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