Day #14: 10% Happier

Newest Read

My newest read in pursuit of the how-to-happiness arrived today.  This book was recommended by my FLOW-based-productivity co-conspirator and brother, Todd McLees.  I have become increasingly conscious of training my brain and heart to become happier over the past 1.5 years.  I am thankful for the seedling of inspiration that was planted as I pondered the subject for my webinar through Hay House Publishing in the summer of 2014.  During that broadcast I presented the concept of FLOW, right brain vs. left brain activity, engagement of the parasympathetic vs. sympathetic nervous system, and values-based living.  Currently my goals have been redirected towards integrating the principles of Positive Psychology (who knew there was such a science - I didn't!) into the health and well-being of our U.S. Veterans.  That said, one cannot escape the persistent self-reflection that naturally flows out of the reading and self-integration of this material.  The Values-Based Living Blog has also grown from that experience, as self-exploration and understanding is a mighty teaching tool.  A book review to follow...

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence: Day #1

I have taken many, many interest surveys throughout the years.  Of late, the most revealing have been those that explore my personal values and strengths.   Values-based experiences increase happiness, well-being and overall health.  Strengths are simply "values in action".  My number one value according to the VIA (Values in Action) Survey: Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence.  I have decided that my 53rd year will be recorded with photos of something beautiful and/or excellent every day.  Therefore, I will post a picture every day for 365 consecutive days...a sort of gratitude journal.  Here we go...

Young Girl Reading c. 1770

The Reader (French: La Liseuse) is an 18th-century oil painting by Jean-Honore Fragonard.  We had the privilege of visiting the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC today where this painting has hung since 1961.  This was a very telling work of art for its time as 19th century women were discouraged from becoming educated, when reading was considered "unwomanly".