Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.
— Groucho Marx, comedian and film star
With a pending move ahead of us, we are forced to take stock of everything in our apartment. Since we are downsizing, we know we have to get rid of some stuff, but its also great motivation to get rid of the stuff we don’t use or need. We’ve used online classifieds to sell of some items, but as we get closer to our move-out date, we’ve been wondering what we’ll do with the stuff we can’t… until we discovered The Giving Effect. Although a curbside drop-off at the local donation center is pretty convenient, using The Giving Effect gives the donor more of a choice regarding where the items go and they can see the impact of their donations. At the same time, its an opportunity to help local and national non-profits and civic-minded people that are struggling to get basic items to people in their communities. So, are you in a giving mood?
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No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
—Aesop, Greek fabulist
Never underestimate the impact of a single act of kindness. Back in 2008, a small gesture by a stranger inspired Melissa Morris Ivone to remind all of us that “a little NICE goes a long way” by sharing wonderful reader-submitted stories of random acts of kindness on her blog Operation NICE. Kindness is contagious and if every one of us was a little bit nicer to the people we encounter each day, perhaps the world would be a much better place.
At age 18 Maggie Doyne set out on a backpacking trip around the world. Where this journey led her is amazing and inspiring.
I have come so far from that girl, with the backpack, but most of all, now more than ever, I know that anything is possible. My heart is full and the future is exciting. There is so much, still, to do.
Hear more of her story after the jump.
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In May 2009, Google engineer Matt Cutts tried to walk 10,000 steps a day for 30 days. Happy with the results, over the many months since then has continued to challenge himself to try something new for 30 days. So far he has tried not watching television, biking to work, reading 15 books (but only got through 12), no caffeine, taking one picture a day and many others. Matt has a blog where you can follow his 30-day challenges and vote on what he should try next. According to Matt, 30 days is enough time to build a habit. What habits would you build or break? We’re curious to hear what you would try.
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Are you happy? Such an important question to ask yourself. This path to happiness flowchart really makes this difficult philosophical question so easy to visualize. An incredibly simple answer to one of life’s most challenging questions. If you are happy, share what you are doing, if you are not, what changes will you make.
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