The BeHappy! Blog is my mini-journal on happiness. It...
lets you know whenever any new Web pages appear on behappy101.com, telling you about new ways to be happier, more passionate, and more fulfilled in your life
keeps you up-to-date with other postings or news about happiness
points out some special tools or techniques you might otherwise miss
lets you know when I send out my bi-monthly BeHappy! Newsletter (in case you don't like to give your e-mail address, or if your ISP tends to over-filter causing you to miss an issue).
There's lots of great happiness-building stuff here. So...
this page right now by clicking on that button you just passed ...
Then scroll down and read the entries going back several months. Then, make sure to go to the BeHappy101.com homepage to find tons more stuff to help you create your happiest possible life.
BeHappy! my friends
Oh, and please share this blog with your friends, family, and anyone you care about by clicking here...
We just spent the past two weeks on our boat at Catalina Island (a wonderful island off the coast of Newport Beach, California). It was our first trip back there since our terrible boat accident in November 2008 (you can read the story about that accident by clicking here).
Since we've been out on an island, I haven't added much to this website in the past two weeks and am a bit behind on some things (I was, however, able to update my daily "Thought for Today" every single day - so I still haven't missed one since I started it in February 2009).
Well, anyway, I plan on writing an article in the next few weeks about it - and the many "happiness messages" it provides for all of us. So please check back in the next couple of weeks or so to read more about it.
BeHappy! my friends
Do you want to be GRATEFUL for what you have?
You should...
Because as you've probably seen if you've spent any time on this website, gratitude is a key component of true happiness in life. In fact, I believe you can't live your happiest possible life if you are not grateful for what you have.
Everyone goes through tough times. We all experience stress and varying degrees of pain.
The question is, do we let those tough times, that stress and that pain become our focus? Or, are we able to appreciate what we have in life - and be happy - regardless of the circumstances we're facing?
Check out this video and I guarantee you'll at least start to think differently about how great life is (or could be) - no matter what's going on in your life right now (just click on this link):
Wealthbuilder101 is dedicated to helping people invest wisely and build wealth over time. No gimmicks or get-rich-quick schemes. Just basic, sound investment strategies for everyone.
I was the guest on a one-hour radio show in LA today (July 18th) called "Free Your Mind". Get some "tangible" tips on how to BeHappy! by clicking here to listen to the show (once on the site, click on the July 18th archive button).
Enjoy, and...
BeHappy! my friends
What is your "Definition of Happiness"?
The desire for happiness is something just about all of us have in common. Regardless of nationality, beliefs, or values, the desire for happiness is there.
One issue, though, is the fact that everybody is different when it comes to what makes them happy. In other words, everyone's Definition of Happiness is different.
Some people, for example, are happiest when they are working. Other people are happiest when they are "playing". Many people are happiest when they are with family or friends. Happiness for many people means having a certain amount of income or wealth. For others, life balance is the way to have the happiest possible life.
If not, do it. It is the crucial first step in creating your happiest possible life. In other words, you really can't be as happy as possible if you don't first know (and I mean really know) what happiness means for you personally.
Once you know that important Definition of Happiness, create a plan to make that definition a reality. In addition to a plan ...
Check out these effective products, which have been picked to help you achieve that true definition (just click on this link): Products to make you happy
If you've spent time here at BeHappy101.com, you know there are many aspects to living your happiest possible life. Among those - health, fitness, vitality, and physical appearance can all play a role for many people.
Being "in shape" and at your ideal weight not only makes you look good, but also helps you "feel good", improves your self-esteem and even improves overall general health.
That's why part of the BeHappy! system includes tips and strategies for weight management, fat loss, exercise, and general nutritional support. It simply makes a big difference in attitude and outlook.
This system - Fast Track to Fat Loss - while it may sound a bit "gimicky", is one product you may want to check out if you need help in this area.
It's 100% guaranteed to help you lose fat and look your best (in other words, if it doesn't work for you, you can get a no-questions-asked refund of every cent). There is absolutely no risk for you to just check it out.
So, click here now to read more about this great new strategy for fast and easy fat loss!!
BeHappy! my friends
Relationship Beginnings: Don't Get Lost in Loneliness
The third in a 3-part series on "relationship beginnings" from The Neighborhood Shrink.
"Save the Marriage" is a highly popular marriage e-book which has saved a high percentage of marriages from divorce.
It will change your life!
Do you want to save your marriage? Will that make you happier? If the answer to either of these questions is 'yes', check out the e-book called Save The Marriage". It will show you how to not only save your marriage, but even create a "world-class marriage". And it is 100% guaranteed. Check it out by clicking on the link in the box here.
BeHappy! my friends
You Have Broken Up, but You Can't Break Free: Lessons in Letting Go
Breaking up a relationship can be a difficult, painful, and sometime long process. The Neighborhood Shrink has advice for "letting go".
I do hope you have ... the kind of night you want to have!
June 1, 2010
For many years, those words - "I do hope you have ... the kind of night you want to have" - marked the early evening sign-off to "The Wave" (smooth jazz) radio station's show with Don Burns in Southern California.
He called his daily 2:00-7:00 p.m. show "the no-stress express", and on May 28th, that ended with the departure of Mr. Burns from the station.
For many years, I would make sure to be listening to the radio at 6:52 when he signed off, just to hear him say it.
Why? Because it made me happy!
So it's a sad thing that no longer will the workday end, and the evening begin, with, "I do hope you have ... the kind of night you want to have". It will certainly be missed by many people - especially me.
If you live in Southern California and have been a faithful WAVE listener, you can surely relate. If you haven't listened to the WAVE (94.7FM), then you obviously won't miss it, but you may have missed somewhat of the end of an era.
Some compare it to Walter Cronkite's famous nightly news sign-off, "And that's the way it is".
Don Burns, with his awesome, smooth, deep voice, made a similar impact - and created a true "happiness" statement - with his "kind of night" mantra.
Hopefully he will surface on the radio again sometime soon. If so, make sure to get in the habit of hearing him make his now famous SoCal statement (you can even listen online if you don't live in the SoCal area). It will put a smile on your face and brighten your evening.
BeHappy! my friends (and "have the kind of "life" you want to have")
Still Not in the Mood...
Lack of sexual desire (not being in the mood) is one of the most common issues couples face in a relationship. The Neighborhood Shrink talks about the issue in this Note from his Desk.
Since this topic is about sex, you must get the password to enter the "Sex & Happiness" section of the website. Click here to get the password and gain access to this section.
BeHappy! my friends
Sexual Problems: A 4-Part Series of Notes from the Desk of the Neighborhood Shrink .
Sexual problems occur in both men and women. The Neighborhood Shrink discusses these problems in this series of notes "from his desk".
The first two parts deal with male sexual problems and the second two parts involve female sexual problems. Here are the topics covered:
Part 1 - Males: Erectile Dysfunction Part 2 - Males: Sexual Desire and Orgasm Issues Part 3 - Females: Desire and Arousal Part 4 - Females: Orgasm Issues
Since these topics are about sex, you must get the password to enter the "Sex & Happiness" section of the website. Click here to get the password and gain access to this section.
BeHappy! my friends
So You're Thinking About Having an Affair
Sex outside of marriage (having an affair) is extremely common in our society. Check out The Neighborhood Shrink's perspective on the subject.
Well, the responses I got to my little "favor" asking whether you thought a section on Sex & Happiness should be included on this website were overwhelmingly positive. Every response I got indicated that it was a good idea, and appropriate for the site. Several people commented that the password protection was also a good idea.
So, I'm going to start building the new section and will plan to launch it in April. I'll send an e-mail to all subscribers of the BeHappy! Newsletter (if you're not yet a subscriber, click here).
Thanks to everyone who responded to my question.
If you would like to contribute some content to the section (opinions, experiences, suggestions, etc.) I would love to hear from you. Just click here to provide your input. I really appreciate it.
BeHappy! my friends
Don't "Rinse and Repeat"
The Neighborhpood Shrink says you should change things up in your life to prevent boredom. In his words - don't "rinse and repeat". Check it out.
Since sex is an important component of life (and perhaps happiness), I am considering a new section to the BeHappy101.com website called "Sex and Happiness".
Before I create it, though, I'd like your thoughts and feedback as a visitor to this site. Just click here and use the password great sex life (just as it appears here) to enter the new proposed section.
I would really appreciate your thoughts.
BeHappy! my friends.
It Isn't What it Isn't
It isn't what it isn't is a Note from the Desk of the Neighborhood Shrink which discusses the common practice of trying to change your spouse, mate, or lover into something/someone different.
Just returned from the Vancouver Winter Olympics - "global happiness"
What an experience! Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010. I love the Olympics - always have.
As I have stated - and implied - many times on this BeHappy! site, happiness must start with an understanding of your own personal Definition of Happineess. In other words, what specifically does your life need in it to be as happy as possible?
For me, one of the criteria is to be pursuing my life's mission, which is to be a positive, creative force for health and happiness. And there are several components to that objective. One small one is to help create adventure, happiness, and memorable moments for myself and those I care about (mainly family and friends). The Olympics allowed me to do that in a small way.
Because I lived in Vancouver for 6 years (from 2001 to 2007), I was able to make it possible for me and 3 of my very good friends (pictured here in front of the Olympic rings in Whistler last week) to make the trip to Vancouver, stay in a beautiful 4-bedroom, 5000 square foot home (owned by some other friends who were away for a month) and enjoy the Olympics as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity for us - at very little expense (which is an issue for many people these days).
And we had a complete blast. Yes, there was partying, but it was much deeper than that. We truly felt we were part of something special. It was inspiring and motivating. There is a generally positive and "global happiness" feeling in the air. And, if you've been following the Olympics, you probably know that a German luge athlete died in a tragic accident on the luge. We were in Vancouver when it happened and went to the luge event the next day. It was brutal. Everyone was saddened by it. Here's a young man (21 years old) who is at one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of his life, tragically killed doing something he has trained - and waited - all his life to do. And his family - watching this on television from thousands of miles away - surely were completely "devastated". It was very, very sad. And at the same time, it made us all so grateful for what we have in our lives - and for just "being alive" in general. And I know people throughout the world felt the same way - especially those of us who were there (from all over the world).
So, as stated many times throughout this BeHappy! system - use gratitude as a key component to your happiness in life. It is a "global happiness" builder. And, if you haven't watched any of the Olympics, check out the closing ceremonies on Sunday, February 28th. They are sure to inspire you, and help you appreciate the world in which we live a bit more.
BeHappy! my friends
Let's Talk About Sex
Let's talk about Sex ... The Neighborhood Shrink has some advice for couples.
As an official "Health and Happiness" writer for Examiner.com, I have posted a new article this week related to happiness at work. Check it out by clicking here.
Men Want Women to Woman Up
Like his menu of what women want, The Neighborhood Shrink has a menu for men to give to their women as a way to let them know what men want. Check his Note out here.
Today, I was in the small gym here at the marina where we live every other month in Newport Beach, California. The only other person in the gym with me was a guy - about 30 years old, I would guess - who had no legs. He had artificial prosthetic legs, which were completely visible since he had gym shorts on.
At one point, we were lifting weights right next to each other, so I said to him, "those look like some pretty high-tech legs you've got there." He chuckled and we started a conversation. He said he was in a motorcycle accident a few years ago (a woman in a car was on her cell phone and swerved into him, knocking his motorcycle off the road and ripping off both his legs in the accident).
But you know what? Right after he said that, he said ... "but I'm very grateful. It could have been much worse. I had a helmet on, so my head was not injured, and somehow my neck wasn't broken, which could have paralyzed me from the neck down."
"I am just happy to be alive", he added.
What a great lesson in focusing on the positives in life, and on being grateful for what we have, rather than on what we don't have (or have lost).
This happy young man has lost both of his legs. He was obviously an athletic guy (he was handsome, well-built, and exercising in a gym) - so his legs were probably very important to him (as they are for most of us). But he was happy and grateful, even though he no longer had his real legs and had been through a terrible trauma. How his life has changed.
We talked for a few minutes - and I was totally in awe. He was obviously very smart, successful, and balanced. What a great message. He was an example to me - and I hope all of us.
BeHappy! my friends
Women Want Men to Man Up
According to The Neighborhood Shrink, women want men to "man up". See what this means for your relationship in this Note from his Desk.
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Holiday Happiness - Week 6 (January 4, 2010)
It's time to start a New Year. Click below to help make 2010 your best, happiest year ever.
Happy New Year everyone. It's the start of 2010 (a new decade) and, like every year at this time, tonight our family watched the classic 1940s movie, It's A Wonderful Life.
We watch it every year as a great reminder, and a year-long motivator, that life really is great - even though it can get stressful and difficult.
So, first, if you haven't watched It's A Wonderful Life this year (or especially if you've never seen it) - make sure to watch it within the next few days. Rent it if necessary. Better yet, buy a copy so you can watch it every year.
In addition to watching this great movie, make sure to read week 5 of the series called "Holiday Happiness" by clicking here, which is all about making 2010 your happiest year ever.
Also, if you are not a subscriber to the BeHappy! Newsletter, subscribe FREE right now by clicking here. It takes several additional steps toward a great year by addressing the creation and achievement of New Year's resolutions (you'll also get a FREE copy of the introductory e-book called "BeHappy! at Work as a new subscriber).
Finally, to make 2010 your happiest, best year ever, consider some personal happiness e-coaching. You can get a FREE introductory session by clicking here.
Again, Happy New Year!!
BeHappy! my friends
Can I Get a Do Over: A Strategy for Smoother Relationship Interactions
Do you ever ask for a "do over" in your relationhips? Could this be a strategy to make your relationship interactions smoother? The Neighborhood Shrink thinks so in this Note.
Here's Week 5 of the 2009 Holiday Happiness series. Use this - and the other 4 weeks of the series - to have your best, happiest possible holiday season (and a great 2010).
Where is your focus? What do you want? Are you paying attention to where you want to go, or what you want to avoid. Here's The Neighborhood Shrink's comments about this subject.
Who are you? What is your purpose? What are your talents - and are you using them? These are some of the questions The Neighborhood Shrink addresses in this Note from His Desk.
Our New Little "Bundle of Happiness" Has Joined Us
December 17, 2009
This past Friday, our new little baby girl, Jae, joined us (she was delivered at 11:23 p.m. EST Friday December 11th, just an hour and a half after I landed in Tampa from Newport Beach). So firstly, I am very happy I made it in time for the delivery. And secondly, we are so happy and grateful that she's a healthy, beautiful little girl (6 lbs, 15 oz).
For those of you with kids, you know the feeling. And for those of you who don't have kids, let me just say, it's awesome.
My point with this blog post (other than to tell you about our new family addition) is to point out how events and decisions in our lives can help lead to happiness. It really depends, though, on your Definition of Happiness and what's most important to you in life.
For us, right now, part of it involves our two wonderful daughters, Joie and Jae.
What is it for you? Use the information on this site to create your definition and your plan. And don't forget to check out the 2009 "Holiday Happiness" Series to have your happiest possible holiday season.
BeHappy! my friends
Dealing With Master Manipulators
Some people allow themselves to be manipulated and some manipulate others. The Neighborhood Shrink discusses both, along with ways to address these issues.
Our regular trips to the Disney theme parks are a great happiness-builder! We go about twice a year because we love the whole Disney concept. Even before we had kids, we loved it. It's such a happy place. And now, with our little 3-year-old, it takes happiness to a whole new level. It's such a joy to see since so many great great memorable "moments" are created and "captured" as pictures.
As stressful and difficult as life can be (especially around this time of year)*, all pressure is lifted when you can experience the delight of this happy place. It's a clear indicator of how our focus and attitude can affect our happiness anytime.
Our experience of life (happiness, anxiety, sadness, and so on) is created by what we focus on. If we focus on the positives, we will feel mostly positive emotions, and if we focus on the negatives, we'll experience the negative emotions. The proportion of time spent focusing on one or the other is the key to how life will be overall.
I would guess that - regardless of how tough life is - a visit to Disney would be a happy "distraction". And, hopefully, that focus can last much longer than the day or two at Disney.
See if you can use this technique daily (away from Disney) to...
BeHappy! my friends
*PS: To reduce stress and "craziness" around the holiday season, click here to access the series called "Holiday Happiness" - a weekly series from December 1st to January 4th designed to decrease stress and increase joy during the holiday season.
Holiday Happiness Week 1 (December 1, 2009)
The holidays can be stressful. This series will help make this your happiest holiday ever.