The Blog: Thoughts and Reflections for Happier Daily Living

A quick "sexual" favor

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:48:22 GMT

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

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:20:08 GMT

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.

Wear Sunscreen

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:14:34 GMT

Wear Sunscreen ... some life tips from The Desk of the Neighborhood Shrink (with reference to something you may have seen in the past).

Just returned from the Vancouver Winter Olympics - "global happiness"

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:06:49 GMT

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

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:03:21 GMT

Let's talk about Sex ... The Neighborhood Shrink has some advice for couples.

Want to live 9-35 years longer, and be healthy and happy?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:02:08 GMT

Learn how in this article I wrote for Examiner.com by clicking here.

BeHappy! my friends

Rules for Being Human

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:27:51 GMT

This Neighborhood Shrink Note discusses ways to not be so anxious about things and not lose sight of the "big picture" in our lives.

Parenting Advice - Sleep

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:38:11 GMT

Is the best parenting advice sleep for the happiness of children? This expert thinks so.

Gone Fishing

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:43:44 GMT

Stress can be a big issue when it comes to our happiness. The Neighborhood Shrink says ... "go fishing".

The Other Love Triangle

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:09:53 GMT

The Neighborhood Shrink talks about "other types of love triangles" in this Note from his desk.

I've posted a new article at Examiner.com

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:01:39 GMT

January 18, 2010

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

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:54:05 GMT

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.

A Real "Positive Focus" Experience

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:15:13 GMT

January 10, 2009

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

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:25:36 GMT

According to The Neighborhood Shrink, women want men to "man up". See what this means for your relationship in this Note from his Desk.

Reality Creation Secrets: How to Achieve All Your Desires!

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:05:10 GMT

Tap Into The Ultimate Power of The Universe To Create The Perfect Reality You Desire! Manifest Super Riches, Happiness and The Very Best Life You Could Ever Enjoy!

Click Here! to find out more ... and change your life forever!

Holiday Happiness - Week 6
(January 4, 2010)

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:27:20 GMT

It's time to start a New Year. Click below to help make 2010 your best, happiest year ever.

Happy New Year! It's A Wonderful Life

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:30:28 GMT

January 1, 2010

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

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:58:41 GMT

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.

Holiday Happiness - Week 5
(December 28, 2009)

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:23:49 GMT

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).

Pay Attention to Where You Want to Go

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:03:01 GMT

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.

Want to Be Happy? Find Yourself!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:40:23 GMT

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.

Holiday Happiness - Week 4
(December 21, 2009)

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:51:05 GMT

Week 4 of this series gets "serious" to help you enjoy the holidays, with a lifelong effect.

Our New Little "Bundle of Happiness" Has Joined Us

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:57:01 GMT

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.

Make sure to create your Definition of Happiness, write it out, and put together a Happiness Plan to "live" that definition.

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

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:37:59 GMT

Some people allow themselves to be manipulated and some manipulate others. The Neighborhood Shrink discusses both, along with ways to address these issues.

Holiday Happiness Week 3
(December 14, 2009)

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:51:30 GMT

Week 3 of a series to help make your 2009 holiday season the happiest one ever.

Holiday Happiness Week 2
(December 7, 2009)

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:00:27 GMT

Part 2 of a weekly series to make your 2009 holiday season the happiest one ever.

Letting Go of Guilt

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:39:24 GMT

Is guilt a big part of your life? If so, The Neighborhood Shrink provides his solutions in this Note from his Desk.

We're at the Happiest Place on Earth (again)

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:54:50 GMT

December 4, 2009

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)

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:24:18 GMT

The holidays can be stressful. This series will help make this your happiest holiday ever.

Holiday Happiness
Series Introduction

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:46:07 GMT

The holidays are upon us. Here's a new weekly series to keep you happy through the holidays.

Take a Mentor to Lunch

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:01:27 GMT

Mentors can be important to success and happiness. The Neighborhood Shrink discusses the concept in this Note from his Desk.

Happiness and "Hang Time" (Friendships)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:40:30 GMT

This Note from the Desk of the Neighborhood Shrink discusses stress in friendships and how to assess the relationship.

FREE e-book on how to be happier at work is out!!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:34:57 GMT

November 9, 2009

For those of you who have signed up to get a free copy of the new e-book called BeHappy! at Work, it is finally out (and sent to those who signed up to get it).

If you haven't yet signed up to get your free copy, just click here to get yours now!

BeHappy! my friends

Volume 6 of the BeHappy! Newsletter is out!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:45:22 GMT

October 30, 2009

The sixth (October 2009) issue of the BeHappy! Newsletter was released. Among many other things in the newsletter, the main subject of this edition is "Holiday Happiness Preparation" (reducing stress and designing your happiest possible holiday season). It even comes with a "Holiday Happiness Planner" to start using right away. This bi-monthly newsletter is a great supplement to the entire BeHappy! system. Click here to become one of the many happy subscribers (and get a free copy of the e-book called BeHappy! at Work just for becoming a subscriber). You'll BeHappy! you did.

Never Break the Rules!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:37:43 GMT

We all have rules that we've created or been taught during our life. The Neighborhood Shrink provides his Notes about rules in a relationship.

I'm Now an Official Health & Happiness Writer for Examiner.com

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:55:49 GMT

As part of my continuing effort to help as many people as possible create their happiest possible life, I have just been accepted to be an official Health and Happiness writer for Examiner.com out of Los Angeles (and it's a subtle coincidence that they chose health and happiness as my "title" - given that my personal mission statement for almost 2 decades has been ... to be a positive, creative force for health and happiness).

So please check it out by CLICKING HERE to read my first article (the more traffic I get, the better I will do as a new writer for them).

All the best for the rest of 2009. It's been a tough year for many people. So please...

BeHappy! my friends

Relationship Serenity

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:27:58 GMT

The Neighborhood Shrink has a new series of short Notes from his desk (called Briefnotes). Here's one on creating Relationship Serenity.

A New "Published Articles" Section has been Added to BeHappy101.com

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:25:12 GMT

Although I write daily about happiness for this website and my books, there is much more information - and many more perspectives - available on the subject. Literally dozens of articles are published every week on happiness and general life improvement.

So to achieve my mission of helping as many people as possible lead the happiest possible life, I have added a new section to BeHappy101.com (in the Info & Advice section of the website. It's a section which contains a growing library of articles, published by other people, on many aspects of happiness (life balance, relationships, wealth, peace-of-mind, spirituality, career, children, etc.).

It's October 2009 as I write this blog post and so give me some time to really create a solid list of articles. Go there now by clicking here to get the first few.

BeHappy! my friends

Relationship Beginnings: Don't Get Lost in Love

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:36:53 GMT

The Neighborhood Shrink discusses some cautions for peole beginning a relationship and the best ways to make it last.

Family Poem

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:23:29 GMT

Be Happy! with these uplifting poems about life, success, relationships, and happiness.

Back in Florida

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:46:23 GMT

October 6, 2009

It's October, so we're in Florida for the month (and it's still very hot; 92-degrees today). Actually, since our next (and last) baby daughter is due in 2 months, I'll be traveling back and forth between Tampa and Newport Beach by myself until February or March (since Jill can't travel 2 months before and after the delivery).

This month I'll be putting on a series of BeHappy! workshops for the city of Clearwater employees as part of their Mind and Body Wellness program. Then, next month is a similar, but more specific program (on stress management) for Suncoast Medical.

Stress and anxiety are certainly high right now, with the economy still in turmoil and unemployment continuing to rise. Because of this (and the fact that the media keeps all the negatives constantly in our faces) it's important that we all keep a positive perspective on life.

So nurture your relationships, eliminate worry, and read (or re-read) the 4-part series called, Overcoming Fear to Thrive in the Current Economic Downturn

BeHappy! my friends

Intimacy Leaks (Part 4: Addictions)

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:44:03 GMT

Intimacy Leaks (as The Neighborhood Shrink calls them) can destroy a relationship. Here's Part 4 of a series of Notes from his desk to help eliminate these leaks.

Intimacy Leaks (Part 3: Sexual Intimacy Leaks)

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:10:15 GMT

Intimacy Leaks (as The Neighborhood Shrink calls them) can destroy a relationship. Here's Part 3 of a series of Notes from his desk to help eliminate these leaks.

Intimacy Leaks (Part 2: Connecting Online)

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:19:14 GMT

Intimacy Leaks (as The Neighborhood Shrink calls them) can destroy a relationship. Here's a series of Notes from his desk to help eliminate these leaks.

Intimacy Leaks (Part 1: Office Relationships)

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:57:05 GMT

Intimacy Leaks (as The Neighborhood Shrink calls them) can destroy a relationship. Here's a series of Notes from his desk to help eliminate these leaks.

Happy Holidays! (Children)

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:13:42 GMT

The Neighborhood Shrink suggests starting holiday planning in August. Here's the third in a series of Notes on Holiday Planning - it deals with "children".

Back in Newport Beach

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:53:02 GMT

September 6, 2009

Well, it's Labor Day weekend (Happy Labor Day everyone) and we're in Newport Beach for the month of September. It's a busy time. As I sit on the back of our boat (home) here in Newport Beach working on this website, I had an idea on how to help more people BeHappy! in the difficult and uncertain economy we continue to experience right now.

I will be adding a new free E-Coaching session to my E-Coaching packages (I'll announce it formally in a few days). It's a great way to get some valuable information to improve your life at no risk and with no cost.

Check it out by clicking here.

BeHappy! my friends

Happy Holidays! (Finances)

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:39:20 GMT

The Neighborhood Shrink suggests starting holiday planning in August. Here's the second in a series of Notes on Holiday Planning - it deals with "finances".

Happy Holidays! (August - Start Planning Early)

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:52:12 GMT

The Neighborhood Shrink suggests starting holiday planning in August. Here's the first in a series of Notes on Holiday Planning - it deals with "families".

New ... Personal E-Coaching

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:02:31 GMT

Get personal coaching from Jimmy (all electronically via e-mail) to help create your happiest possible life with one of these monthly coaching plans.

The Blog: Thoughts and Reflections for Happier Daily Living

A quick "sexual" favor

It Isn't What it Isn't

Wear Sunscreen

Just returned from the Vancouver Winter Olympics - "global happiness"

Let's Talk About Sex

Want to live 9-35 years longer, and be healthy and happy?

Rules for Being Human

Parenting Advice - Sleep

Gone Fishing

The Other Love Triangle

I've posted a new article at Examiner.com

Men Want Women to Woman Up

A Real "Positive Focus" Experience

Women Want Men to Man Up

Reality Creation Secrets: How to Achieve All Your Desires!

Holiday Happiness - Week 6(January 4, 2010)

Happy New Year! It's A Wonderful Life

Can I Get a Do Over: A Strategy for Smoother Relationship Interactions

Holiday Happiness - Week 5(December 28, 2009)

Pay Attention to Where You Want to Go

Want to Be Happy? Find Yourself!

Holiday Happiness - Week 4(December 21, 2009)

Our New Little "Bundle of Happiness" Has Joined Us

Dealing With Master Manipulators

Holiday Happiness Week 3 (December 14, 2009)

Holiday Happiness Week 2 (December 7, 2009)

Letting Go of Guilt

We're at the Happiest Place on Earth (again)

Holiday Happiness Week 1 (December 1, 2009)

Holiday Happiness Series Introduction

Take a Mentor to Lunch

Happiness and "Hang Time" (Friendships)

FREE e-book on how to be happier at work is out!!

Volume 6 of the BeHappy! Newsletter is out!

Never Break the Rules!

I'm Now an Official Health & Happiness Writer for Examiner.com

Relationship Serenity

A New "Published Articles" Section has been Added to BeHappy101.com

Relationship Beginnings: Don't Get Lost in Love

Family Poem

Back in Florida

Intimacy Leaks (Part 4: Addictions)

Intimacy Leaks (Part 3: Sexual Intimacy Leaks)

Intimacy Leaks (Part 2: Connecting Online)

Intimacy Leaks (Part 1: Office Relationships)

Happy Holidays! (Children)

Back in Newport Beach

Happy Holidays! (Finances)

Happy Holidays! (August - Start Planning Early)

New ... Personal E-Coaching

Holiday Happiness - Week 6
(January 4, 2010)

Holiday Happiness - Week 5
(December 28, 2009)

Holiday Happiness - Week 4
(December 21, 2009)

Holiday Happiness Week 3
(December 14, 2009)

Holiday Happiness Week 2
(December 7, 2009)

Holiday Happiness Week 1
(December 1, 2009)

Holiday Happiness
Series Introduction