Where Is Happiness?

Where do we feel happy? According to a recent National Geographic article, Denmark, Costa Rica and Singapore represent “The World’s Happiest Places” ¹, providing people with a sense of security, purpose and low stress lifestyle. Let’s move! Or, can we find our own “happy place” right where we are? In Denmark, for example, taxes with … Read more

Finding Merry!

Not Merry! That’s how it felt after witnessing customers spend precious pennies at Walmart. Then, listening to news filled with acrimony further dampened my spirits. Two worlds, light and dark, seemed to exist: one very merry, filled with joyous possibility; the other glum and unattached. Fortunately, everywhere, holiday lights are shining brightly outside. Blow-up Santas … Read more

Olives for Conversation

When recently travelling to Spain, my husband and I with marginal Spanish abilities and a little effort enjoyed interactions wherever we explored. Sometimes our efforts translated into a bowl of green olives “on the house”! Although starting a conversation required some extra energy, the rewards were worth it, even if just for the smile and … Read more

Why “Hola” is Easy!

In Mexico last week, we “hola”-ed everywhere and conversation flowed. With a friendly “Hola”, interacting with new people became easy. What is it about travelling that opens us to conversing with strangers? How might we incorporate a “traveler” mentality into our daily interactions? Oh, to be on vacation all the time! Yes, time was on … Read more