I don't know about you, but watching the men's gymnastics team compete on high bar was spectacular. I had goosebumps like crazy during Horton and Spring's routines.  The men's team is not holding back and loved it when, in their group huddle, Horton said "no fear, no regrets."  Wow, if we all lived our life this way, can you imagine the results?

As someone who has been focusing more on positive psychology, positivity, and happiness more and more, I found this article incredibly informative and energizing. Yes, it is more than a year old but no less relevant.

A common theme among my clients right now is how to gain more joy in their lives and how to focus on the good instead of the bad.  We lead busy lives and sometimes we forget how to focus on ourselves and we get 'lost' along the way.  If any of you have ever said 'I don't even know who I am anymore' or when asked what you would do for a free afternoon cannot think of a single thing that isn't about the kids, errands, chores, etc., well then this might be you.

If it is, let me know.  I am in the midst of finalizing an Extreme Happiness Makeover workshop and would be happy to share more, Anissa

There has been a lot of talk about happiness lately.  The other night on World News Tonight with Charles Gibson, he shared a study that indicated that as women age they get unhappier, while the reverse is true for men.  It was stated that women concentrate on career and having a family and once that is essentially behind them, they become unhappier as life goes by.  I have heard of studies that indicate men are happier being married, while the reverse is true for women.   Researchers have been looking at country happiness and the US was not the happiest of them all.  I state this not to agree or disagree (though I disagree that I am getting unhappier as I get older - it's been quite the opposite).

For more than three years now, I have really been soaking up research, articles, books, blogs, interviews about positive psychology, happiness, courage, and resiliency.  It's been a fascinating journey for me.  As someone who has been to therapists for various reasons (after college, after my divorce, etc.), I have spent plenty of time looking back.  I don't think there is anything wrong with looking back to understand your present, but eventually you need to start looking forward.  Positive psychology has been that catalyst that has assisted me in looking forward and is what took me into coaching.  It is my calling and I never would have found it without changing my perspective.

I hope you are on a quest toward something - it's one of the healthiest and happiest ways you can be.  To be a searcher, a learner, a discoverer of your own life is a real motivator. If you are interested in learning more about Happiness Clubs in your area, click here. If you are in the Omaha, Nebraska area, join me. Let me know how your quest for happiness is going, Anissa