Man Named ‘Miracle’ Credited for Saving Woman’s Life After Following His Instincts On the Road

A humble tow truck driver is being hailed as a hero after he listened to his guts and made a U-turn during a late night job last week.

The post Man Named ‘Miracle’ Credited for Saving Woman’s Life After Following His Instincts On the Road appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2ZNE53i

Pilots Are Giving Free Flights to Diverse Kids Who Need High-Flying Role Models and Mentors

Less than 10% of America's aviation workers are people of color – but these pilots are hoping to change that by taking kids under their wings.

The post Pilots Are Giving Free Flights to Diverse Kids Who Need High-Flying Role Models and Mentors appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2vr6SN9

High School Kids Praise Anonymous Man Who Paid for Their Dinner With One Specific Condition

A group of teenagers had a particularly memorable prom night after an anonymous man offered to pay for their dinner with a simple stipulation.

The post High School Kids Praise Anonymous Man Who Paid for Their Dinner With One Specific Condition appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2UPUxMs

Researchers define Alzheimer's-like brain disorder

A brain disorder that mimics symptoms of Alzheimer's disease has been defined with recommended diagnostic criteria and guidelines for advancing future research on the condition.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2DHmznK

Why a smell test should become part of a regular doctor visit

A new study suggests that older adults with poor sense of smell may see an almost 50% increase in their risk of dying within 10 years -- surprisingly in healthier individuals.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2ZDVprg

How to Stop Being Sad and Start Feeling Happy

We live in a society where it is important to fit in. Leading a positive and happy life is highly valued and feeling sad or "blue" about life is not so valued. As a result, we are constantly trying to always be positive and happy. In our minds there is no room for sadness. This is not a realistic way to live life. Telling yourself to be positive is no help to you because your sadness when it hits you has a life of its own. Keeping up an impression of positivity and happiness when you are feeling sad is draining and hard work. If anything this charade will intensify your feelings of sadness, and you will struggle to find the pathway that will lead you to living a happy, resilient life. I believe that sadness is a base line feeling that feeds into all of our other feelings such as anger, frustration and fear. The deeper we bury the feeling of sadness the harder it is to feel happy.

"Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity." Carl Jung

The 5 key strategies below are practical ways for you to successfully manage sadness in your life so you that can have a life that flows with happiness.

1. Recognize Your Type of Sadness

There are 3 types of sadness that most of us fall into:

Short-Term Sadness

This is a passing mood that may last anything from a day to a week. Sometimes there is a reason for this feeling but sometimes there is not. Generally lack of sleep, no physical activity and excess stress are associated with this sadness. The best approach to dealing with this sadness is to lower your stress level by having a few nights of great sleep, getting active by doing some exercise and looking at ways to break up your routine. Pampering your self, going for a massage, reducing alcohol intake and eating healthy food are effective ways to manage short-term sadness.

Trigger Sadness

This feeling of sadness has been activated as a result of a traumatic event that has happened to you, such as the death of someone close to you, losing your job, divorce or financial ruin. This feeling of sadness can make you feel helpless and vulnerable and it does not go away overnight. The key to managing trigger sadness is looking for ways to support you to process these feelings and not bury them. One way for you to manage these deep feelings of sadness is to talk about and share your feelings with someone who can console you, support you and counsel you. Having a supportive network of family and friends is key to you managing your feelings of sadness. It is also wise to get professional support such as a councillor or therapist to guide you through practical steps to processing your feelings of sadness. Along with these key actions and actively working on reducing the general stress levels in your life, you will find that after a period of 3 to 6 months, you will be back at a baseline feeling of happiness. This is where you start to rebuild and strengthen your foundations in life – your physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Depression

If you feel sad, hopeless, helpless, unable to eat or sleep and have no energy for a period of time of more than one month or two, then you are likely to feeling depressed. Depression is usually set off as a result of event that usually you would cope with. However, for some reason, your coping mechanism has broken down. Depression is complicated and it can vary from person to person. If you have these feelings, then it is wise that you seek the advice of a doctor. The strategies presented in the rest of this article can along with specialist support enable you to live a happy fulfilled life.

2. Identify What Happiness Means To You

"Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is."  -- Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey

Happiness is the only cure for sadness. There is no other cure that works better. It sounds so easy to say however it is not so easy to achieve. At its most basic level, happiness is a feeling that comes about as a result of us doing things in our lives that we love to do. So if we are feeling sad, then we should take action and activities that brings a joy such as catching up with a friend, going for a walk, getting a massage, goimg out to dinner, going to the movies, or hiding away to read a good book. The list of activities that we can do that make us feel happy is extensive. The first thing you need to do is identify what activities that you do or would like to do that bring you joy and make you feel happy. When we feel sad, we are more likely to want to withdraw and not do anything. We tend to disengage from everything that is going on around us. The only way we can start to feel happy is to take action and start doing things. We can never avoid the feelings of sadness, hurt or disappointment. However, we can deal with them in constructive ways that will help avoid excessive suffering. It is so important to know what happiness means to you because when you know this, you will have meaning and purpose in your life. This is what brings to your life the feeling of happiness and the experiences of joy.

3. Commit To Practising These 3 Actions of Happiness Daily

When you are feeling sad, you are more likely to want to avoid people. These 3 actions of happiness are very practical ways in which you take action to move away from feeling sad to feeling more joyous. All it takes is for you make a choice, take action and commit to consistently doing these actions of happiness.

Gratitude

Expressing gratitude on a daily basis and actively appreciating those people in your life who are important to you are very simple yet, powerful actions that will take you from a place of sadness to a more joyful place.

Acceptance

Accepting the things that you cannot change and acting on the things that you can change are key to you finding joy and peace in your life. Once you acknowledge the reality of your situation, you can then plan to take effective action that will enable you to move forward to a better place in your life.

Acts of Kindness

When you are feeling sad, your focus is very inward at self. Helping others is a great way to feel better about you. It is often the spontaneous acts of kindness that give us the most joy. The more we help others and the more we interact and engage with people the less we tend to withdraw and focus inwardly on our feelings of sadness. Happiness and joy are external feelings that need to be shared with others and an act of kindness is an effective way for us to share and feel joy with others.

4. Commit To Cultivating Your Personal Wellbeing

When you accept sadness in your life, your personal wellbeing will suffer. Happiness is more than a feeling; it is a longer lasting state that is called your wellbeing. Your wellbeing encompasses your state of your mind, body and emotions. When all is in balance, then you will experience contentment and peace of mind. You are more emotionally agile and physically resilient; and therefore more effective at managing the challenges that life will throw at you. Commit to making your wellbeing your top priority in your life. When you do this you become more effective at managing sadness in your life.

5. Eliminate The Phrase - I Will Be Happy When.....

Sudden happiness does not exist and the phrase "I will be happy when..." indicates that happiness comes when you get what it is you believe will make you happy. Many people think that if they win the Lottery, then they will be happy - this is not true. In a consumer driven society of today, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing your happiness to the material gains and success of others. Be careful that you don’t equate happiness with momentary pleasure because if you do, you will eventually feel conflicted and discontent. It is these feelings will take you to a place of sadness.

Final Thoughts

Focus on looking for ways where you create a life where happiness is a feeling that you have total responsibility for - no one else, just you. When you have created a life where you have attained this, then the phrase "I will be happy when..." is eliminated from your vocabulary. How sad we feel and the reasons why we feel sad is different for everyone. The one thing we all have in common however, is that it is impossible for us to go from feeling sad to feeling happy instantly. The above five strategies are practical ways that support you to manage your feelings of sadness where you are in control and empowered to choose to how you want to feel and how you want to live your life. Let's hope you choose - happiness.

"If you look to others for fulfilment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you." -- Lao Tzu

More Articles About Pursuing Happiness

• How to Get Motivated and Be Happy Every Day When You Wake Up
• How to Be Happy: Why Pursuing Happiness Will Make You Unhappy
• How to Be Happy Again: 13 Simple Ways to Shake off Sadness Now
• How to Change Your Mindset for a Happy And Successful Life

from Lifehack - Feed http://bit.ly/2ZKOGvQ

How to Stop Being Sad and Start Feeling Happy

We live in a society where it is important to fit in. Leading a positive and happy life is highly valued and feeling sad or "blue" about life is not so valued. As a result, we are constantly trying to always be positive and happy. In our minds there is no room for sadness. This is not a realistic way to live life. Telling yourself to be positive is no help to you because your sadness when it hits you has a life of its own. Keeping up an impression of positivity and happiness when you are feeling sad is draining and hard work. If anything this charade will intensify your feelings of sadness, and you will struggle to find the pathway that will lead you to living a happy, resilient life. I believe that sadness is a base line feeling that feeds into all of our other feelings such as anger, frustration and fear. The deeper we bury the feeling of sadness the harder it is to feel happy.

"Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity." Carl Jung

The 5 key strategies below are practical ways for you to successfully manage sadness in your life so you that can have a life that flows with happiness.

1. Recognize Your Type of Sadness

There are 3 types of sadness that most of us fall into:

Short-Term Sadness

This is a passing mood that may last anything from a day to a week. Sometimes there is a reason for this feeling but sometimes there is not. Generally lack of sleep, no physical activity and excess stress are associated with this sadness. The best approach to dealing with this sadness is to lower your stress level by having a few nights of great sleep, getting active by doing some exercise and looking at ways to break up your routine. Pampering your self, going for a massage, reducing alcohol intake and eating healthy food are effective ways to manage short-term sadness.

Trigger Sadness

This feeling of sadness has been activated as a result of a traumatic event that has happened to you, such as the death of someone close to you, losing your job, divorce or financial ruin. This feeling of sadness can make you feel helpless and vulnerable and it does not go away overnight. The key to managing trigger sadness is looking for ways to support you to process these feelings and not bury them. One way for you to manage these deep feelings of sadness is to talk about and share your feelings with someone who can console you, support you and counsel you. Having a supportive network of family and friends is key to you managing your feelings of sadness. It is also wise to get professional support such as a councillor or therapist to guide you through practical steps to processing your feelings of sadness. Along with these key actions and actively working on reducing the general stress levels in your life, you will find that after a period of 3 to 6 months, you will be back at a baseline feeling of happiness. This is where you start to rebuild and strengthen your foundations in life – your physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Depression

If you feel sad, hopeless, helpless, unable to eat or sleep and have no energy for a period of time of more than one month or two, then you are likely to feeling depressed. Depression is usually set off as a result of event that usually you would cope with. However, for some reason, your coping mechanism has broken down. Depression is complicated and it can vary from person to person. If you have these feelings, then it is wise that you seek the advice of a doctor. The strategies presented in the rest of this article can along with specialist support enable you to live a happy fulfilled life.

2. Identify What Happiness Means To You

"Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is."  -- Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey

Happiness is the only cure for sadness. There is no other cure that works better. It sounds so easy to say however it is not so easy to achieve. At its most basic level, happiness is a feeling that comes about as a result of us doing things in our lives that we love to do. So if we are feeling sad, then we should take action and activities that brings a joy such as catching up with a friend, going for a walk, getting a massage, goimg out to dinner, going to the movies, or hiding away to read a good book. The list of activities that we can do that make us feel happy is extensive. The first thing you need to do is identify what activities that you do or would like to do that bring you joy and make you feel happy. When we feel sad, we are more likely to want to withdraw and not do anything. We tend to disengage from everything that is going on around us. The only way we can start to feel happy is to take action and start doing things. We can never avoid the feelings of sadness, hurt or disappointment. However, we can deal with them in constructive ways that will help avoid excessive suffering. It is so important to know what happiness means to you because when you know this, you will have meaning and purpose in your life. This is what brings to your life the feeling of happiness and the experiences of joy.

3. Commit To Practising These 3 Actions of Happiness Daily

When you are feeling sad, you are more likely to want to avoid people. These 3 actions of happiness are very practical ways in which you take action to move away from feeling sad to feeling more joyous. All it takes is for you make a choice, take action and commit to consistently doing these actions of happiness.

Gratitude

Expressing gratitude on a daily basis and actively appreciating those people in your life who are important to you are very simple yet, powerful actions that will take you from a place of sadness to a more joyful place.

Acceptance

Accepting the things that you cannot change and acting on the things that you can change are key to you finding joy and peace in your life. Once you acknowledge the reality of your situation, you can then plan to take effective action that will enable you to move forward to a better place in your life.

Acts of Kindness

When you are feeling sad, your focus is very inward at self. Helping others is a great way to feel better about you. It is often the spontaneous acts of kindness that give us the most joy. The more we help others and the more we interact and engage with people the less we tend to withdraw and focus inwardly on our feelings of sadness. Happiness and joy are external feelings that need to be shared with others and an act of kindness is an effective way for us to share and feel joy with others.

4. Commit To Cultivating Your Personal Wellbeing

When you accept sadness in your life, your personal wellbeing will suffer. Happiness is more than a feeling; it is a longer lasting state that is called your wellbeing. Your wellbeing encompasses your state of your mind, body and emotions. When all is in balance, then you will experience contentment and peace of mind. You are more emotionally agile and physically resilient; and therefore more effective at managing the challenges that life will throw at you. Commit to making your wellbeing your top priority in your life. When you do this you become more effective at managing sadness in your life.

5. Eliminate The Phrase - I Will Be Happy When.....

Sudden happiness does not exist and the phrase "I will be happy when..." indicates that happiness comes when you get what it is you believe will make you happy. Many people think that if they win the Lottery, then they will be happy - this is not true. In a consumer driven society of today, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing your happiness to the material gains and success of others. Be careful that you don’t equate happiness with momentary pleasure because if you do, you will eventually feel conflicted and discontent. It is these feelings will take you to a place of sadness.

Final Thoughts

Focus on looking for ways where you create a life where happiness is a feeling that you have total responsibility for - no one else, just you. When you have created a life where you have attained this, then the phrase "I will be happy when..." is eliminated from your vocabulary. How sad we feel and the reasons why we feel sad is different for everyone. The one thing we all have in common however, is that it is impossible for us to go from feeling sad to feeling happy instantly. The above five strategies are practical ways that support you to manage your feelings of sadness where you are in control and empowered to choose to how you want to feel and how you want to live your life. Let's hope you choose - happiness.

"If you look to others for fulfilment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you." -- Lao Tzu

More Articles About Pursuing Happiness

• How to Get Motivated and Be Happy Every Day When You Wake Up
• How to Be Happy: Why Pursuing Happiness Will Make You Unhappy
• How to Be Happy Again: 13 Simple Ways to Shake off Sadness Now
• How to Change Your Mindset for a Happy And Successful Life

from Lifehack - Feed http://bit.ly/2ZKOGvQ

When Parents Tried to Fix Her Visual Impairment, She Was Inspired By a Poster and a Handyman (MOTH Monday)

When this woman was forced to sit in a dark room for hours at a time, she found inspiration in an unlikely place: a handyman who would admire her decor.

The post When Parents Tried to Fix Her Visual Impairment, She Was Inspired By a Poster and a Handyman (MOTH Monday) appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2PEX2R8

Young Men Who Befriended Solitary Widower Have ‘Vowed’ to Make Time for Her: ‘I already feel like we’re her grandkids’

After these three young men reached out to an older woman who was eating dinner by herself, they are all now apparently as thick as thieves.

The post Young Men Who Befriended Solitary Widower Have ‘Vowed’ to Make Time for Her: ‘I already feel like we’re her grandkids’ appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2GOutwC

Solving the Mystery of a Prosthetic Leg Found Atop a Pile of Sawdust Reveals Man’s Passionate Hobby

LISTEN to this fun story on the radio, with The Good News Guru (our GNN founder), or READ the FULL story below… In Sonoma County, a man demonstrates how you should never give up on a hobby—even if it costs you an arm or a leg… A group of lumberyard employees were bamboozled last week when they arrived early to work […]

The post Solving the Mystery of a Prosthetic Leg Found Atop a Pile of Sawdust Reveals Man’s Passionate Hobby appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2GEXwm5

Saved by a Kind Driver in a Foreign Land: A Story of True Heroism and Kindness

This blog was submitted to GNN by Jitendra Bhojwani. If you have any positive stories of your own that you would like to share with our audience, check out our submission page to learn more. Sometimes in life, a small event can make us realize that kindness still rules the world – and I had an opportunity […]

The post Saved by a Kind Driver in a Foreign Land: A Story of True Heroism and Kindness appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2GF0EhW

Pop Star Grieving His Own Loss Helps 83-Year-Old Widower Check Off Bucket List After Wife’s Death

You may not think an 83-year-old widower would have much in common with a pop star, but an awe-inspiring new video proves otherwise. 27-year-old Louis Tomlinson is one of the former members of the boy band One Direction. He and the widower, a former taxi driver named Richard, first started talking to each other after […]

The post Pop Star Grieving His Own Loss Helps 83-Year-Old Widower Check Off Bucket List After Wife’s Death appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2XJNZku

Stranger Donates 2 Wigs to Mom With Brain Cancer – and Saved the Quality of Her Life With a Bit of Advice

Thanks to man's compassion towards a stranger, Gail Moffatt had the courage to forego radiation and chemo, and live out her days enjoying Hawaii with family.

The post Stranger Donates 2 Wigs to Mom With Brain Cancer – and Saved the Quality of Her Life With a Bit of Advice appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2UMCfvX

After Grandma Accidentally Dialed Wrong Number, She Sparked Unlikely Friendship When Woman Needed It Most

An unlikely friendship has blossomed out of a series of accidental phone calls from Grandma Margaret trying to contact her grandson.

The post After Grandma Accidentally Dialed Wrong Number, She Sparked Unlikely Friendship When Woman Needed It Most appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2ILWGqY

When College Students Find $40,000 Hidden Inside Used Couch, They End Up Getting A+ for Honesty (#TBT)

When these three college students accidentally found a treasure trove of cash hidden inside their secondhand couch, they knew what they had to do.

The post When College Students Find $40,000 Hidden Inside Used Couch, They End Up Getting A+ for Honesty (#TBT) appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2GHntTa

Hospital Staffers Delighted By Surprise Pizza Party After Young Patient Wrote Message in His Window

Just hours after an 18-year-old patient broadcasted a special request from his hospital room window, the people of Rochester made it happen.

The post Hospital Staffers Delighted By Surprise Pizza Party After Young Patient Wrote Message in His Window appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2UTBPIW

Dermcidin may play role in the pathogenesis of skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa

A team have identified the protein dermcidin as having a potential role in the pathogenesis of the chronic skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa.

from Skin Care News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2UW6o0p

Drugs to prevent stroke and dementia show promise in early trial

Treatments that prevent recurrence of types of stroke and dementia caused by damage to small blood vessels in the brain have moved a step closer, following a small study.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2USY5me

Antibiotic use linked to greater risk of heart attack and stroke in women

Women who take antibiotics over a long period of time are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke, according to research carried out in nearly 36,500 women.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2ZyV09G

A video game aids in research on Alzheimer's disease

A new study based on data collected from a spatial navigation video game has shown that poor spatial orientation as an indicator can help in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, even prior to the appearance of any clinical signs.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2vmKUL0

Doctors turning to antibiotic alternatives to treat acne

Physicians are scaling back on prescribing antibiotics for long-term acne treatment in favor of a combinations of therapies, according to new researchers.

from Skin Care News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2GFQlvb

What Is an Existential Crisis and How to Cope with It

“Life today is not what it used to be.” How many times have you heard this from your parents or grandparents? Life, few years ago—before the Internet, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram—was so much less stressful. Everything was simpler, people socialized more face to face, there was less pressure to wear many hats and pull yourself in multiple directions. Today, though, life is supposedly more advanced—we have more things to make it all more convenient, but we have so much information thrown at us that, at times, it’s hard to keep on top of everything. Bottom line—the “better” life comes as a cost—it’s more taxing and strenuous to try and keep all in balance. In addition to these global forces, on a personal level, we all go through our own metamorphoses. We all have our own battles to fight, monsters to stand up against, ups and downs we need to overcome. Eventually, we all reach a point in our lives when we are faced with some distressing event—quite often outside of our control too—such as losing a loved one, going through sickness, divorce, or any other difficulty. These unfavorable experiences make it very challenging and impossible at times to keep it all together. Simply put, we fall apart. Psychologists call such states “existential anxiety and depression,” or simply “existential crisis.” As one can gather, these are not the highlight moments of our lives, but nonetheless are very important times of discovery and reinvention. The American singer Tori Amos beautifully captured this notion:

“Some people are afraid of what they might find if they try to analyze themselves too much, but you have to crawl into your wounds to discover where your fears are. Once the bleeding starts, the cleansing can begin.”

What Is Existential Crisis?

As the name implies, existential crisis has something to do with our existence. More specifically, it’s a period of re-examining our lives’ meaning, purpose, or values. These “big” questions are usually triggered by a traumatic event we’ve been through, which has shattered our current beliefs about our worlds. Faced with the fleeting nature of life, we realize that we don’t have control over many things that happen to us—which, admittedly, is not a comforting thought. Anxiety builds up and we end up spiralling further down and down the rabbit hole. It’s important to note that not every turning point in life leads to an existential crisis. Stress is often a normal part of the everyday and in many cases, it’s temporary and it passes. But when it lingers longer and makes us feel as everything is hollowed out of meaning, and when we start questioning our place in life and the reason for being, we can certainly say that we have fallen under the dark spell of the mental and physical distress, known as existential crisis.

Causes of Existential Crisis

As I already mentioned, existential crisis is not triggered by ordinary events which may lead to more-or-less “normal” levels of stress and anxiety—such as starting a new job, marriage, having kids, giving presentations at work or studying for a test in college. Distress becomes deeper and darker when we undergo a major trauma, loss or an ordeal. According to a piece in Healthline, possible causes of existential crisis can be any of the following:((Healthline: What Is an Existential Crisis, and How Do I Break Through It?))

• Guilt about something
• Losing a loved one in death, or facing the reality of one’s own death
• Feeling socially unfulfilled
• Dissatisfaction with self
• History of bottled up emotions

Dr. Irvin Yalom, a prominent American existential psychiatrist and a professor at Stanford University, in his book Existential Psychotherapy, has identified four primary reasons of why people may undergo existential depression — death, freedom, isolation and meaningless.((A Concious Rethink: Existential Depression: How To Defeat Your Feelings Of Meaninglessness)) Fear of death and the inability to have control over it can be, undeniably, a source of anxiety. Freedom, as surprising as it may sound, can also create a sense of uneasiness. Because when we have the ultimate freedom to act, think, speak as we want, this means that we also must take full responsibility of our actions and decisions. Everything that happens to us will be more of a direct consequence of our choices, which, of course, can be rather terrifying to some. Furthermore, although we are social creatures, the realization that we can never fully know someone or respectively—others may never fully understand is, can make us feel alone and isolated from the world, which leads to isolation existential crisis. Finally, perhaps the most wide-spread reasoning behind why some go through existential depression is because they suffer from the constant drizzles of disappointment with their lives and a sense of meaningless—that have lost their sense of belonging or of purpose and don’t see any path forward. As one can gather, it’s not a great place to dwell in. And what’s more—there is no easy fix.

Symptoms of Existential Crisis

Existential crisis is a dark period and can take a serious toll on both our mental and physical state. Someone who is deep down the depression road can have a heightened sense of:((Depression Alliance: Existential Depression: The Mental Illness of the Gifted & Talented))

• An intense or obsessive interest in the bigger meaning of life and death. The interest in exploring this may override a person’s enjoyment and engagement with other day-to-day activities.
• Extreme distress, anxiety, and sadness about the society they live in, or the overall state of the world.
• A belief that changes in anything are both impossible and futile.
• Increasingly becoming, and feeling, disconnected, isolated, and separate from other people.
• Cutting ties with other people because they feel like connections with others are meaningless or shallow and they are on a completely different level.
• Low motivation and energy levels to do anything they would normally do.
• Questioning the purpose, point or meaning of anything, and everything, in life.
• Suicidal thoughts and feelings.

So, it’s quite serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can’t just “sit it out” and wait for the storm to pass. Frequently, it may not go away on its own.

How to Cope with Existential Crisis

Feelings of constant distress can be daunting, to state the least -- a true happiness-thief. So, how do you save yourself from the gloominess and the greyness you feel inside? Luckily, we are far from choice-less, psychologists tell us. In fact, there are many things that we can do to help ourselves when we start questioning the purpose of our existence and the meaning of it all. One thing that’s worth mentioning as well is that existentialists prescribe that we should learn to live and cope with the anxiety vs. eliminating it. They view even this deep distress as a normal part of life. Therefore, their strategies aim at acknowledging and managing the sunless thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to force them into positive ones. Here are some additional ways in which we can help ourselves through such distressing periods.

1. Inject Some Meaning Back into Your Life

The search for meaning is a universal one—we all want our lives to matter and leave something behind after we are gone. In my previous post, What’s the Meaning of Life? A Guide to Help You Live with Purpose, I wrote about how each one of us can create their own meaning in life. It’s through compassion and care for our wellbeing, connecting with the world and making ourselves useful.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Although not ground-breaking, this idea has many proven benefits. Reminding ourselves of what we are lucky enough to have achieved, can do wonders for our mental health and will quell our anxieties.

3. Don’t Expect of Yourself to Have All the Answers

Quite often, when we mull over the big questions of our existence and purpose, we put pressure on ourselves to find the answers right away. We feel angst and disappointment with ourselves and possibly pangs of envy with those who have it all figured out. But remember, you don’t have to find a solution to everything. Just re-discover the things that are meaningful to you and make you happy. That’s all.

4. Touching and Feeling Connected

One of the prescribed ways to overcome feelings of existential isolation is through touch.((Davidson Institute: Dabrowski’s Theory and Existential Depression in Gifted Children and Adults)) For instance, practicing daily hugs can help alleviate anxiety and create a sense of belonging. The idea comes from research on mother-infant bonding and how youngsters thrive when they the physical warmth of their mothers. So, when you feel down, hug away. There are many other ways to cope with the severe distress and depression which often accompany an existential crisis. Keeping yourself busy, getting involved in helping others, learning to let go, living in the present moment are all excellent tactics to help you get out of the darkness you may feel enveloped in. The main idea behind all these techniques is to find your own reasons again for being and to re-affirm your worth.

The Bright Side of Existential Crisis

The influential Polish psychiatrist Kazinierez Dabrowski developed a theory he called Positive disintegration (in the mid-1960s).((Positive Psychology Program: Theory of Positive Disintegration 101: On Becoming Your Authentic Self)) It’s based on the notion that anxiety and distress are necessary for growth and development. Another aspect of the theory relates to gifted individuals. They are different and special, Dabrowski believed, as they are sensitive, highly emotional, intellectual, imaginational, curious, and prone to anxiety. Therefore, they are also the ones who are more likely to go through an existential crisis and depression. These people also have greater “developmental potential,” he asserted. What this means is that they look at the world through a different lens—they have better awareness of themselves and others, they try to understand and make sense of everything around them. But they are also often the lonely outcasts and the restless souls (Many great writers as Earnest Hemingway, Virginia Wolfe, Charles Dickens to name a few, have been known to have gone through an existential upheaval). So, there is, clearly, a bright side to the dark feelings that accompany an existential crisis. For one thing, it means that if you are going through one, you are likely a very gifted, intellectual and sensitive individual. More importantly, though, such condition is highly treatable. There are many paths you can take to emerge from the bleakness you feel inside.

Final Thoughts

Finding meaning in everything we do, day in and out, is not an easy undertaking. It’s normal to feel distressed when you lose your ways or when you go through a major trauma and loss. And it’s not uncommon, when faced with such deep and joyless emotions, that you take a step back and re-evaluate your life. Because it is often through pain that we emerge stronger and more resilient. No matter the challenges that fate throws our way, there is always a reason to keep going forward. You just must find it. It’s as Albert Einstein told us:

“Curiosity has its own reason for existence.”

You never really know what exciting things may wait for you around the corner; and that is the beauty of it all.

More Articles to Help You Find Meaning in Life

• How to Get Motivated and Be Happy Every Day When You Wake Up
• Do You Want to Know the Secret to Living a Fulfilling Life?
• What's the Meaning of Life? A Guide to Help You Live with Purpose
• How to Get Unstuck in Life and Live a More Fulfilling Life

from Lifehack - Feed http://bit.ly/2Dy6u3J

Ancient secrets of medicinal mint

The precious chemistry of a plant used for 2000 years in traditional Chinese medicine has been unlocked in a project that raises the prospect of rapid access to a wide array of therapeutic drugs.

from Alternative Medicine News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2Vm6o9G

'Longevity gene' responsible for more efficient DNA repair

Researchers found that the gene sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is responsible for more efficient DNA repair in species with longer lifespans. The research illuminates new targets for anti-aging interventions and could help prevent age-related diseases.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2VoPvuS

More evidence that blood tests can detect the risk of Alzheimer's

A new study confirms that a simple blood test can reveal whether there is accelerating nerve cell damage in the brain. The researchers analyzed neurofilament light protein (NFL) in blood samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the NFL concentration in the blood could be able to indicate if a drug actually affects the loss of nerve cells.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2IAFyVf

Eating elderberries can help minimize influenza symptoms

Compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the virus's entry and replication in human cells, and can help strengthen a person's immune response to the virus.

from Alternative Medicine News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2GBxJw9

How lifestyle affects our genes

In the past decade, knowledge of how lifestyle affects our genes, a research field called epigenetics, has grown exponentially. Researchers have summarized the state of scientific knowledge within epigenetics linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2ZtXsxX

People with happy spouses may live longer

Research suggests that having a happy spouse leads to a longer marriage, and now study results show that it's associated with a longer life, too.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2IG04no

Scientists propose new theory on Alzheimer's, amyloid connection

'Is amyloid precursor protein the mastermind behind Alzheimer's or is it just an accomplice?' Researchers devised a multi-functional reporter for amyloid precursor protein and tracked its localization and mobility, noticing a strange association between the protein and cholesterol that resides in the cell membrane of synapses. With cholesterol's broad involvement in almost all aspects of neurons' life, they propose a new theory on the amyloid precursor protein connection in AD, especially in the surface of those tiny synapses, which triggers neurodegeneration.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2XClaq4

After His Old High School Teacher Got a Flat Tire on Her Way to Mass, NFL Player Came to Her Rescue

This compassionate NFL linebacker isn't just a professional athlete on the field – he is apparently also a Good Samaritan to people in need.

The post After His Old High School Teacher Got a Flat Tire on Her Way to Mass, NFL Player Came to Her Rescue appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2GvVGE4

Young Man Invites Solitary Senior to Eat With Him and Discovers She is a Widow On a Special Anniversary

When this young man saw a senior sitting by herself in an Alabama restaurant, he could not help but say hello – and he was glad that he did.

The post Young Man Invites Solitary Senior to Eat With Him and Discovers She is a Widow On a Special Anniversary appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2GtCeYD

Despite Having to Wear a Stoma Bag, This Woman Determinedly Trains and Competes as MMA Fighter

Despite being forced to wear a stoma bag for her Crohn’s disease, this 41-year-old woman is training to be a top MMA fighter. Kharina Kharran first became fascinated with martial arts after she was introduced to Bruce Lee’s movies at 9 years old. Unfortunately, she was later diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teenager. The […]

The post Despite Having to Wear a Stoma Bag, This Woman Determinedly Trains and Competes as MMA Fighter appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2KYmTEV

Ginkgo seed extracts show antibacterial activity on skin pathogens

Extracts from the seeds of the Ginkgo biloba tree show antibacterial activity on pathogens that can cause skin infections such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

from Skin Care News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2GEjRS6

Scratching the skin primes the gut for allergic reactions to food, mouse study suggests

Scratching the skin triggers a series of immune responses culminating in an increased number of activated mast cells -- immune cells involved in allergic reactions -- in the small intestine, according to research conducted in mice. This newly identified skin-gut communication helps illuminate the relationship between food allergy and atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), a disease characterized by dry, itchy skin.

from Skin Care News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2IT4uXw

Light, physical activity reduces brain aging

Incremental physical activity, even at light intensity, is associated with larger brain volume and healthy brain aging, according to new research.

from Healthy Aging News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2ZvQXL2

How to Make Going Back to School at 30 Possible (And Meaningful)

All through your teens and twenties, you thought that once you arrived at the “big 30,” your life would all fall into place and you could just coast in your career. But now that the milestone has passed, you realize nothing is static about your career and you’ll need to scramble to stay ahead. Going back to school at 30 (or even 35 or 40) is a real possibility. Today you can never afford to stop learning. If you’re not moving forward in terms of amassing new skills, you’ll be left behind. Employers today seek continuous learning. More than ever before, today’s workers must anticipate what technological and societal disruptors could impact their jobs in the next few years, then proactively prepare for them. This usually comes down to further education, be it getting an MBA, taking additional seminars and classes, or obtaining new certifications. To remain relevant in today’s workforce, you must get trained -- and often retrained. But at least the effort will likely yield monetary rewards. Studies show that students with a college degree earned 57 percent more than those with only a high school degree. And those with a master’s degree or higher had 28 percent higher earnings than those with a bachelor’s degree. The message? Keep learning!

1. Position Yourself for Your Future-Ready Career

Your skills need to improve at the speed of technology -- which is lightning fast. To position yourself for the future, you’ll likely need advanced technical training that allows you to stay on top of new changes. When setting out to go back to school as a working adult, look for programs that will arm you with the practical skills you’ll need. Ask professionals in the field of your dreams what specific training is required. One way to meet these professionals is through LinkedIn, or start attending industry events. Learn the industry’s standard requirements by reading job postings and noting the educational and technical qualifications. Make sure, too, that the industry is on an upward trajectory so that your effort will pay off. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, only to be told you’re now “overqualified.”

2. Learn the Lingo: Certificates, Certifications, and Degrees

But before you start those conversations, you may want to brush up on the lingo that defines today’s advanced education. Figure out if you should pursue a certificate, a professional certification or a degree. A certificate is likely the easiest, lowest-cost option. Certificates are generally awarded in non-degree granting programs. You take classes to bolster your knowledge on a particular subject. But make no mistake: adding this information to your resume will help you stand out. After all, you’re showing a commitment to lifelong learning! By contrast, certifications qualify you to perform a particular job or task. Some technical and educational fields require professional certifications as a cost of entry. Advanced degrees often require even more of a time commitment, but can help your earnings skyrocket. MBAs and MFAs are good examples. An MBA (Masters of Business Administration) is often required if you plan on transferring to a financial field. An MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) allows writers to teach at accredited schools and colleges. If you can’t see yourself leaving your job for a few years to pursue these degrees, investigate Executive MBAs and other low-residency options. Maybe there’s a way to accumulate credits toward your degree while you hold down your job.

3. Tell Yourself: It’s Never Too Late to Learn

While further training is one lure to send you back to school at 30 or beyond, you might also decide that it’s important to finish a degree that you started, but for various reasons put on hold. This was the case with Shaquille O’Neal, or “Shaq” as he’s widely known. He embarked on his 19-year NBA career having completed only three years at Louisiana State University. But he later earned his Bachelor’s in general studies, and went on to earn an MBA and then a PhD in education. Steven Spielberg was also compelled to finish a degree he hadn’t completed. He dropped out of California State University, Long Beach, just a few credits short of earning his degree. More than three decades later, he finished his requirements, which included submitting his film, “Schindler’s List,” to satisfy a film course requirement. It’s possible that, by age 30, you’ve discovered the career direction you pursued in your 20s is to no longer a field in which you ultimately want to remain. This happened with Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett Packard and U.S. presidential candidate in 2016. She enrolled in law school after earning a history and philosophy undergraduate degree from Stanford. But after one semester, she dropped out and found employment at a commercial property brokerage firm. Ultimately, she wanted to explore other areas of business and went back to earn an MBA. It landed her a job at AT&T, where she was promoted within two years to a management position. The company sponsored Fiorina in a fellowship program at the Sloan School of Management at MIT that set her on her trajectory to become CEO of HP. Going back to school at 30 -- or once adult life catches up with you -- can prove challenging, especially if you’re juggling multiple obligations. For example, Mandy Ginsberg, CEO of Match Group North America, the parent company of Tinder and other online dating services, enrolled in one of the most challenging academic environments in the world as a single mother. The chaos of earning an MBA from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and raising a child at the same time proved doable by mobilizing a support team around her.

4. Find Your Balance

Whether you’re taking a few skill-based classes or aiming for a full degree, often the most difficult aspect of going back to school when you’re 30 and over is finding the time. Not only do you have the demands of staying on top of course work, but you also may likely have to balance them with the demands of your day job -- and perhaps even a spouse and kids. If you plan to go back to school at 30 or beyond, make sure you know precisely what you want out of your degree. Do your research before choosing a school or program. Look up the school’s program rankings and make note of the program’s graduation rate and what types of jobs its graduates land. Write yourself a goals chart, and tack it on a bulletin board above your home computer. Studies show that writing down your goals is the best way to achieve them. And what about online options? Online programs may be your best choice in terms of convenience and targeted degree options. But they sometimes lack the cachet of the in-person study programs. Before deciding to go the online route, make sure the school is reputable, accredited, and that students are offered the support they need. Look for reviews to give you a glimpse of student reactions to various programs. If you can afford to take time off from your current job and return to campus, you may find it easier to foster new connections among professors and classmates who will hopefully all become an integral part of your business network. As you investigate how to straddle the simultaneous demands of work and school, determine whether you can cut back to part-time work and go to school full-time. If so, you’ll finish your degree more quickly. But, if you need to maintain a full-time job, find out in advance the minimum course load for enrollment. While part-time enrollment can make work more manageable, it may not allow you to be eligible for financial aid.

The Bottom Line

Ideally, your education should open doors to a career that will allow you to pay back any resulting student debt. Still, it’s important that you do the math to know whether it will pay in the long run to go back to school. Compare the cost of tuition and other fees with the revenue you’ll likely earn. It’s a good idea to tell your coworkers and boss that you’re going back to school. This will show them that you have the drive to better yourself. When they know what you’re undertaking, they may be more understanding as you juggle your added responsibilities. Your employer might also be able to help out with paying some of the cost if the company has a tuition-reimbursement program. Going back to school at 30 will show current and future employers that your brain is still active and your outlook is still expansive. At 30 -- and beyond -- there’s no reason not to pursue schooling that will pay dividends in the future.

More Articles About Lifelong Learning

• 17 Best Careers Worth Going Back to School for at 40
• Going Back to School at 40 Helps Create a New Golden Age: Here’s How
• 15 Ways to Cultivate Lifelong Learning for a Sharper Brain
• 8 Ways to Continuously Achieve Personal Growth

from Lifehack - Feed http://bit.ly/2XDPQHI

Joy Vs Happiness: What’s the Difference and Can We Achieve Both?

What do you want most in life? We’ve all been asked this particular question on multiple occasions. For many of us, the answer is simple – to live a happy life. We want to achieve happiness, and although the outlook of happiness is different for every one of us, that striking emotion still stays the same. But why don’t we ever answer – to live a joyful life? Or to be joyful. Although the terms happiness and joy are both very similar and may fall under the same category, they both spark different emotions for everyone. The words themselves weigh differently and bring an awareness to our consciousness depending on our situations.

Joy vs Happiness -- What’s the Difference?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of joy and happiness:((Merriam-Webster dictionary: Joy and Happiness))

Joy is the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

Keep in mind, although this is the dictionary definition, we have the openness to determine what happiness and joy personally mean in our lives. Joy is an emotion. It’s a simple and light-hearted spark that transcends through your body and leaves feeling good vibrations. It carries no burden or expectations. Happiness – also an emotion – is usually accompanied with an attachment to an idea, a destination or experience. As a result, it tends to weigh profoundly heavier on our subconscious. Usually when we don’t meet these set expectations, it effects our happiness in the different areas of our lives. There are many ways to look at happiness and joy and how we can achieve both in our lifetime. But first, let’s take it back by honing into our life’s work -- also known as our purpose.

Anchoring our Purpose

We're meant to have multiple purposes in our lives and not just one. We find our purpose through our passions and the things that make us feel alive. As we continue to gain experience in our careers, relationships, partnerships, and living day-by-day, our purpose may begin to change. It may shift towards a completely different direction, but the anchor that keeps us in alignment with our values is the key to understanding what makes us happy. With that said, here are the many ways to look at both happiness and joy, and how they both intertwine in our lives.

Ways of Looking at Happiness And Joy

1. Happiness Is a Destination; Joy Is an Attitude.

Take a moment and envision the life you desire. That vision is a destination. Are freedom and travel a considerable component of your vision? Or is it the stability and the comfort of being surrounded by your loved ones? Your vision may be of living in a cozy cottage surrounded by a luscious green yard in Europe or working for a Fortune 500 company in New York City. Whatever your vision may be – don't ignore it. Your vision is a destination, and the destination is the key to understanding your happy place and how to continue forward with that vision in mind. One way to look at happiness vs. joy is visualizing happiness as the end-goal or destination whereas joy is the milestones that lead to the end-goal. Joy, on the other hand, is light-hearted and simple. It comes and passes through without the heaviness of it being a "final destination" because joy is an attitude.

2. Happiness and Joy Go Hand in Hand.

Happiness is like rising bubbles — delightful and inevitably fleeting. Joy is the oxygen — ever present. – Danielle LaPorte.

Sometimes, we place a lot of pressure on the idea of “happiness” with the expectancy of it to be delivered in the most grandeur way. The truth is, we are never going to be happy unless we practice joy. Gratitude is a way of seeing the joy in the little things. There are many techniques to go about practicing gratitude such as journaling and the art of subtracting, all with the intention of looking at things on a smaller scale. Looking at the bigger picture can be overwhelming as we can sometimes get caught up in the negatives of life. Take a second to look at the small things that create a significant impact in our world such as having access to clean water or having a vehicle to take you to and from work. We go about these everyday mundane routines without taking a second to think, "what if we didn't have these luxuries." The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to see the simple joys in our everyday lives.

3. One Requires Control, the Other Doesn’t

Life is composed of the things we have and don’t have control over. Living also means learning how to navigate through life when we lose that control. According to a report by The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, “autonomy" – defined as “the feeling that your life - its activities and habits - are self-chosen and self-endorsed” is the number one contributor to happiness.((Psychology Today: The No. 1 Contributor to Happiness)) When it comes to happiness, we sometimes feel trapped in those moments where if we acquire "x" then it will result to "z" (happiness):

• When I have more money, then I can be happy.
• When I have more time, then I can be happy.
• When I purchase a house, then I can be happy.

We all know this isn't the case and life happens unexpectedly where money does not easily flow and acquiring "more time" is difficult. Here, money, time, and a home are portrayed as "goals" we want to attain in order to feel fulfilled. These are also things we have control over. On the other hand, break-ups or death of a loved one are deep and profound moments when we realize that as humans we can only control so much of an outcome. There are ways to still spark joy even in the darkest of moments. With death, you celebrate the memory and the life of that person. Sharing their stories keep them alive in your thoughts and from those stories stem the emotion of love. Love, joy, and gratitude all intertwine with one another. Breakups are difficult, because we are caught between a limbo of what we could have done differently vs. what has been done. You can still feel joy even when going through a a break-up by appreciating the little things that already bring joy to your every day life; whether it be a hot cup of coffee, morning run, or painting, these feelings of joy which you can tap into regardless of your situation.

4. You Can Still Feel Joy and Not Be Happy

You can still feel joy in an unhappy place. Some of my best years in the work-force was working in an industry that wasn't quite aligned with my interest. I enjoyed the company of my colleagues, and can say that working in a hotel has given me a solid backbone. Yet, at the time I was very blinded by the fact that, "this isn't what I want to be doing" and "this isn't what I studied." I wanted to utilize my degree in media, and cutting keycard and checking-in guests was far from what I imagined as my "happy place." What does this have to do with happiness and joy? You can still feel joy through your actions because your action is what is in alignment to your values. It was through conversing with guests that I realized I found joy in human connectivity. It was through efficient teamwork, that I felt joy being surrounded by a close-knitted community. It was my value of having strong work-ethics that kept me grounded and accountable to my work. All these realizations brought clarity because it sparked an emotion from me. Looking past the feeling of, "I don't want to be here" taught me to see the reasons of why I stayed; to the point where I was convinced that I quite enjoyed hospitality. It is possible to find these hidden things when you step away from the big picture. Once you realize how your actions play a role in your "joy," you'll begin to realize that happiness is but a destination that keeps you accountable to your goals.

Final Thoughts

Joy and happiness co-exist for an important reason – to allow us to live a fulfilling life. While one is more accountable to our goals, wishes and desires, the other is a natural instinct and emotion that has always lived within us. External factors and situations will always influence our outlook of happiness and joy, but life is to be lived and to be simply enjoyed. Whether it's to be happy or to feel joyful, you clearly can't go wrong feeling either.

More Articles About Happiness & Motivation

• How to Get Motivated and Be Happy Every Day When You Wake Up
• How to Be Happy Again: 13 Simple Ways to Shake off Sadness Now
• How to Be Happy: Why Pursuing Happiness Will Make You Unhappy
• How to Change Your Mindset for a Happy And Successful Life

from Lifehack - Feed http://bit.ly/2Poth6R

Joy Vs Happiness: What’s the Difference and Can We Achieve Both?

What do you want most in life? We’ve all been asked this particular question on multiple occasions. For many of us, the answer is simple – to live a happy life. We want to achieve happiness, and although the outlook of happiness is different for every one of us, that striking emotion still stays the same. But why don’t we ever answer – to live a joyful life? Or to be joyful. Although the terms happiness and joy are both very similar and may fall under the same category, they both spark different emotions for everyone. The words themselves weigh differently and bring an awareness to our consciousness depending on our situations.

Joy vs Happiness -- What’s the Difference?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of joy and happiness:((Merriam-Webster dictionary: Joy and Happiness))

Joy is the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

Keep in mind, although this is the dictionary definition, we have the openness to determine what happiness and joy personally mean in our lives. Joy is an emotion. It’s a simple and light-hearted spark that transcends through your body and leaves feeling good vibrations. It carries no burden or expectations. Happiness – also an emotion – is usually accompanied with an attachment to an idea, a destination or experience. As a result, it tends to weigh profoundly heavier on our subconscious. Usually when we don’t meet these set expectations, it effects our happiness in the different areas of our lives. There are many ways to look at happiness and joy and how we can achieve both in our lifetime. But first, let’s take it back by honing into our life’s work -- also known as our purpose.

Anchoring our Purpose

We're meant to have multiple purposes in our lives and not just one. We find our purpose through our passions and the things that make us feel alive. As we continue to gain experience in our careers, relationships, partnerships, and living day-by-day, our purpose may begin to change. It may shift towards a completely different direction, but the anchor that keeps us in alignment with our values is the key to understanding what makes us happy. With that said, here are the many ways to look at both happiness and joy, and how they both intertwine in our lives.

Ways of Looking at Happiness And Joy

1. Happiness Is a Destination; Joy Is an Attitude.

Take a moment and envision the life you desire. That vision is a destination. Are freedom and travel a considerable component of your vision? Or is it the stability and the comfort of being surrounded by your loved ones? Your vision may be of living in a cozy cottage surrounded by a luscious green yard in Europe or working for a Fortune 500 company in New York City. Whatever your vision may be – don't ignore it. Your vision is a destination, and the destination is the key to understanding your happy place and how to continue forward with that vision in mind. One way to look at happiness vs. joy is visualizing happiness as the end-goal or destination whereas joy is the milestones that lead to the end-goal. Joy, on the other hand, is light-hearted and simple. It comes and passes through without the heaviness of it being a "final destination" because joy is an attitude.

2. Happiness and Joy Go Hand in Hand.

Happiness is like rising bubbles — delightful and inevitably fleeting. Joy is the oxygen — ever present. – Danielle LaPorte.

Sometimes, we place a lot of pressure on the idea of “happiness” with the expectancy of it to be delivered in the most grandeur way. The truth is, we are never going to be happy unless we practice joy. Gratitude is a way of seeing the joy in the little things. There are many techniques to go about practicing gratitude such as journaling and the art of subtracting, all with the intention of looking at things on a smaller scale. Looking at the bigger picture can be overwhelming as we can sometimes get caught up in the negatives of life. Take a second to look at the small things that create a significant impact in our world such as having access to clean water or having a vehicle to take you to and from work. We go about these everyday mundane routines without taking a second to think, "what if we didn't have these luxuries." The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to see the simple joys in our everyday lives.

3. One Requires Control, the Other Doesn’t

Life is composed of the things we have and don’t have control over. Living also means learning how to navigate through life when we lose that control. According to a report by The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, “autonomy" – defined as “the feeling that your life - its activities and habits - are self-chosen and self-endorsed” is the number one contributor to happiness.((Psychology Today: The No. 1 Contributor to Happiness)) When it comes to happiness, we sometimes feel trapped in those moments where if we acquire "x" then it will result to "z" (happiness):

• When I have more money, then I can be happy.
• When I have more time, then I can be happy.
• When I purchase a house, then I can be happy.

We all know this isn't the case and life happens unexpectedly where money does not easily flow and acquiring "more time" is difficult. Here, money, time, and a home are portrayed as "goals" we want to attain in order to feel fulfilled. These are also things we have control over. On the other hand, break-ups or death of a loved one are deep and profound moments when we realize that as humans we can only control so much of an outcome. There are ways to still spark joy even in the darkest of moments. With death, you celebrate the memory and the life of that person. Sharing their stories keep them alive in your thoughts and from those stories stem the emotion of love. Love, joy, and gratitude all intertwine with one another. Breakups are difficult, because we are caught between a limbo of what we could have done differently vs. what has been done. You can still feel joy even when going through a a break-up by appreciating the little things that already bring joy to your every day life; whether it be a hot cup of coffee, morning run, or painting, these feelings of joy which you can tap into regardless of your situation.

4. You Can Still Feel Joy and Not Be Happy

You can still feel joy in an unhappy place. Some of my best years in the work-force was working in an industry that wasn't quite aligned with my interest. I enjoyed the company of my colleagues, and can say that working in a hotel has given me a solid backbone. Yet, at the time I was very blinded by the fact that, "this isn't what I want to be doing" and "this isn't what I studied." I wanted to utilize my degree in media, and cutting keycard and checking-in guests was far from what I imagined as my "happy place." What does this have to do with happiness and joy? You can still feel joy through your actions because your action is what is in alignment to your values. It was through conversing with guests that I realized I found joy in human connectivity. It was through efficient teamwork, that I felt joy being surrounded by a close-knitted community. It was my value of having strong work-ethics that kept me grounded and accountable to my work. All these realizations brought clarity because it sparked an emotion from me. Looking past the feeling of, "I don't want to be here" taught me to see the reasons of why I stayed; to the point where I was convinced that I quite enjoyed hospitality. It is possible to find these hidden things when you step away from the big picture. Once you realize how your actions play a role in your "joy," you'll begin to realize that happiness is but a destination that keeps you accountable to your goals.

Final Thoughts

Joy and happiness co-exist for an important reason – to allow us to live a fulfilling life. While one is more accountable to our goals, wishes and desires, the other is a natural instinct and emotion that has always lived within us. External factors and situations will always influence our outlook of happiness and joy, but life is to be lived and to be simply enjoyed. Whether it's to be happy or to feel joyful, you clearly can't go wrong feeling either.

More Articles About Happiness & Motivation

• How to Get Motivated and Be Happy Every Day When You Wake Up
• How to Be Happy Again: 13 Simple Ways to Shake off Sadness Now
• How to Be Happy: Why Pursuing Happiness Will Make You Unhappy
• How to Change Your Mindset for a Happy And Successful Life

from Lifehack - Feed http://bit.ly/2Poth6R

Since Officers Gave Her a Car, Strangers Have Donated Thousands to 20-Year-old Raising Her 5 Siblings

Despite losing both of their parents to cancer, these six siblings have since received an outpouring of support from total strangers.

The post Since Officers Gave Her a Car, Strangers Have Donated Thousands to 20-Year-old Raising Her 5 Siblings appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2PmFR6J

Rather Than Ticketing Young Man for Driving Illegally, Officer Gave Him a Ride to His Job Interview

A desperate 22-year-old man may not have been able to get the job he wanted if it had not been for a compassionate cop lending a hand.

The post Rather Than Ticketing Young Man for Driving Illegally, Officer Gave Him a Ride to His Job Interview appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2W0PNoI

Always Disorganized? That Might Actually Be A Good Thing

                    There’s never been a better time to be disorganized. For those of who you have been criticized for being messy, we have some good news. According to Steven Johnson, “the more disorganized your brain is, the smarter you are.” He is the author of Where […]

The post Always Disorganized? That Might Actually Be A Good Thing appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2vhdgGF

Discovery may help explain why women get autoimmune diseases far more often than men

New evidence points to a key role for a molecular switch called VGLL3 in autoimmune diseases, and the major gap in incidence between women and men. Building on past research showing that women have more VGLL3 in their skin cells than men, a team studied it further in mice. They show that having too much VGLL3 in skin cells pushes the immune system into overdrive, leading to an autoimmune response and symptoms similar to lupus.

from Skin Care News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2Vdebqb

Homeless Man Finally Reunited With Beloved Pet Rat After Pedestrian Mistakenly Took It Home

After weeks of desperately searching for his beloved pet rat, this Australian homeless man was finally reunited with his furry companion.

The post Homeless Man Finally Reunited With Beloved Pet Rat After Pedestrian Mistakenly Took It Home appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2Zj9zOB

Man Brings Telescope to the Street and Invites People to Look at the Moon –Their Reactions Will Bring You to Tears

Everyone has seen the moon before, but when these pedestrians were invited to look at it through a $1,000 telescope, nearly every single one of them were shocked by the breathtaking view.

The post Man Brings Telescope to the Street and Invites People to Look at the Moon –Their Reactions Will Bring You to Tears appeared first on Good News Network.

from Good News Network http://bit.ly/2UHkOS2

How to Go Through Different Stages of Relationships and Keep the Peace

Evidenced by the high divorce rate in western countries, most relationships don’t work out. Statistics indicate that 40% of relationships end within 3 years. If you’re curious as to why most relationships fail and what you can do to prevent relationship breakdown, please keep reading. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to manage the different stages of relationships so you can keep the peace.

Stage 1: Initial Attraction

This is the most exciting stage of a relationship as we generally feel the most intense romance at the beginning of a relationship. The grass is greener; the sky is brighter. Our future looks bright and glorious. We are falling in love with someone. At this stage, you are so attracted to the other person that you would do anything for them. Focusing on the best in them and looking toward a positive future, releases feel-good hormones which work well until the reality of your day-to-day choices start to rock up...

Relationship Challenge: Failure to Adhere to Personal Boundaries

When you are romantically excited, your brain is constantly producing dopamine and oxytocin. This is what leads to feelings of euphoria and connection. Unfortunately, this level of happy hormone production won’t last for the lifetime of your relationship because every person’s brain has a protection mechanism which requires the perception of safety. As we progress through the different stages of a relationship, the feeling of safety will be compromised at times - either by ourselves or by our partner. The most common mistake at the first stage of a relationship is failure to adhere to your own personal boundaries. This includes your ethics, morals and values. When you are initially head-over-heels attracted to someone, your personal boundaries can fly out of the window as you try to fit in with that other person’s life. This can lead to a loss of your self-respect, self-esteem and then attraction as you start losing yourself in choices that don’t feel right for you. For instance, if one person is very health conscious due to previous health issues, and the other talks big about eating healthily, there will be certain expectations in the relationship. When they have entered the following stages in their relationship, resistant situations would arise when the partner who is less strict about eating frequently buys junk food to share.

How to Keep the Peace at Stage 1

This first stage of relationship is when you set up parameters for your partner so they can have realistic expectations of their relationship with you. No matter how connected you feel early in a relationship, it’s important to communicate how you live your life and your preferences honestly. Let the other person see who you are without any false pretences. It’s important to maintain your individuality as this is what initially creates attraction. Be clear on your boundaries and aim to make wise (instead of emotional) decisions when you can. Respect your differences and focus on being the best version of yourself to maintain healthy attraction. This is how you can make your relationship sustainable in the long term.

Stage 2: Power Struggle

“Power Struggle” doesn’t sound very pleasant in a politically correct world, but it happens in most relationships. After the initial honeymoon phase, couples calm down and begin to look at the real dynamics in their relationship. At this stage, many couples try to change each other in order to fit their own wants and needs. If you’ve been there, done that, you probably know what this looks like. However, not everyone is aware of what they are doing. In his book The Laws of Human Nature, Robert Greene claims that trying to influence others is actually human nature, so everybody wants to do it and there is nothing wrong with that. Although that point sounds valid and reasonable, this is the most dangerous stage of a relationship, because of this challenge...

Relationship Challenge: Failure to Mold Each Other in the "Right" Way

Many people try to mold their partners into an ideal or perfect partner due to a wish list inspired by desires identified from previous failed relationships. That’s why many couples break up at this stage and never go on to enjoy Stage 3. The reality is that many partners eventually become lax in their efforts to relate. They stop focusing on their partner’s positive attributes and start focusing more and more attention on their unwanted traits. This leads to ongoing feelings of resistance and arguments, and is generally why relationships begin to breakdown. At this second stage of a relationship (Power Struggle Stage), as both partners battle to feel heard, to be understood and to have their needs met, tension and tempers can rise. What appears to be a small issue to one partner can quickly escalate and be blown out of proportion by the other when something hasn’t been clearly articulated or understood. This often leads to blame and or false accusations.

How to Keep the Peace at Stage 2

It’s important to be in control of your emotions((End the Problem: The Emotional Reset Technique – the Secret to Enjoying Life)) and influence your partner in the right way to develop and maintain a happy and healthy relationship. If your partner doesn’t understand you, or appears to repeatedly make the same mistake, aim to support them (as you would in Stage 1 Relationship) instead of assuming they are not trustable and are trying to sabotage your relationship! Deal with your own emotions as they are triggered to make sure your communication remains open, sincere and straightforward. This is the best way to understand each other and know what you can both work toward in the long run. Yes, a relationship can be a lot of work, but it won’t feel like hard work if both of you choose to communicate effectively. This includes respecting each other’s values and ways of doing things and working together as a team.

Stage 3: Harmonious Love

After you have gone through the Power Struggle Stage, you may safely arrive at Stage 3 – Harmonious Love Stage. This is when you have for the most part figured out how to get along well with each other in almost every area of your life. For example, both you and your partner agree that one person does most of the cooking because they enjoy cooking, and the other will do the dishes. Both of you agree that having sex 3 to 4 times a week is ideal. You both agree that having a date night once a week is a good thing. Although this may sound like a flawless relationship, there is still a common problem at this stage.

Relationship Challenge: Lack of Excitement and Spontaneity

As your relationship becomes stable, it can also become boring. International best-selling author Ginie Sayles argues in her book How to Marry the Rich: The Rich Will Marry Someone, Why Not You? that what you have in common builds rapport, whereas your differences make the relationship interesting. Clearly, lack of excitement at this stage may lead to boredom, and that’s when some individuals begin to cheat on their partner.

How to Keep the Peace at Stage 3

We are naturally motivated by variety and mystery. In order to keep the peace at Harmonious Love Stage, you must introduce novelty back into the relationship. For example, you can travel together and create new experiences that you share with your partner. Shared experiences are the foundation of a deep emotional connection. Growing together is the key to a long-lasting and happy relationship. For instance, attending personal development seminars, reading books and even starting a business together. In this way, you both grow in the same direction with lots of interesting things to do together. However, it’s also important to maintain your own pursuits which fulfil each of you as individuals. This provides a natural break for you to again desire each other and ensures fresh content for conversation.

Stage 4: Commitment

After two people complete the Harmonious Love Stage without too much interference, they commit to each other by beginning to explore a more serious relationship. Hence, they have entered the fourth stage of a relationship – Commitment Stage. Commitment isn’t just having an exclusive relationship by not dating other people; it’s more about having a shared vision that is compelling enough to bond a couple. Having a shared vision is the strongest glue to hold a relationship together. This stage of a relationship is best characterized by devotion to the cause, having a long-term blueprint, living together as a couple and being accepted by your social circle as a couple. Though this looks amazing, there is often a taboo topic within the dynamics – money.

Relationship Challenge: Financial Dispute

In western culture, money is probably the No. 1 taboo topic in a relationship. We start off by being polite and then it just doesn’t ever seem the right time to bring up the topic of money. Consequently, many couples avoid talking about money until it becomes a problem. That’s why financial dispute often arises at Stage 4, after a couple have already moved in together. Some people even get married at this stage and then are dismayed to discover they have a financial dispute. Now you may be wondering… why are financial disputes a problem? Well, let’s have a look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs first: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is represented as a pyramid with the more basic needs at the bottom. These are physiological needs (e.g. food and shelter). The second level of human needs is safety (e.g. financial security or emotional security). The third level of human needs is love/belonging (e.g. an intimate relationship). Consequently, when the second level of human needs is in danger, e.g. financial security is a problem, people become more easily triggered and emotional reactions can spiral out of control. Constant arguing then leads to the feeling of safety being compromised, which can undermine the trust and security of your relationship. This in turn, makes you feel separate and alone. While many experts say the No. 1 reason for divorce in almost every country is money, relationship breakups are generally caused by the associated damage that occurs when people’s emotional reactions are out of control. It just happens that finances are one of the most common emotional triggers among couples.

How to Keep the Peace at Stage 4

Make sure you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to money. Have an honest discussion with your partner about money and make sure you understand each other’s values and obligations in this regard. Maybe one person wants to save a large percentage of their income, whilst the other person wants to enjoy a facial and a massage in a luxurious spa once a week. Without a healthy discussion, that could become a problem in the relationship. Therefore, a couple should talk about their preferences in an openly candid way and find a solution that works for both partners. A potential solution is having a crystal-clear financial plan that can be implemented immediately. For example, a couple decide to save 30% of their income and use 10% of their income as “play money”, i.e. this amount of money can be spent guilt-free.

Stage 5: Complete Trust

Now this is the blissful stage every couple looks forward to where you are both feeling more relaxed, happy and content. If you’ve reached this stage of a relationship, congratulations! At Stage 5, you completely trust your partner. Neither of you keep any secrets, you’ve shared everything together and you both have the desire to keep sharing your journey in the future. You’ve gone through all those ups and downs in life together, so you’ve built real, true love. Is there any potential problem at this stage? Yes.

Relationship Challenge: Taking Each Other for Granted

Now that you can easily predict each other’s decisions and behaviors, your partner may have become boringly predictable. Worse still, your relationship may also have become predictable and lack romantic ambience. This is when people generally become complacent and begin to take their partners for granted. They may no longer take care of their own personal appearance, or rarely put in additional effort beyond what is expected. There is little consideration for the other person’s desires and genuine appreciation of each other appears to have fallen away. This can make either or both partners feel redundant in the relationship. When complacency is the norm, all attraction can be lost, which is why some couples get divorced after being married for several decades.

How to Keep the Peace at Stage 5

The key to a peaceful long-term relationship is bringing the courtship back. Start to impress each other with your efforts to bring life back into your relationship. Give each other gifts and write or text a meaningful message during the day. Tell your partner how wonderful they are. Kiss each other every morning and every night passionately, just like Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak’s love story from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Look into your partner’s eyes with curiosity and uncontrollable attraction, just like when your eyes met theirs for the first time. Practice this regularly and you can reignite your early attraction and desire for each other.

The Bottom Line

Going through these five stages of a relationship isn’t easy. But so long as you implement these and other strategies and work together to keep the peace, your effort will pay lasting dividends in your love life.

from Lifehack - Feed http://bit.ly/2IPK0in