In this audio segment, Michelle gives some great tips on how to say "no" (and mean it) in a way that honors your personal integrity and allows you to close your "Gap." She also shares some secrets on how to deal with engery-sucking friends/family/neighbors/etc. Listen up!
more »
In 2005 she participated in a study with psychologists that monitored the impact of self-induced laughter in the workplace. The results were astounding - workers showed improvements in self-regulation on the job, and increases in postitive emotions, optimism and social identificaiton, which can lead to increased productivity and harmony in the workplace. Please take a moment to read about Judy's work - really groundbreaking (and joyful!) stuff. 
).
One of the ways I choose to honor my health daily is by taking time to appreciate nature. Usually I'll step out onto my balcony and take a long, deep breath of ocean air, notice the vibrant colors of the sunset and find a moment to clear my mind of all the deadlines and items on my to-do list. I just take it all in - whatever is there in that moment. This 2-minute nature retreat allows me to "fill up" and feed my spirit. There's something really special about nature and the aliveness of the planet! I encourage you to give yourself a minute - whether you live in the mountains or the desert - to notice something that is beautiful and alive around you. 
I am thrilled to announce that the Kindle version of my book Get a Life That Doesn't Suck is now available on Amazon.com for just $9.99! 
A growing number of therapists are employing "positive psychology" in their practice. The treatment focuses primarily on the affirmative aspects of a patient's life with the goal of helping them feel more optimistic and fulfilled. One patient observes, "If you focus on what makes you feel good or things you're good at, it's logical you would feel better." Makes sense to me! Read more about this growing trend in psychology and coaching after the jump. 
I subscribe to the "Good News Letter" from the 
Noise brings out the worst in human beings -- noisy people have been injured and even killed by their neighbours -- but neighbours are just one source of noise in a world that's increasingly cacophonous. Neighbourhoods can turn into battlegrounds when clubs, restaurants, automobile sound systems and parties are acoustically unrestrained. The roadway clamour made by cars and trucks, the oppressive roar of low-flying aircraft, the rumble of commuter trains and the screeching of subway cars compound the challenges of daily life in the city or suburbs. Construction work generates lots of noise, and lots of noise complaints to civil authorities. Indoor sources include ventilation systems, office machines, home appliances, TVs and computer games.
It is often hard to find time to read, but picking up a good book - just for the fun of it - can really change your day. 
From 
From 
It's all about mindfullness. Imagine that you've got a problem - a nagging, distracting, consuming life situation that you are spending way too much time thinking about. 
Tal Ben-Shahar's class on happiness was Harvard University's most popular course last year, surpassing Introduction to Economics. He was in the Los Angeles area speaking to the Professional Leaders Project, a workshop for young Jewish professionals. Here is his interview with the Los Angeles Times on work and happiness. 
Dan Heath and Chip Heath, authors of