The differences between optimists and pessimists can make great jokes and memes, but they can also be quite consequential when it comes to relationships and health. As we saw last month, pessimism can contribute to poor health outcomes (physical and mental), worsen quality of life, and strain relationships. I tend to be a little on … [Read more...] about How Pessimists Can Cultivate Optimism
Reflecting on Life
What Makes Someone an Optimist or Pessimist? Does it Matter Which You Are?
Two of my daughters couldn’t be more different when it comes to how they view life. One has a sunny, positive outlook, while the other has a cloudy, negative outlook. Traditionally, these outlooks are represented by how one views a cup that is partially filled with liquid. Is the cup half full or half empty? Those who view the cup as … [Read more...] about What Makes Someone an Optimist or Pessimist? Does it Matter Which You Are?
8 Unique Takes on New Year’s Resolutions
With next year quickly approaching, ‘tis the season for resolutions and goal setting. Though the concept of making changes in the New Year is an idea that’s been around for ages, there have likely never been so many novel ways of going about doing so. Early in our marriage, my husband and I would set aside time to goal plan each winter. … [Read more...] about 8 Unique Takes on New Year’s Resolutions
Favorite Winter Posts and an Update on Site Upgrades
I know some folks grow tired of the cold and dark of winter, but I live in such a warm location that I find winter to be an absolute delight! This year we were lucky enough to get snow, which my kids thoroughly enjoyed. Thankfully, winter isn’t over yet, so there’s always a chance it could happen again! I try to take advantage of every … [Read more...] about Favorite Winter Posts and an Update on Site Upgrades
Go Touch Grass! It’s Good for Your Health
After a long, hot summer, we finally had a truly chilly morning a few days ago. Though it was still dark, I stepped outside with my coffee to take it in. I stepped to the edge of the porch and poked at the crisp grass with my foot. This brought to mind how, in response to someone who has become a little detached from reality, folks will … [Read more...] about Go Touch Grass! It’s Good for Your Health
Favorite Fall Posts and an Update on Site Upgrades
A couple of weeks ago we had a cold front blow through. We woke to temperatures in the 60s. I was thrilled! I knew our daytime highs would soon be back in the 90s, so I resisted the urge to don a sweater and sit beneath a blanket while consuming a warm pumpkin-flavored beverage. However, I did put my fall wreath on our front door! Last … [Read more...] about Favorite Fall Posts and an Update on Site Upgrades
14 Children’s Books About Gratitude
We are so grateful for our local library! We borrow dozens of books each week. Because we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday, this week we picked up numerous books about gratitude. Gratitude can be a difficult concept for young kids to grasp. Books are a great way to introduce the concept because they explain it in a variety of … [Read more...] about 14 Children’s Books About Gratitude
Step Back and Look from Another Angle
We have a bottom-freezer fridge in our kitchen. At the top of the freezer there is a shallow drawer, and at the bottom is a large bin. The space between the two is minimal. Because the freezer was a bit full (or pretty disorganized so it seemed full), I managed to accidentally push an ice pack over the back edge of the bin, leaving it stuck at … [Read more...] about Step Back and Look from Another Angle
