Life By Design
Because Life Doesn't Come With An Owner's Manual
Life By Design

The Celebrity Experience - How Nice Do You Treat People


My whole life I have provided customer service. And 99% of the time, I made it outstanding customer service. It's not hard to do! The customer is handing you money for something - and you want to deliver a great experience, so that they keep coming back! It's not rocket science!

But we have all had it happen to us. You are having a great day. You walk into a store or a restaurant and get a bitter, unhappy person to wait on us. Or, maybe YOU are having  a  really bad day, and it's affecting your mood. And someone tries to provide you good service and you bite off their head for no good reason at all, other than the fact you are having a bad day.

Customer service is in such a bad state right now. I can not tell you how many times I have gotten awful service in the last couple years, yet the person delivering the bad service, thinks nothing of it.  It usually has even nothing to do with someone's bad mood. They just don't care. You know how many nightclubs and restaurants I am a "regular" at?  The owners know me by face and  yet 80% of them never even stop and say  "HI" to me.

GREAT customer service can make a mediocre product shine.  And BAD customer service can tarnish a great product.  Just this past weekend we had brunch at our favorite Chicago Sunday brunch spot - Angelina's. The food is great! The crowd is fun! But you can ALWAYS be assured of mediocre-bad service from the waitstaff! We just accept it because we like the food, a lot of friends eat there. and it's a great location. However if I was Brad Pitt,  I can guarantee my waiter at Angelina's would deliver 5 star service!

Over the weekend, I met author Donna Cutting at the SOBCon08 blogging conference. In her new book The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red Carpet Customer Service, Donna  shares stories about how YOU can do a better job of providing customer service. This book is packed with stories about GREAT customer service from the hotel, food and beverage, airline, and so many other industries that if you have a job that relates to customer service in some way, this book will have something you can relate to.

Combining the best practices of the Hollywood celebrity scene with those of the business world, The Celebrity Experience is the extreme makeover of customer service! Learn how to generate buzz and positive word of mouth about your business by giving your customers the red carpet treatment.

Imagine a world where red carpets were rolled out for you wherever you went and you were always greeted by name and with a smile. Imagine being admired and complimented by strangers on a daily basis. Imagine if those who did business with you always bent over backwards to cater to your personal desires and needs. If that sounds like a fantasyland, it is. And it's called Hollywood! But the principles can be applied to any business.

It all comes down to ATTITUDE. Until you develop the right attitudes in your team, or in yourself, you cannot deliver great customer service. I read a great line  at 1000 Ventures that said, YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE!


Derrick Sorles and Michael Snell - We Help "Pull"  New Business To You!
           
Your Business MD's- Business Blog Consultants -Web 2.0  Consultants and Strategists 




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May, Mothers Day and Namaste



I am on Deepak Chopra's  e-newsletter list for NAMASTE, and in it this month he says, "In the magnificent month of May, we bring our awareness to the gifts of creation and motherhood, and we celebrate the loving souls who brought us into this world ― our mothers. Whether we were raised in Papua New Guinea or New York City, the energy of the divine mother made it possible for each of us to emerge from the field of pure potentiality into the manifest world.

This issue of Namasté honors the mother, the earth, and the goddess Shakti, a popular and powerful archetype that embodies the feminine aspect of creation. In Hinduism, Shakti is the divine mother who gives birth to and nurtures new life, whether a newborn baby, a brand-new relationship, a fresh idea, or a magical manifestation."


Mothers Day and Spring is a great time for reflection and a time to give thanks. Gratitude.

 
Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

~ Author Unknown ~

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Reaching Out to Help a Fellow Blogger - Bad Evans

           


This is something I came across and wanted to share with all of you. In my work, I read a lot of blogs. And I discovered a GLBT blog called BAD EVANS about a month ago. He writes about news, politics, fashion, entertainment, etc. I think he has been blogging about 8 months and has a pretty popular blog.

At any rate, he has  been suffering from Sever Ulcerative Colitis for a couple of years now, I found out. He has been on  very high doses of steroids for 2 years now, and they  are  taking their toll on his body. The side effects are becoming just as bad as the disease. The doctors have said that they can’t keep him on that treatment any longer. It’s time to operate. This week, he is   having a complete Colectomy. You know, they go in and take out your entire large intestine, colon and rectum. He is a  26 year old cute gay boy!! You think of someone having major surgery like that when they are much older. Not 26.

Luckily, his surgery and needed medical supplies will be covered. The surgery is a 6 hour procedure and he will be bed ridden at the hospital for 2 weeks. Alone. It’s too far for his  family to drive and they really can’t afford to both pay for a hotel room for 2 weeks and take that time off from work. So, people are trying to raise a little money which could  be used so that his  family can be with him  through his  hospital stay. 

At this site,  Life By Design, we try to be  inspirational and motivational and it's  all about living a positive life, being kind to others, and trying to make a difference. And that's how my partner and I try to live our lives. And when someone is in need, we try to help. We don't have much. And since trying to launch our own business, there are scarey months where we are not even sure we can pay all of our bills. But we do what we can. So I am telling you this story about Evan to share his life drama with you. And if someone finds it in their hearts to help  this young man out, he is able to take contributions online  through PayPal to paypal @ badevan.com  -  If you don't have a PAYPAL account, there is a tip jar on the left hand sidebar of this site, you can leave a donation there and we can forward it to thim.  This is not a scam. We are just trying to help out a fellow gay blogger.

People like Oprah and Bill Clinton talk about the power of giving. Everyone doing little things can make a difference in this world. No matter what you have, or where you  are at in your life, there is always someone worse off and less fortunate. We just try to be grateful every day for what we have and help when we can.

So on that note, you are in our thoughts and prayers, Evan! 


Michael Snell and Derrick Sorles


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How Happy Are You?


 
How Happy Are You?

The Happiness Institute created this test -

Please read each of the following group of statements and select the one  statement in each group that best describes the way you have been feeling for the past week, including today.


1. (a) I feel miserable almost all the time.
(b) I often feel miserable.
(c) I usually feel neutral.
(d) I usually feel pretty good.
(e) I feel great almost all the time.



2. (a) I find life to be boring all the time.
(b) I’m pretty bored with most aspects of life.
(c) I find life boring at times but at other times, it interests me.
(d) I’m interested in most aspects of life.
(e) I find life and living to be absolutely fascinating.



3. (a) I have no direction or life purpose.
(b) I’m unsure about my life direction and purpose.
(c) Sometimes I feel like I know my life purpose.
(d) I’m pretty clear about my life purpose and direction.
(e) My life purpose and direction is crystal clear.

4. (a) I have no energy and feel tired almost all the time.
(b) I often feel tired and lethargic.
(c) I usually have enough energy to do what I need to do.
(d) Most of the time I feel energetic and enthusiastic.
(e) I’m bursting with energy and enthusiasm almost all the time.

5. (a) I’m extremely pessimistic about the future.
(b) There are times when I feel pessimistic about the future.
(c) I’m not sure about the future, one way or the other.
(d) I’m pretty optimistic about the future.
(e) I’m extremely optimistic and excited about the future.

 

6. (a) I don’t have any close friends.
(b) I have a few friends but none I really consider close.
(c) I a few good friends and family members with whom I’m close.
(d) I have quite a few good friends.
(e) I have lots of good friends & feel I easily connect with everyone.

7. (a) I don’t think I have any strengths at all.
(b) I’m not sure whether or not I have any strengths.
(c) I’m getting to know my strengths.
(d) I know my strengths and try to use them when I can.
(e) I know exactly what my strengths are and I use them all the time.

8. (a) I never enjoy myself no matter what I’m doing.
(b) I find it difficult to enjoy life in the moment.
(c) I try to enjoy life as much as I can.
(d) I enjoy myself most of the time.
(e) I thoroughly enjoy every moment.

9. (a) I have absolutely nothing for which to be grateful.
(b) There’s not much in my life for which I’m grateful.
(c) I’m grateful for a few things in my life.
(d) I have quite a few things in my life for which I’m grateful.
(e) I’m extremely grateful for so many things in my life.

10. (a) I’ve accomplished nothing.
(b) I’ve not accomplished much in life.
(c) I’ve accomplished about as much as the average person.
(d) I’ve accomplished more in life than most people.
(e) I’ve accomplished a great deal more in life than most people.

Score each question from 1 to 5 where (a) equals 1 and (e) equals 5 (your maximum score, therefore, should be 50).

If you scored 40 or above – you’re doing extremely well. Keep up the great work.

If you scored 30-39 – you’re doing pretty well but might like to review the questions on which you scored 3 or below and consider how you might improve in these areas.

If you scored below 29 – you could be much happier!

If you’re interested in learning how you could be happier then check out the coaching and course options, as well as the products & resources, at The Happiness Institute-  they offer a free e-newsletter and lots of free resources at their site.

How satisfied are you with your life? What can you do to improve your happiness level?
Film maker Line Hatland documented a study on happiness in How Happy Can You Be? an educational film.
Among many other things, we learn the three main factors contributing to happiness, including life circumstances, intentional activity (what one chooses to do), and one's genetic makeup.

We all define happiness in different ways. And we all find inner happiness in different ways. I think the real secret is to not get so caught up in the little stuff, that we forget what is important to us.



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Design a Life With Random Acts of Kindness



Remember when the book Random Acts of Kindness first came out?

It's been 15 years! 10 years ago the foundation was started. The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. They provide free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants through their website.

"Through the dissemination of ideas and the development of materials and programs, we have helped our kindness coordinators – including educators, students, community members, faith groups, service clubs, and others – incorporate kindness into thousands of schools and communities. As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on."

Stop by and visit them! They provide a wide variety of materials on our website, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans, teacher's guide, project planning guide, publicity guide, and workplace resources all free of charge.

We can change the world!

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Life by Design Presents PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME Customized Self-Help Program




Tired?  In a rut? Depressed? 

Unhappy with what’s going on in your life?

Are you making the right career decisions?
 

Do you have a plan—what are your goals?
 

Are relationships draining or energizing you?



One of the things that I have always been passionate about is understanding personality types and utilizing psychological type theories to help people. And someone asked me the other day, if I still did that. YES! Even though blogging and Internet Marketing has taken over a large portion of my life, I still offer this service.

Don’t waste your time on another workshop or seminar that “pumps you up” but doesn’t create any lasting change in key areas of your life.  Because life doesn’t come with an owner’s manual, there’s PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME: a one-on-one program guaranteed to clarify your personal values, goals and unique skills and personality characteristics using psychological type theory.

 
 In just 2 sessions, use proven personality type information to first—better understand yourself—and second—better understand others different from you.

  • Understand what motivates you and what drains you and why  

  • Take charge of your life’s direction and create a plan for the future

     

  • Understand and identify your unique gifts and potential areas for growth, while respecting those different from yours Improve the quality of relationships in your life

     

  • Better manage and reduce conflict and stress

     

  • Improve your ability to communicate and listen

     

  • Take your workplace performance and promotibility to the next level Enjoy a greater sense of happiness, purpose and fulfillment daily.

 

Personalized consultation packages start as low as $295 – pricing includes all professional learning instruments, assessment tools and accompanying text materials.

Derrick  Sorles       773-878-5323        e-mail me



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    Miss Trixie Deluxe....A Dog's Life



     


    We had talked about getting  a dog the last couple years, so for Christmas, our best friend bought us a dog. Miss Trixie Deluxe! She is a 4 pound bundle of energy, miniature yorkshire terrier. (She was only 2 pounds when she arrived in December...she seems so HUGE now!)

    People often say, "in my next life, I want to come back as a dog!" (or a cat). The thinking is that they (pets) have an easy life....no worries....food  when they want, sleep when they want, and lots of lovin'! - Right now Miss Trixie is fast asleep on my lap, without a care in the world! Except to protect me of course...the least little sound will awaken her and get her barking!

    If you believe in reincarnation, and I think I do, I once read where our spirit constantly evolves, until it reaches a perfection. A Ghandi-like quality. And I had read we first start as plants, then evolve to animals, and then to humans. You really can't go backwards. -  But the thought of coming back as a creature without  a care in the world seems kind of appealing! -

    This  coming saturday she is having a puppy play-day with 29 other Yorkies, at the Chicago Meet-Up for Yorkies. For about 2 hours, she will run and play like crazy, non-stop, with these other dogs, chasing each other like crazy! It's funny to watch!

    At this time in my life, where there seems to be lot's of stress, coming back as a dog, sounds like a nice thought, but in reality, I don't know. There is so much I have experienced in this life, that I would not trade it for anything. And hopefully so much more still yet to experience and grow from. But maybe we can stop, take a deep breathe, and live like a dog for  a moment. Just enjoy it. The moment.  We get so caught up in an avalanche of fear and desires that propel us into a race we can't possibly win. 

        I read a poem once by Donna Fargo that said,

    "Be thankful and look to every day  with positive hope.

    Take time to pull yourself away
    from all the noise and just look around you.
    Take inventory.
    Appreciate those who enhanced the quality of your life,
    and remember that they have been a gift to you.
    Also remember that you're a gift to them,too.

    Be grateful for the choices you've made, both good and bad.
    Accept your mistakes; you can't change them anyway.
    Apply what you've learned and go on.
    Use these lessons to help you with your decisions in life.
    Appreciate yourself and your own uniqueness.

    Go outside and look at the sky.
    Soak in the atmosphere.
    Enjoy the colors of the landscape.
    Feel the textures of every place you are that you're thankful for.
    Smile at the world.
    Don't allow any negative feelings to creep into your consciousness.
    Feel the power of your own acceptance.
    Put a positive spin on every thought you have.

    Make every day special.  Own it.  Enjoy it.  Bask in the glory of life. 
    Appreciate the gift of your own life."


    Just something to think about.


    Derrick Sorles and Michael Snell - We Help Bring New Business To You!
       Your Business MD's- Business Blog Consultants/Web 2.0 Consultants and Strategists

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    Should You Follow Your Passion?



    I was doing some research today about following your passion, and I stumbled across a blog post by a man I met last year at SOBCon 07.  Adam Kayce  writes Monk @ Work. And he did a post last fall about following your passion. In part, he says...

    Passion puts you on the road to wholeness.

    When it comes right down to it, you’re seeking wholeness (whether you know it or not). It’s the game of life that we’re all playing. When your passion gets inflamed, it’s a signal to you that you’re coming close to something that you need in order to recognize your innate wholeness. When you’re moving closer to that which makes you whole, your being can smell the potential, and it gets excited.


    And that inner geiger counter, that bloodhound-of-your-soul that’s sniffing its way towards wholeness, is what drives passion.

    But the naysayers aren’t always wrong; passion can be a diversion, a smokescreen. If you’re needing to stay focused (on a project, on your career, on your spouse….), and something comes along that makes you sit up and take notice, it doesn’t always mean you should chase after it. Sometimes, that radar can lead you astray.

    But how can you tell the difference?

    The difference is made by the timbre of the passion; the characteristic quality of the passion that’s driving you.

    If it’s a passion that pulls you “up and out”, removing you from your sense of center, and causing you to forget your heart’s values (something your heart will signal to you at once, if you can hear it over the din of your excitement), then it’s a passion of diversion. The aspects of you that don’t want to stay in one place are latching on the “bright, shiny object” passing by in order to try to recapture that juicy feeling that passion can bring.

    But, because your heart goes sour with this kind of passion, it’s not going to fulfill you in the way you’re hoping it will.

    On the other hand, if the passion you feel is grounding, expanding, and strikes deep into the heart of who you are, then it’s a passion of deepening. A long lost aspect of you, something that needs to be rekindled, is calling out from the depths of your soul, saying, “Yes… remember me.”

    The timbre of a passion of deepening has a quality to it that’s like (as cliche as it sounds) coming home. But better, and different.

    It’s like that line in Sleepless in Seattle (love that movie; and thanks to Movie Quotes for helping me remember its source), when Tom Hanks was recalling the love he shared with his wife:

    “It’s like coming home, only to no home I’ve ever known.”

    There’s a familiarity to a passion of deepening, but also a newness, and a sense of discovery, and that takes it beyond just “trying to recapture the past.” It makes you excited and thinking of the future, sure… but it also makes you feel more “you” than before.




    *Adam is currently transitioning from Monk At Work to a new site called Viverati. He says, "One thing is clear: common sucks. If you want to live the best life you can, you have to break away from the sheeple and do as the few do… the ones who have learned what it means to be exceptional. From lifestyle design to financial freedom to spiritual fulfillment, along with health, productivity, design, and how to make the best pancakes on the planet, Viverati brings you life at its best."

    Stop by his site and check it out!



    Derrick Sorles and Michael Snell - We Help Bring New Business To You!
       Your Business MD's- Business Blog Consultants/Web 2.0 Consultants and Strategists


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    Going Green and Eco-Friendly



     Television stations are going green. Celebrities are encouraging consumers to buy green. Stores, municipalities, churches and private citizens are building green!  Didn't they do this is the 70's???

    Yes they did - but now it seems with all the talk of Global Warming, people have decided it's a cause worth  re-exploring. It goes beyond recycling. And everyone can do a little and it will equal a lot!

    Fellow bloggers Franke James and Karen Hanrahan both know about being green! Karen in fact was just featured in a local Chicago paper.

    Green living, also sometimes referred to as ecological living, is a conscious effort to reduce carbon footprints.

    Proponents of this lifestyle make changes and choices in their everyday life with the earth in mind. But can there be various shades of green?

    For some people, hopping on the green, fuel-efficient bandwagon is a trend brought on by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and his eco-celebrity buddies, but others were green way before it became cool.

    That's what happened to La Grange resident Karen Hanrahan.

    "When my kids were little, I began to wonder about cleaning products and their toxicity," said Hanrahan, a mother of two.  She began looking for alternative means to clean -- products that were safe but that didn't have diminished power. She started by using natural household items.

    She found  alternative's through Shaklee Corp., a company that manufactures and distributes eco-friendly cleaning products. Karen  has incorporated other eco-friendly practices in to her life. More than a decade ago she stopped using disposable paper towels, except for what she refers to as "animal messes." She uses cloth towels for everything else. She runs her washer and dryer only every two weeks, and she brings her own drinking cup with her everywhere to cut down on trash.

    "If everyone brought their own cup to Starbucks, think of all the garbage that would be eliminated!" Karen said.


    Starbucks has 15,000 stores in 42 countries. They use 1.5 BILLION cups per year! That's staggering to visualize.

    Everyday, we see it more and more and we are hearing more and more people use the words. Green. Eco. Sustainable. Plus there are lots of resources online to get you started, if you haven't already.

    The Green Guide, Tree Hugger has a WHOLE list of everything from Green Pets to Green Babies to Green Electronics! Find out the top 10 green Cities!

    Just start small and pick ONE thing.  Every little bit counts!

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    Songstress Angela Bofill - Still Recovering and In Need




    STRESS! It Can Kill You!

    Angela Bofill, who was an amazing talented signer in the 80's and 90's, had the voice of an angel and had fans around the world. Somehow I missed the news, but in 2006  AND  2007, she suffered 2 massive strokes. And with no health insurance was left with a stack of bills for medical expenses, physical and speech therapies, and necessary daily living expenses, that she can not pay.

    In the mid 80's, I had the opportunity to meet her in person. And saw her perform live several times. She was a wonderfully kind and gentle person. We hung out backstage for a good hour once just chatting! And my heart goes out to her during this difficult time. If anyone else feels like making a contribution to her needs, you can do so online or mail a check.

    Stopped short of her fourteenth release by a stroke, "Angel of the Night" Angela Bofill, has released her FIRST EVER, LIVE ALBUM on her own Black Angel Label. The album, recorded in the Philippines September 2004, wowed a packed house at Merk's Bistro in Manila, with her signature Angela Bofil performace, of Pop, Jazz, and R&B. Without medical insurance, Angela struggles each day, unable to afford much needed medical care and Stroke rehabilitation. All proceeds of this sale to benefit Angela Bofill. You can buy the CD or download it.

    Angela Bofill, who suffered 2 massive strokes, has a message she wants to get out to everyone: "Watch your stress level."

    The 53-year-old singer says she believes stress contributed to her massive strokes. "Don't stress out. That's what got me," she says. "It's not worth it, whatever the problem is, it's not worth losing your health."

    Diabetes and high blood pressure increase your risk for stroke. She had no idea she had both until after she had the stroke. Bofill advises people to get checked for both illnesses.

    You will be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers, Angela!


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    The Happiness Projects


       

    It seems that lately I have been talking about happiness a lot here on the site.  I love sharing new discoveries with others because I think that happiness is the primary goal for most of us, especially as we become older and wiser - not fame or fortune (well a little mixed in sure helps!), just happiness.

    So in my research this week, I was reading about these different "Happiness Projects."

    Author Gretchin Rubin is working on The Happiness Project book. "--it's a memoir about the year I spent test-driving every principle, tip, theory, and scientific study I could find, whether from Aristotle or St. Therese or Martin Seligman or Oprah. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will gather these rules for living and report on what works and what doesn’t. On my daily blog, I recount some of my adventures and insights as I grapple with the challenge of being happier. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will hit the shelves in late 2009 (HarperCollins)." She also put together a neat slideshow called The Years Are Short.

    Dr. Robert Holden is director of The Happiness Project, in the UK. Dr Robert Holden is a pioneer in the field of positive psychology and well-being. His pioneering work has been featured in the BBC TV QED documentary called How to be Happy - now shown in 16 countries to over 30 million television viewers.

    "The Happiness Project is a remarkable success-story that continues to unfold day by day. The cast of The Happiness Project includes top psychologists, life coaches, business leaders, spiritual ministers, leading physicians, great musicians, actors and poets – all of whom are fired with a passion to serve and inspire. Formed in 1996, we are rapidly approaching our tenth year in existence."

           

    Satya Bali has a YouTube video with a website coming soon. "I've been traveling for years in search of the secret to true happiness - documenting this mad journey on tape for The Happiness Project. I've studied with some of the world's greatest masters, been on the craziest adventures, traveled far and wide to places beyond my wildest dreams... Now I'm finally beginning to reveal these journeys to the world, and posting new clips to share the love."

    One writer I found has launched Happiness 4 Us - their version of Grethens work.  "Our project is based on Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project.  In her blog she offers tips from what she found in that year. - In our project we will use some of her tips and reject others, define happiness for ourselves, and see if we can become happier too!"

    The Dali Lama Foundation also has a Happiness Project, involving high-school age students in the US, Nigeria and India.

    And blogger Alex Shalman has also launched his own Happiness Project. "The Happiness Project started off as a series of interviews, in which I asked people 5 questions about happiness. The caliber of people that participated was HUGE, as it involved A-List bloggers, NY Times #1 best selling Authors, experts who researched happiness, as well as other amazing people. You can see links to all 34 of these interviews on the site, but keep in mind that there is MORE!" - Besides the interviews, he has launched a group writing project.

    He ask's -
    1. How do you define happiness?
    2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?
    3. What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)
    4. What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?
    5. What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?

    For me personally, I define happiness when my attitude is at peace, joyfully positive and I feel full of energy! Right now, at this point in my life, I rate my happiness overall an 8-9 most days, as opposed to my childhood maybe a 5. I think when we are born, we are all a happy 10! As we get older, we lose sight of things and the demands of life suck some of that happiness from some of us. As our thinking matures and we learn more life lessons, I think you can get back to a 10!

    I always look at the glass as half full. I am a pretty happy guy. My partner of 9 years struggles at times. He is getting better though. He used to always look at the glass as half empty, and he frequently lets work and/or financial stress bring down his happiness level. But for the last 16 months we have been lucky enough to work from home, for ourselves, doing something we both enjoy, so we are always there for each other. We love being together - that makes us happy!

    As for the future, I think the only thing standing between us and a feeling of 10, is financial security. We risked a lot to start our own business. Probably TOO MUCH. We don't seek fame or fortune, though those are certainly nice add-ons, if they were to happen. We would just like to get our debt paid down, remove the stress of that, and be able to make a comfortable living and not worry about financial stresses. - I consider myself a life-long learner. And I hope to continue to grow spiritually and mentally as well, in an effort to reach a plain of greater happiness! 

     


    I hope these links help everyone out there searching for happiness!


    Stop by Alex's blog and particapate with your thoughts and ideas!


         



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