[cranegirl]

<p> </p>
<p>I was just reading an article about positive psychology in western societies and how it applies to work with students.  The general gist of this is that people <em>are about as happy as they want to be</em>.  I thought I'd share some of the basic thoughts just to get us all off to a good start:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul><li><a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/happiness" target="_blank" title="Psychology Today looks at Happiness">Actively choosing happiness</a> can create actual, measurable good outcomes.  People who are satisfied with life eventually have even more reason to be satisfied, because happiness leads to desirable outcomes at school and work, to fulfilling social relationships, and even to good health and long life.</li>
<li>• Most people are <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/resilience" target="_blank" title="Psychology Today looks at Resilience">resilient</a>.</li>
<li>• Happiness, strengths of character, and good social relationships are buffers against the damaging effects of disappointments and setbacks.</li>
<li>• Crisis reveals character.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p>OK--now go and try and make today a good one, people! </p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>

 

[Runninlaw]

<p>Ooooh, we are up and at 'em early this  morning for fun!  I love it.  Melis - I think all of those are so true.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fun for me: a day off!  Well, sort of.  I have a little bit of work to do, but I am staying home with the boys today.  Soon school, soccer, flag football and Girls on the Run start, so life is about to get very crazy.  So today, me and the boys are just going to hang out and enjoy our down time together.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a fabulous Tuesday peeps.</p>

 

[phdatc]

<p>Good morning!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Great start to the day <strong>Melis</strong>!  I am a firm believer that you are the only one in control of your reactions.  I can react positively or negatively, my. choice.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>QOD</strong> - What do you do each day to make yourself smile?  <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/hello2.gif" title=""></p>

 

[cranegirl]

<p> </p>
<p>BTW, I'm not trying to be overly Pollyanna with this--bad stuff does happen and so does crisis that can really affect people negatively.  I just found some of this information interesting--a study out of Ohio (I think your stomping grounds, Kris) showed that for the most part the students who were the happiest were the ones that made a conscious effort to do so.  I'm not always good at seeing the bright side of things...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>QOD</strong>--Run??   Actually, music I think is my gig.  Hard to be sad with a really groovy beat in the background. </p>

 

[BigGahoona]

<p>NOTHING wrong with being a Pollyanna!  What a great way to start the day <strong>Melis</strong>! Love it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Quick post since I've gotta catch a bus - totally rain forest here.  gross. Def a ponytail kind of day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>QOD</strong>: Run. Even C has already picked up on the fact that running puts me in a good mood.  When I was putting in that OT and kinda crabby about it he suggested I take time and go for a run and then I'd feel better. </p>

 

[gatorbob]

<p>I agree with all this.  It sounds cliche, but life is what you make of it.  For example, 2010 has been an interesting year for me, to say the least.  Both my parents were in the hospital, I had two seizures and learned that I have epilepsy, I was in a serious car accident that could have killed me or someone in my family, and then to top it off, just last week our brand new car got dinged up.  I think it would be easy for me to feel down and feel sorry for myself.  But on the other hand, none of that was really all that bad.  While none of these things were good things, they all could have been worse.  Nobody died in these incidents, or even suffered any serious injuries.  So instead of feeling bad about these things that happened, I choose to feel good that they worked out the way they did.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Along these lines, one thing I think that is key to remaining more-or-less happy overall is to realize that sooner or later, there will be some unhappy times.  It's impossible for anyone to go thru an entire life without facing some unhappiness.  For example (and this may be overly blunt), people die.  Every single one of us will.  And every single person that we care about will.  It might be tomorrow or it might be 100 years from now.  But the longer we ourselves live, the more loved ones we will see go before us.  I'm not trying to be a downer here.  I'm just saying that some unhappy times are inevitable.  If you realize that, you can face those unhappy times when they come, and manage to be happy at other times.  Does that make sense?  I guess my point is that someone who wants or expects life to be perfect is going to end up severly disappointed.  But if you expect some bumps in the road, I think you can handle them a little better when they inevitably do appear...</p>
<p><br><strong>QOD</strong>:  Running is a good answer.  I also make sure to kiss my wife and daughter first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.</p>

 

[clare]

<p>Mornin' gang!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>QOD:  What makes me smile is coming here to see what all you fine folks are up to each day!  : )  Seeing the smiles on my girls makes me smile, too.  And running.  And having something fun to eat. </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Beaker]

<p>Morning loves! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Melis what a great start to the day!  A friend posted something along those lines on her FB page, about how we react to a situation really can dictate the outcome. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I don't wear rose colored glasses and don't have all the material things other people have but I feel like I live a pretty charmed life! <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/love7.gif" style="width:32px;height:45px;" title="">  I have had my fair share of stress and bad things happen but I think they have all taught me to appreciate what I have.  Life is good my friends!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>QOD:  Any time I can spend with little man makes me smile, no way I can't be happy around that goof.  I also try to connect with at least one friend a day, sometimes just here or through FB, but touching base with people I care about reminds me how good I have it!</p>

 

[cherl_w]

<p>I agree with Bob.  There's no sense in worrying about things to come, wallowing in something that has happened...  Life is much too short and it really is what you make of it.  I think we all decide for ourselves the kind of life we want to have.  I know I do every morning when I wake. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>QOD</strong>: Hug my children, but that's kind of a given.  I do something heart-pumping every day and this makes me happy.  I also try to get in a little piece of chocolate every day. </p>

 

[Runninlaw]

<p>I'm all on board with the Pollyanna stuff too.  Attitude and outlook make a difference in absolutely everything we do.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>QOD:</strong>  running and checking in on friends (whether is is here, FB, picking up the phone, or walking into someone's office).  My kids and DH also inevitably make me smile every day.  Funny (yet somewhat off-colored) moment:  Sunday I was cutting DS#2's hair and DH was helping clean up.  I was trimming his hair around his forehead and DS#2 yells, "Blow me, Mom!"  I thought DH and I were going to die laughing.  Of course he wanted me to blow the hair off of his face because it was itchy, but it was insanely funny.  Maybe you had to be there.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>NOT FUN:</strong>  I just received my year-end bonus for the business I brought in last year.  Um, after taxes, it was less than 50% of the original amount.  Good lord.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>FUN:</strong>  I am going to buy my son a computer with part of my bonus.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>UPDATE:</strong>  First of all, thanks for all of the kind words and well wishes.  DH's friend did not have surgery yet on his neck - he is simply not stable enough.  They thought he had pnemonia, but he doesn't - just really bad bruising in his lungs and he is still on 100% oxygen.  He is communicating with his wife by blinking his eyes.  I e-mailed with her last night and she is going to his parent's house today to get things such as pictures/scrapbooks/etc.  It is going to be a really hard day for her.  She is doing all of the right things with the doctors though and it being incredibly strong.  But she said it is very very hard and each day seems a bit harder.  I am sure it is.  I'm not sure yet whether he even knows his family is gone.  All incredibly sad.  And it has given me very clear perspective the last couple of days.</p>

 

[Beaker]

<p>RIL I clearly missed something BIG!  Sending good vibes to  your DH's friend and his wife!</p>

 

[theia]

<p>I missed it too.  I'm so sorry.  Lots of strength coming to you and your friends.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>QOD:</p>
<ol><li>Exercise</li>
<li>Spend time with my critters</li>
<li>Eat massive amounts of chocolate</li>
<li>And then exercise some more</li>
</ol>

 

[theia]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>GatorBob</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69827/terrific-fun-tuesday#post_1940340"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p><br><strong>QOD</strong>:  I also make sure to kiss my wife and daughter first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br><br>
Very sweet.</p>

 

[katholeenie]

<p>I think RIL's Dh's friend was in a car accident and he was the only survivor. Terrible.</p>

 

[KP]

<p>Thanks <strong>Craney</strong>.  I needed to be reminded that I control my attitude, not others, to stop reacting and exert control.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also think <strong>boB</strong> is spot on.  Reminds me of something I read in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=kickrunners-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRunning-Buffaloes-University-Colorado-Cross-Country%2Fdp%2F1585748048%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dbooks%26ie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1283262559%26sr%3D1-1" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">Running With The Buffalos</a> last night (ok, it's the third time reading it for me):  Wetmore, the coach, was being philosophical and said, <em>"Look," he continues, "I have the disadvantage of not believing in an afterlife floating on a cloud, playing a harp; so I'm not looking at this as something I just have to get through."  </em>To me that says enjoy life.  Yes, there will be bad times, but they are never as bleak and as bad as they may seem.  The sun will rise tomorrow.  Take advantage of that..what's Voo's line?  Alive is a good way to start the day.</p>
<p> </p>

 

[amichel]

<p>QOD: I come here to try to catch some of the Polynana stuff, because it does not come naturally to me at all!</p>

 

[katholeenie]

<p>Anyway, Morning peeps!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Water is back on and the road is "fixed". Which means they filled the hole and threw some asphalt on it, but there was NO finessing involved. I wish they'd just resurface it already. My street has been on the schedule for repaving for the last few years but they haven't done it yet. And it just gets worse and worse. <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/huh.gif" title=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The yarn bowls dried enough over night that I can trim them today, so I'll be spending some time in the studio. <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif" title=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>QOD: uh.... every morning I'm greeted by 2 noses smooshed against the french doors at the top of the steps. That's a good way to start the day. <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif" title="">  Otherwise?... um... I don't know. I smile a lot anyway & usually see the bright side of things. I know sucky times won't last forever. </p>

 

[KP]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>katholeenie</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69827/terrific-fun-tuesday#post_1940406"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Anyway, Morning peeps!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Water is back on and the road is "fixed". Which means they filled the hole and threw some asphalt on it, but there was NO finessing involved. I wish they'd just resurface it already. My street has been on the schedule for repaving for the last few years but they haven't done it yet. And it just gets worse and worse. <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/huh.gif" title=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>we had the same thing happen the first year we were in the house...on Labor Day.  So we spent some time talking to the guys as they fixed it around 9 PM, on Labor Day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They throw the asphalt there and it has to settle for a few days before they can patch it, or else the patch will settle.<br>
 </p>

 

[katholeenie]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>KP</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69827/terrific-fun-tuesday#post_1940411"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><p>They throw the asphalt there and it has to settle for a few days before they can patch it, or else the patch will settle.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Yah, yah...  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>When I was talking to them last night they said a bunch of the patches on my street on the other side of the Trail were from main breaks over the last few years. And those patches haven't been fixed yet. <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/huh.gif" title=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>THey should just repave our freaking street already. Darnit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Someone is licking my thigh. <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/lol.gif" title=""></p>

 

[gatorbob]

<p><span>Quote:</span></p>
<div class="quote-container">
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>GatorBob</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69827/terrific-fun-tuesday#post_1940340"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p> </p>
<p>I guess my point is that someone who wants or expects life to be perfect is going to end up severly disappointed.  But if you expect some bumps in the road, I think you can handle them a little better when they inevitably do appear...</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>When I wrote this, I think I had my wife in mind.  I don't mean to pick on her while she's not around to defend herself, but she is one of those people who could have 9 things go right for her, but if the 10th thing goes bad, she stews on that one thing and lets it depress her for a while.  I always try to tell her to instead think of those 9 good things, but she has a hard time doing that.  I feel like I have to remind her every day about all the good fortune we have -- a happy healthy kid, our own health, all of our parents still alive, a bunch of great friends, two jobs, no debt (other than the mortgage), etc.  When I think of all that, it makes it easier for me to bear a rough day at work or a crappy run or whatever.  Including car accidents and seizures...</p>
</div>