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Put your happiness to work in the lives of others. Learn about things you can do, and that others are doing, to make the world a happier place.
Apps designed for mindfulness
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3 Must-Have Mindfulness Apps

Although technology is known as a great distracter, it also has allowed for the creation of some terrific tools to help fine-tune your mindfulness. If you’re looking for a way to become more mindful, here are a few apps designed to help: Insight Timer Available for both Android and iOS users, the Insight Timer is a combination meditation timer and mindfulness guide. Enjoy guided meditations by gurus like Sharon Salzberg and Jack Kornfield, and find others in your area who are meditating. This one uses a guided meditation as well as Tibetan singing bowls to create the meditation experience that’s right for you. Free. The Mindfulness Training App Designed for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, the Mindfulness Training App walks you through a number of practices and styles, all presented by experts like Dr. Andrew Weill and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. Whether you’re looking for a basic introduction to mindfulness and meditation, want to cultivate spiritual awareness and physical well-being or find-tune your deep breathing skills, this robust app covers all the bases with a full library of resources that are designed to be shared with friends. Free. In-app purchases available. Stillness Buddy Who doesn’t need a friend to remind us to take a break, take a breath and re-center ourselves? That’s the role that Stillness Buddy plays. This desktop application can be customized to your schedule, and at the chosen time, you’ll get a message on your screen that reminds you to take a moment of stillness. You can also choose what exercise you prefer to be guided through during that moment, and can choose from meditations by spiritual teachers including Thich Nhat Hanh, His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama and Barry Long; there are also programs on mindfulness-based stress reduction and stretching. Free 14-day trial; after that, user licenses provide access to content for about $15 a month.
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Rev Run is the Real Cookie Monster
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Rev Run Is the Real Cookie Monster [video]

Cookies, magazines ... a trip to Barnes & Noble with his son ... these are the things that make musician and Cooking Channel star Rev Run Happy. In this except from the PBS documentary This Emotional Life, we see the Rev just riffing about a few of his favorite things.
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10 Life-Changing Books
Reading

10 Life-Changing Books That Stay With You

There are books that entertain, books that inform ... books that speak to the brain, the mind, the intellect and the emotions. And then there are books that seem to speak directly to the soul—life-changing books that make you question your core beliefs, staying with you long after you've finished reading. These 10 masterpieces fall into the second category. Each is a pleasure to read, a treasure to ponder, and ultimately changes something deep inside of you - just for having experienced it. 1. The Alchemist By: Paulo Coelho Year: 1988 Synopsis: Originally published in Portuguese, this inspiring tale of self-discovery follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. But his quest takes him in a different - and far more satisfying - direction, to learn how to listen to his heart and follow his dreams. That something special: Easy to read and highly descriptive, this masterpiece will inspire you to brave the path to pursuing your dreams - just like Santiago. 2. The Artist's Way By: Julia Cameron Year: 1992 Synopsis: Essentially a self-help workbook on creativity, this life-changing book coaxes readers along a spiritual, rtistic path. With tasks to complete at the end of each chapter, reading this book is a dynamic affair. That special something: Deep and yet simple, this book has the power to flip the creativity switch in anyone - from accountants to athletes and everywhere in between. 3. Life of Pi By: Yann Martel Year: 2001 Synopsis: Pi Patel is the son of a zookeeper, with an encyclopedic knowledge of animals and a taste for philosophy. While immigrating to North America from India with his family, their ship sinks - and Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat with a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger - or does he? What follows is a fantastical tale of intrigue and adventure. That special something: While this is not a book about religion, it does tell a tale about the importance of believing in something - be it God, Mother Nature, or your own strength. 4. The Road Less Traveled By: M.Scott Peck Year: 1978 Synopsis: A cross of psychology and spirituality, this non-fiction book is packed with insight and wisdom about the attributes that make for a fulfilled person. With an eloquent examination of complex, human concepts such as discipline and love, Peck theorizes four distinct stages of human spiritual development along the path to self-realization. That special something: This quote says it all: Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and wisdom. 5. The History of Love By: Nicole Kraus Year: 2005 Synopsis: This beautiful book-within-a-book tells the story of Leo Gursky and the love of his life, Alma. With an adventure across oceans and decades, the novel is fueled by the thrill of mystery and joy of connection. That special something: This book will leave you thinking about Leo and Alma nonstop for days after you finish it - and while the story will fade from the front of your mind, it will never really leave you. 6. Conversations with God By: Neil Donald Walsch Year: 1995 Synopsis: The full name of this trilogy of books is Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue and it is indeed an uncommon dialogue. The entire series is a captivating back and forth conversation between the author and - on topics ranging from religion and spirituality to education, love and politics. That special something: Regardless of your beliefs, these inspired and inspirational books will challenge you to think about the world around you and your own existence. 7. The Giving Tree By: Shel Silverstein Year: 1964 Synopsis: The Giving Tree is the beautiful, poignant story of a tree who loved a little boy. The tree loves the boy and does anything she can for him as he grows older - without regard for what she’s getting in return. That something special: Ostensibly a children’s book, this parable has a clear message for readers of all ages - about the gift of giving, and accepting different the ways in with others return affection. 8. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience By: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Year: 2013 Synopsis: Csikszentmihalyi studies over the past two decades have revealed that is what makes life experiences genuinely satisfying—a feel of deep concentration, immersion and absorption. This classic work on happiness touches on contemporary psychology, delving into issues such as family, art and sport to ultimately answer the question - how do we make our lives meaningful? That special something: This life-changing book will help you to identify when you’re really happy—and channel the to maximize those good vibes. 9. Sophie's World By: Jostein Gaarder Year: 1991. Synopsis: A novel and a philosophical work in one, this life-changing book tells the story of Sophie Amundsen, a teenage girl living in Norway, and Alberto Knox, the middle-aged philosopher who introduces her to philosophy. That special something: Who are you? and Where does the world come from? are the two cardinal questions that Sophie has to answer. You’ll ponder them too. 10: The Red Tent By: Anita Diamant Year: 1997 Synopsis: This novel imagines the compelling story of Dinah - daughter of Leah and Jacob and sister of Joseph. Building on hints in the Book of Genesis, the author writes about the lives of women in biblical times, touching on mothers and daughters, midwifery, love, and living in a foreign land. That special something: Strongly feminist and deeply touching, this story will change the way you think of biblical times.
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Jack Miller, Cade Humphreys, and Dustin Hansen
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Rounding Up Hope

Dustin Hansen remembers the day Roundup River Ranch found him. During a fly-fishing trip on the Colorado River, the bankernoticed a shimmering stretch of ranchland at the water’s edge. His guide told him it was a camp for kids with cancer. Something stirred inside him—his father had died of cancer when Dustin was 16—and from that moment on, he was compelled to learn more, and was inspired to eventually become a volunteer counselor at the camp.A special campPhilanthropist Alison Knapp, inspired by Paul Newman’s camps for children with serious medical issues, founded the ranch in 2006 in Avon, Colorado. Roundup River Ranch gives kids, as Paul once said, a place to “kick back and raise a little hell,” with horseback riding, canoeing, archery and other summer camp diversions.The ranch is now part of the late actor’s SeriousFun Children’s Network and includes a complete 24-hour medical component. Dustin says the ranch has an amazing atmosphere—like “Disney World on steroids.” “Most of these kids are hospitalized; most do not go to school,” he says.It gives them hope“The ranch lets them play and experience joy. The nurses say that it’s as important as their medical treatments….It gives them hope.” Dustin sees the transformation in the children and in his own outlook. He watched an 8-year-old boy with a brain tumor and a leg amputation tackle a climbing wall hand over hand, foothold by foothold, making it to the top by himself.“I’ve never cried like I did that day,” Dustin says. “They were tears of joy. He had so much will and perseverance. These kids are teaching me about life.“They taught me how to play and celebrate more—how to laugh. They taught me that life is short, that you need to count your blessings each and every day, and that there is joy even in bad situations.”Marie Speed is the editor of a number of South Florida-based magazines.
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33 Ideas on Leadership
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33 Ideas on Leadership

1. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams2. ReadThe 5 Levels of Leadershipby John C. Maxwell.3. WatchLincoln.4. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister (bbbs.org).5. WatchLean On Me.6. ReadThe Virgin Way: Everything I Know About Leadershipby Richard Branson.Read about the trajectory of media mogul Arianna Huffington.7. WatchTheIron Lady.8. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” —Steve Jobs9. Start aJimRohnLeadership Journal.10. Download theMind Toolsapp.11. WatchSaving Private Ryan.12. Read The7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleby Stephen R. Covey.13. Volunteer as a mentor in your area of professional expertise.Read more about the benefits of mentoring.14. Listen to“Centerfield”by JohnFogerty.15. ReadThe Last Lionby William Manchester.16. WatchCoach Carter.17. “The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.” —Tony Blair18. Follow your favorite entrepreneurs onLinkedIn.19. Listen to“GonnaFly Now (Theme to ‘Rocky’)” by BillContievery morning.20. ReadLean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Leadby Sheryl Sandberg.21. WatchRemember the Titans.22. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” —C.S. Lewis23. Participate in a project to improve your community.Read more about how you can improve connectedness in your community.24. Listen to “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons.25. ReadHow to Win Friends and Influence Peopleby Dale Carnegie.26. Watch Drew Dudley’s “Everyday Leadership” TED Talk.27. “You cannot be anything you want to be—but you can be a whole lot more of who you already are.” —TomRath28. Set regular self-improvement goals.29. “The speed of the leader determines the speed of the gang.” – Mary Kay Ash30. ReadDriveby Daniel Pink.Watch our interview with best-selling author Daniel Pink.31. “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” —WarrenBennis32. Watch SimonSinek’s“How Great Leaders Inspire Action” TED Talk.33. Check out the next issue ofLive Happyfor 33 Ideas for Happy Travels.Let us know your ideas of what makes a strong leader by leaving a comment, below!
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6 Steps to Mindfulness Meditation
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6 Steps to Mindfulness Meditation

1. Get Comfortable Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Ideally this would be a room in your house where you can be alone and at peace. 2. Get in position You might try sitting cross-legged on a low cushion on the floor, or upright in a chair. Some people prefer to meditate lying down. 3. Get relaxed Close your eyes, set a timer for five minutes if you are just starting out, and begin by taking a few deep, cleansing breaths. Breath in deeply (but naturally) through your nose, and out through either your nose or mouth—whichever feels more comfortable to you. Let the breaths flow all the way down into your abdomen. 4. Focus on your breaths Become aware of the sound of your breaths as you inhale and exhale. As you inhale, you breathe in all the peaceful and joyful things around you. As you exhale, you rid your mind and body of all the stress and toxins that have been bothering you. Let your mind become mesmerized by the rhythmic pattern of your breathing. 5. Bring your thoughts back to center Your mind will wander. When you notice your thoughts wandering off from your breath, don't chastise yourself—it's totally normal. Simply acknowledge it and bring your focus back to the center, back to your breaths. Take in your immediate surroundings. What do you hear? What do you feel right now, at this moment? Try not to ruminate on the past or worry about the future, but be present in this pure moment. 6. Make a commitment Like exercise, meditation takes practice. And the more we practice, the better we get and the stronger that mindfulness muscle becomes. Even just five to ten minutes per day has been shown to make an enormous difference to well-being after just eight weeks of meditation practice. Let us know about your own mindfulness practice in the Comments section, below.
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KIND founder Daniel Lubetsky
Giving

Cool to be KIND

When Daniel Lubetzky founded KIND Snacks in 2004 he wanted to create a profitable company that sold good-for-you snack bars made with whole foods and no preservatives. He also wanted to help build a more compassionate world. He’s been successful on both fronts. The company has sold more than a billion snack bars and clusters while the KIND Movement has inspired kind acts that have touched more than a million people. Today, the movement donates $10,000 every month to a community cause, like the Women’s Debate Institute in Baltimore, which is dedicated to closing the gender gap in competitive debating; a New York program that rescues leftover food from restaurants and catering companies and redistributes it to people in need; and Sweet Cases, a California-based project that wants to provide duffel bags or suitcases to kids in foster care so they don’t need to carry their belongings, such as a treasured stuffed animal, in plastic trash bags when they move from home to home. Now Daniel is sharing his principles in a new book, Do the Kind Thing: Think Boundlessly, Work Purposefully, Live Passionately.Whether you’re founding a company or working for one, Daniel offers ways to find meaning in your work. We asked Daniel if he could give Live Happy readers a snack-sized summary of his advice. Here’s what he told us. You need to know what gives you purpose before you can translate it into business practice. Your purpose could be to make others happy. To take care of others. To keep this planet clean. It could be a big global problem, or one that affects your community. You may not have identified what force within drives you. This is why introspection is key. Talking with yourself often and deeply is not always an easy task but there are no shortcuts to understanding what makes you tick. You must take the time to ask yourself questions. Your answer most likely will not come overnight. And it may evolve as you gain other experiences. But that is why it is so important that you consciously invest the time to listen to your inner self along the way. Knowing what makes you happy is the first step to actually being happy. Shelley Levitt is a freelance journalist based in Los Angeles, and editor-at-large for Live Happy magazine.
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Be more courageous in life!
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33 Ideas for Living a More Courageous Life

Courage is one of the greatest virtues that we all possess. Facing our fears in the presence of danger and adversity can give us the strength to persevere in any situation and boost our confidence and well-being. Be brave and leave no place for regret. Here are a few ideas about courage to inspire you to live your core values.1. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill2. ReadThe Story of Ruby Bridgesby Robert Coles.3. Listen to “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.4. Watch42 – The Jackie Robinson Story.5. Break the cycle.6. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela7. ReadThe Diary of a Young Girlby Anne Frank.8. Listen to “Let Your Light Shine” by The Relatives.9. WatchMilk.10. Stand up for what is right.11. “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali12. ReadBound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Heroby Kate Clifford Larson.13. Listen to “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift.14. WatchThe King’s Speech.15. If you need help,talkto someone.16. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”— J.K. Rowling17. ReadThe Wildest Brotherby CorneliaFunke.18. Listen to “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon andGarfunkel.19. WatchCourage Under Fire.20. Be an anchor for someone.21. “Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne22. Speak up.23. Listen to “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley.24. WatchBraveheart.25. Tell someone you love them.26. “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” ― Mark Twain27. ReadI am Albert Einstein (Ordinary People Change the World)by BradMeltzer.28. “I don’t want to be remembered as the girl who was shot. I want to be remembered as the girl who stood up.”—MalalaYousafzai29. WatchLife is Beautiful.30. Help awounded warrior.31. Listen to “Hero” by Mariah Carey.32. Forgive someone.33. In June, come back to livehappy.com for 33 ideas on leadership.
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How do you 'share your happy'?
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How Do You Live Happy?

Happiness is contagious, and if your goal is to create a world with more compassion, less strife and a greater sense of purpose and meaning—you need to get your message out there!Here are just a few ideas to share your joy with family, friends and your community.Chalk the walksChalk the Walks is one of many projects spearheaded by The Joy Team. Started in 2011 by Michele McKeag Larsen, the Joy Team has spread positive messages far and wide, beginning with a series of signs and billboards all over her native Pacific Northwest.“We had been doing the billboards for about a year,” says Michele, “But I wanted something more people could engage with. All you have to do is buy chalk. It’s accessible to everyone, and you can do it anywhere.”People around the country have come up with similar ideas for spreading positivity. There is an annual Chalk the Walk in Cleveland, Chalk the Block in El Paso, and a group called Chalk for Thought posts new messages frequently on Instagram and Twitter.Post your happyIn the 21st century, we face a near-constant bombardment of negative messages. Some groups have launched a counter-movement by posting DIY inspirational messages on sticky notes in public places. These handwritten happy hits have been popping up around the country: in buses, on the subway, painted on billboards ... it has become a positively contagious meme.Live Happy has its own Happy Notes (sticky notes printed with positive messages), and the folks at a small organization calledOperation Beautiful came up with a similar idea.There are so many acts of kindness, large and small, that we do on an everyday basis. How will you spread your happiness? So get out there: Do some good and notice when someone does something nice for you. One small step at a time, we will make the world a happier place.Post your messages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag#livehappy and tag us @livehappy, and your positivity will spread even further!
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