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Cincinnati Does the Happy Dance

Chilly temperatures couldn’t keep Cincinnati from getting happy on Sunday, March 23 when nearly 50 people showed up to help dance fitness instructor “Big John” Drury perform to Pharrell William’s hit song “Happy” in downtown's Fountain Square. John, a truck driver who teaches dance fitness on the weekends, says he staged the event to encourage happiness.[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edOJiZcOYk8&feature=youtu.be width:525 height:394 align:center autoplay:0]“With all the negativity in the world today, I think people need a little positivity, and that’s what I’m trying to bring to downtown Cincinnati – a little more happiness,” he said. “I’m a big fan ofPharrell Williams, and that song is so contagious – I think it touches everybody.”After a quick review of the dance moves – in temperatures struggling to reach the low 40s – the impromptu dance troupe enthusiastically took over the square and showed off their moves. Some were students of John’s who had come specifically to join in the dance; others were passers-by who couldn’t resist joining in.The line dance borrowed some moves from Pharrell’s video for the song, and John led the dancers while wearing a black t-shirt adorned by a bright yellow smiley face. His towering 6-foot 7-inch frame was as impossible to overlook as the neon yellow tennis shoes on his feet and the grin on his face. As a crowd of curious onlookers grew, it was impossible to tell who had the biggest smiles: the dancers or the spectators.“How many people are happy here today?” John shouted as the song came to a close. The cheers, whistles and clapping indicated the feeling was universal.John had a friend on hand to videotape the event, and he plans to send it to Pharrell’s camp. “Hopefully he gets to see it, and knows what a difference he’s making,” John says. “I’m just joining the campaign that he’s on – to make people a little happier.”John’s wife, Lori, joined in the dance and says she wasn’t surprised by his idea to make a dance video of the song.“Originally, he was going to do it solo, and dance by himself in front of the fountain,” she says. “But I said, ‘Let’s get the word out and get Cincinnati involved’ – and it worked! We didn’t know how many people would come out, but we had a great turnout. There are a lot of happy people in Cincinnati.”And, by the time they were finished, there were even more.

Paula Felps

Live Happy Science Editor Paula Felps has worked as a freelance writer and editor since 1998. Covering topics ranging from health and fitness to luxury cars and travel to business and technology, she has written for such publications and websites as Executive Travel, American Driver, Self, Reserve, HI Luxury, Go Magazine, Private Clubs, Earth911.com and iVillage.com.Much of her writing has been on subjects that she is passionate about – including music, environmental issues and personal wellness. She is the author of six published books and has served as ghostwriter or editor on nearly a dozen other book projects, ranging on topics from business to spirituality.In addition to her work as a writer and editor, Paula is an advocate for sexual abuse survivors and founded the Sexual Abuse Resource Network in 2011. When she isn’t at her computer, she is probably practicing yoga or doing something with her two Boston terriers.

Sharing

30 Days of Laughter

We continue our Year of Happiness with 30 days of Laughter. Pick and choose your favorite ideas from our list of things to do, watch, read, contemplate… and share! 1. “We don’t laugh because we’re happy; we’re happy because we laugh.” — William James 2. ReadBossypantsby Tina Fey. 3. Attend a laughter yoga class. 4. Watch Airplane! 5."The first thing that you lose on a diet is brain mass." —Margaret Cho 6. “If you’re too busy to laugh, you are too busy.”—Proverb 7. "When I’m sad, I can usually cheer myself up by singing because my voice is worse than my problems." —Anonymous 8. Go to a comedy club and support up-and-coming comics. 9. Watch Modern Family. 10. Read Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denimby David Sedaris—out loud. 11. Listen to a comedy album by Maria Bamford. 12. The Dalai Lama walks into a pizza parlor and says, “Make me one with everything.” 13. Ask a child to tell you a joke. 14. Watch old episodes of Friends. 15. Read the “Banana” poem by Melissa Balmain: Bananas are clannish, bananas are true— an interdependent and unified crew. One day they're all greenish and hard as bamboo; the next, they conspire to rot through and through. So if a well-ripened banana’s for you, then keep the thing lonely, whatever you do. — from Walking in on People (available in June) 16.Try to get your dog to smile. 17. Teach your kids “The Song that Never Ends.” 18. "I spilled spot remover on my dog and now he's gone." — Stephen Wright 19. “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” — Mark Twain 20. Watch George Lopez's HBO special. 21. Read This Time Together: Laughter and Reflectionby Carol Burnett. 22. Watch Black-ish. 23. The past, present and future walk into a bar. It was tense. 24. Listen to a comedy record by George Carlin. 25. Watch National Lampoon’s Vacation. 26. ReadFunnyboneby Pearce W. Hammond. 27. “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” —Charlie Chaplin 28.Watch anything with Bill Murray and/or Gilda Radner. 29. Blow bubbles with your kids. 30. “Laughter is an instant vacation.” —Milton Berle

News & Trends

The Universal Language of Happiness

Live Happy was right at home at the U.N.’s second annual International Day of Happiness panel discussions on Thursday, March 20, held at the international headquarters in New York City.The day, designated by the U.N. in 2012 to recognize “the relevance of happiness and wellbeing as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy,” brought together scientists, educators, historians, ambassadors, entrepreneurs and others to discuss the topic of global happiness. Many of the speakers were thought leaders whose research, ideas and ideals Live Happy calls upon to “provide the bridge between science and statistics and real life,” said Editor in Chief Karol DeWulf Nickell at the event’s luncheon. “We all have our own happiness stories.”Many of the day’s speakers certainly had tales to tell. Former Iraq Ambassador Dr. Hamid Al Bayati shared his moving realization that although he was wrongfully imprisoned some years ago, he could find happiness in knowing he was a better person than those who had tortured him. On a lighter note, NBC news anchor Pat Battle confessed as she took the microphone that she had a run her stocking, but was choosing to be happy because she knew there were plenty of drugstores where she could buy new ones when she got back to her office at 30 Rock.These stories represent the kind of emotional generosity that Live Happy hopes to encourage. “Most people aren’t aware of all the happiness that’s available to them,” Live Happy Founder Jeff Olson told the audience. “They don’t realize that it isn’t money or fame or relationships that will bring them happiness—but that happiness is the precursor to those things.”Jeff said he realized that through the magazine and social media, he could create an environment for sharing happiness that would bring people together who never would have connected otherwise.“Social media is being used to show that we can share our stories more frequently and with people we normally wouldn’t—it removes traditional barriers,” Karol said. “By posting your story of happiness, it multiplies, all because of technology.”That philosophy melds perfectly with the sage advice with which Kamila Jacob, envoy coordinator for the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, ended her own talk: “Take two minutes to sit and ask yourself: ‘What makes me feel happy?’ Then share that thought with someone else—spread your happiness! Pay it forward!”

work

6 Steps to Transitioning at Work

Sometimes it’s clear that we need to change something at work, but we don’t know how to go about doing it.Other times, we get this nagging feeling that something is not quite right at work, but we can’t put our finger on it. Boredom or restlessness starts to seep in. Maybe we don’t have enough responsibility. Maybe we no longer find our work challenging. Or maybe we feel like we’ve stopped learning.If you’re saying to yourself, “Oh, wow, that sounds like me,” here are some practical steps you can take to successfully make your next transition—and even accelerate it.1. Get specific about the changeConsider John, who goes into his boss’s office and says, “I’m not as jazzed-up as I used to be in my work. I need a change. What advice do you have on what I could change?” Now consider Mike, who goes into his boss’s office and says, “I’ve been thinking that I need a new challenge. I’d like to reach out to Client X, I’d like to put some thought around our technology governance process and I’d like to create a more robust summary client report.”Mike, as compared to John, is giving his boss a lot more material to work with. In the case with John, his boss might think he is just complaining. However, Mike is looking for solutions. Mike lists three specific aspects of his work that he wants to change.2. Figure out your story, then stick to itEach of us has a transition story.Margaret’s story is that she worked in human resources for more than a decade, learned the ropes, and then transitioned to her own executive coaching and consulting business 17 years ago. Margaret’s clients especially appreciate her advice because she has worked in business, and she is constantly bringing the latest research and best practices to her work.Senia’s story is that she started from an analytical background, majoring in math and economics at Harvard University and working at Morgan Stanley as well as co-founding three startups, before transitioning to research in psychology and receiving a Ph.D. in organizational behavior. Senia’s clients especially appreciate that she has a math-based and analytical background, but can also speak to how people work and think in organizations.What is your story? How did you start and how does the transition you want to make now position you even better for the future? In one short paragraph, write about how your past experience combined with the current transition makes you a compelling and valuable asset. Call three friends and tell them your story. Ask them what they think. How clear is your case for making this transition? What could make your story even more compelling for your boss or clients? Ask your listeners for their help in clarifying the relationship of the current transition to the big picture you want to achieve.3. Determine what's in it for your boss (and the company)Let’s go back to our first example with Mike and John. Mike hasn’t made his business case for why he should take on these three additional responsibilities. In coaching hundreds of executives, we’ve found three main motivators that spur managers to help their team members take on new or different work. The first is that the manager truly cares about the employee’s development, and the change is a way for the employee to continually learn and be challenged. You may be lucky enough to be working for a manager like that. However, you may not be. In that case, consider the second motivator: The change is not only good for the employee, but it is also a win for the company. And last, the third: The change makes the manager’s life easier. Be sure to frame your business case to appeal to one or more of these motivators.Now let’s examine how Mike could use Motivator No. 2. Suppose he goes to his boss and says, “I’ve developed a strong relationship with many people at Company X, and I’ve been working closely on the product that they are primarily buying from us. I think it would benefit our company if we knew of their concerns earlier in the process. I would also be glad to reach out to Client X for further business development. Let’s discuss whether this is something that I could transition to.” Might this be more convincing than just saying that he wants to work on the Client X account?4. Become a dabblerProfessor Herminia Ibarra of INSEAD business school has found that people who attempt a cold-turkey change from one profession to another are often disappointed, don’t get very far and then return to the first profession.However, she finds that some of the most successful career changers are those who basically dabble. What does that look like? These are people who remain in their profession but who also engage in volunteer activities, educational events or small tasks at work to begin exploring the new profession they are interested in.How could you dabble as part of your transition? How could you start doing more of the work you want to transition to? Be a dabbler and raise your hand for assignments that are outside the scope of your current position, department or profession.5. Train your replacement or succesorOur client Marie had taken some of the steps previously outlined. She had made her change specific in three concrete bullet points, she had shared her story with some close friends and refined it, she had presented a convincing business case to her boss, and she had started to dabble in her new work. However, she hadn’t thought about how to hand off her current workload and was starting to burn out.One of the biggest obstacles to actually making a smooth transition is identifying your replacement or successor. Make this part of your transition plan. If the tasks that you are transitioning away from are great enough, then identify and train your replacement. This may even require creating a job description of all the things you do if you don’t currently have one.If you are handing off only a few small tasks, document your process or automate it so that you can focus on your new role. Remember, make the transition easy for your boss, too.6. Just do itIt’s easier to think about doing the steps we’ve outlined than actually do them. If you are considering making a change, you have likely already spent some time thinking about it. Now it’s time to go for it. Make it concrete. Put your thinking into action.We have one important caveat: All of us can fall into the perfectionist trap from time to time. “Oh, I won’t have the discussion with my boss until I have made my change concrete, and I need a few weeks to get that right.”We’re going to be blunt: No, you don’t need a couple of weeks to get that right. Your boss could say “No” tomorrow or your boss could say “No” in a few weeks. If this transition is important to you, then you’re better off hearing the “No” earlier. Why? So that you can take other steps.Perhaps you’ll begin looking for another job. Perhaps you’ll start doing the transition with a volunteer organization.It’s time to get going and enjoy the ride.

relationships

7 Keys to a Healthy Argument

Healthy relationships are a vital part of wellbeing. Without meaningful connections with others, we’re far more likely to be unhappy and unhealthy. While all relationships suffer less-than-perfect moments and disagreements, it’s how we deal with these situations that determines whether our relationships grow stronger or weaker. Here are seven tips to having a healthy argument with a partner, or anyone else in your life.1. Respectfully engageIf the argument appears seemingly out of nowhere, try to de-escalate the situation, and find a moment to collect your thoughts. Changing your physical state – for example by taking deep breaths or going for a short walk – can help you to relax before re-engaging in the discussion. Ideally, make the other person feel valued by making yourself available to talk at a pre-planned time they’ve selected. Remove distractions and give your partner your full attention. Turn your cell phone to vibrate. At the beginning and at the end of your conversation, thank him or her for listening to you, and sharing their own thoughts and feelings. Convey presence and interest through paraphrasing what they’ve said, clarifying, and asking for feedback.2. Begin with the end in mindVisualize in advance the positive outcome you desire, and give words to it. Do you and your partner have shared goals you can leverage to frame the discussion? For example, if you disagree about household chores, perhaps your shared value of a peaceful home can anchor your discussion. Claim your piece of the disagreement, creating joint ownership of the issue at hand, and the envisioned solution. Get your partner’s support and buy-in by verbally “contracting” or agreeing to rewards for co-creating your positive outcome. For example, “If we can generate a chores list we both feel good about, we get to finally crack open that expensive champagne we’ve been saving.”3. Ask positive questionsUsing prompts like, "How might we ____?" frames the conflict as resolvable, and becomes a jumping-off point for new possibilities. Founder of the change movement Appreciative Inquiry, David Cooperrider has said that “human systems move in the direction of their persistent inquiry.” In other words, by asking positive questions – ones designed to generate a constructive response - you’re assuming the best of the situation, and that a satisfactory outcome can be achieved. In essence, you're changing the context of the discussion through language.4. Sync upYou're on the same team, so your goal should be empathy, not persuasiveness or sympathy, which can surprisingly underscore the divide between you. Imitation and mimicry facilitate empathy, so if it feels comfortable, try mirroring the other person in small ways. Uncross your arms, lean in slightly, and look your partner in the eyes. When you are expressing genuine interest, you will naturally do this, but it doesn't hurt to practice. (In happy moments, this can even result in synchronized rhythms between the neurons in your and your partner’s brains.)5. Spot the strengthsThe more you can generate those positive emotional states, the more your communication will benefit. Neuroscience shows that positivity-infused communication can increase understanding, empathy, and even help people anticipate what others will say—all helpful ingredients during an argument. Developing a lens of character strengths (such as gratitude, optimism, justice, and self-regulation), prepares you to perceive and engage with your partner in a more positive way. This online assessment can help you and your partner to better understand each other’s natural areas of excellence and adopt a “lens of strengths.”6. Describe, don't evaluateDescribe the object of your argument in objective language, trying your best not to ascribe judgment. Doing so minimizes defensiveness in your partner and provides them with helpful information. Say what happened, not why you think it happened or what you think it means. Describe the behavior or event, and its outcomes or reactions to it. (For example, "You didn't call to say you were coming home late, and I felt sad", not, "You don't care that I'm always home by myself.") When giving specific feedback, focus on the person's effort and strategies, not the person's qualities (or lack of character strengths!). This encourages continued effort and creative problem-solving by your partner.7. Capitalize on the positiveThe best way to settle arguments is to prevent them from happening. Psychology research shows that people who perceive their partners to be active and constructive responders to good events report fewer daily conflicts, engage in more fun and relaxing activities, and report more trust and intimacy. Instead of using a passive constructive response ("That's great. What's for dinner?"), really engaging the person in a way that allows them to relive the positive experience is the key ("Tell me exactly what your boss said when you got the promotion. How did you feel?") Believe it or not, the way our loved ones respond to good news (whether or not they "capitalize") is more important to the health of our relationship than how they respond to bad news. Capitalizing leads to increases in positive emotion, and more intimate, positive and trusting relationships.Struggle and conflict are a necessary part of relationships and simply a fact of life. But by adjusting the way we communicate, both verbally and physically, and the way we approach a disagreement, we can minimize the destructive potential of these interactions. We build our deepest connections with our partners and others not by seeking to conquer, but by bringing out the best in one another.

Self-Care

What’s Your Communication Style?

How the world perceives us and the way we come across to others is so important, that in my book How to Be a Grown Up: The Ten Secret Skills Everyone Needs to Know, I put my thoughts about effective communication right up front in Chapter One. In this quiz we’ll assess your communication style and pinpoint any problem areas that may be hindering you.This quiz breaks our communication styles down into three categories.Choose option A, B, or C for the questions below; answer the answer that best fits how you might respond in the particular scenario.1. When I am involved in a disagreement with someone important to me:A. It's easier to walk awayor back down immediately to avoid conflict.B. I will engage in the discussion no matter how heated it becomes until I’m sure I’ve gotten my point across.It's important that my voice be heard.C. The relationship is more important than the outcome of this argument, so I respond based on wanting to stay connected, despite our disagreements.2.When I feel my needs are not being met in a relationship:A. I rarely ask directly for what I want. I hope they the other person will figure it out on their own and do it for me.B. I tend to be demanding. If I don't put it out there, I know I won't get it.C. I find a way to discuss it or ask for it that provides the least conflict but gives me the best chance of getting what I want.3.When it comes to having a heart-to-heart with someone I care about:A. I don't have heart-to-heart conversations. I just let the relationship play out and adjust to whatever the other person says and does.B. I often become angry and accusatory during serious discussions. It's hard for me to stay calm when I discuss important matters.C. I express what I am trying to say calmly and give the other person a chance to express themselves. I want things to remain peaceful.4.When it comes to expressing myself at work:A. Typically, I can’t articulate my long-term goals, and find it difficult to approach those in a position to help me. I keep my head down and do what’s asked of me.B. I know exactly what I want and need, and am very vocal in expressing it to my superiors. I will achieve my professional goals at any cost.C. I take time to consider the best person to approach forwhat I want to take away from our conversation. I have a definite plan is in place before I communicate.5.In a high-stress situationlike a job interview:A. I get so panicked thinking about all the possible negative outcomes that I am unprepared for the actual discussion and often feel I left much unsaid.B. I am demanding and to the point. I have been told that my style could be considered aggressive or abrasive, but I look at it as getting what I need.C. I carefully prepare the points I want to make, the questions I have, and chose a good time for a calm discussion.6.My style of talking could best be described as:A. Quiet, self-deprecating, and quick to agree and placate. I will always give in to get along.B. Loud and boisterous. I generally set the agenda or plans and others follow.C. I shift styles based on where I am and which friend or business associate I’m dealing with. I go with what feels right in the moment.7. At social gatherings like parties or events:A. I prefer not to attend events full of strangers. But if I do go, I prefer to blend in. I often sit in a corner and keep a low profile.B. I am often described as the life of the party. I generate most of the conversation, and feel a sense of obligation to keep things moving along – sometimes inappropriately (excess drinking, gossiping, etc.).C. I can function well in large parties of mostly strangers, and am completely comfortable in familiar settings with friends.8. When I am with others and not feeling well or in a good mood:A. I hide it all costs and try to stay quiet and hope no one notices. “I’m fine,” is my mantra.B. I tell everyone. There’s no hiding it, so I’m not shy about telling everyone why I’m so miserable. Maybe they can help, and at least they’ll listen.C. I am open about what is going on in my life if I feel the time is right to confide, but not if it will adversely impact the mood or flow.9. When I am involved in a negative interaction:A. I withdraw from the situation. I get quiet and retreat into myself.B. I get frustrated and have a hard time shaking it off. It impacts my mood for some time.C. I adjust to the situation and move on as quickly as possible in order to make the best of an uncomfortable experience.10. When I am in line in a crowded retail store and someonecuts in front of me in line:A. I say nothing.B. I loudly let her know that she has cut in line, and tell her to goto the end.C. I tap her politely on the shoulder and casually let her know that she may not have realized it but she has cut in front of me.If you answered:Mostly A’s, you are a Passive Communicator.Passive communicators tend to be fearful and avoid confrontation at all costs. It might be that you feel that you are not entitled or worthy enough to ask for or receive what you want, or perhaps you are willing to sacrifice your own wishes in exchange for avoiding conflict or confrontation. This style of communication might ultimately lead to feelings of anxiety, anger, depression and helplessness,which can certainly impact your ability to be personally happy and professionally successful.Mostly B’s, you are an Aggressive Communicator. Aggressive communicators tend to be confrontational and angry. Your (very) direct way of expressing your feelings and communicating can leave others feeling unheard, insignificant and even violated. This style of communication may ultimately lead to feelings of isolation, powerlessness and agitation, which can ultimately alienate you from getting what you want from others.Mostly C’s, congratulations, you are a Dynamic Communicator—the most effective kind of communicator. A dynamic communicator always wants both sides to walk away feeling somewhat satisfied; they are so successful in their skills that they can easily impact others with their words and style. Translation: Dynamic Communicators get more of what they want more often, with less conflict. A dynamic communicator lets go of the need to win and instead knows that the real winning comes when communication is effective and relationships are solid.

Self-Care

Happiness Matters: Live Happy Encourages All to Celebrate Happiness for a Day, Choose it for a Lifetime

DALLAS, TX, March 4, 2014 – Live Happy magazine’s third issue hits stands today, just in time to commemorate the United Nations’ 2nd annual International Day of Happiness.The March/April 2014 issue continues its mission to make 2014 the “year of happiness,” featuring articles and original content for readers to incorporate into their daily lives. In conjunction, Live Happy is joining forces with its Acts of Happiness campaign intended to inspire people nationwide to pledge and share their #happyacts.The theme for this issue is SHARING and offers 31 ways to “Make March a Month of Sharing.” “Sharing is naturally contagious,” says Karol Nickell, Editor in Chief of Live Happy. “When you donate time, money, or talent to a local charity, mentor a newcomer at work, or open your home for a neighborhood gathering, you inspire others to do the same."New research shows that happiness is important to one’s life: positive emotions have positive effects on health, longevity, personal relationships, creativity, and work. Yet despite these clear benefits, happiness is not always a top priority. In its effort to turn this mindset around, Live Happy carries on its role as a leader in the happiness movement, helping people embrace it, as well as helping those who are struggling to define and choose their own happiness.The March/April 2014 issue of Live Happy offers content to help people not only define happiness, but truly understand its role in their life – and just how crucial that role is – to think, act, and live happy:“A Happier World” – In honor of International Day of Happiness, Live Happy brought together an expert panel of the leading scientists, educators, historians, and philosophers to share their combined wisdom on happiness including: how to create more of it, the main factors that influence it, and what each person can do to make society a happier place. While they don’t always agree, as they are from such vast backgrounds and experience, there are at least two points on which they are unanimous: while money can buy happiness, to an extent it’s not enough, and boosting happiness is more important than ever, both for individuals and societies.“History Teacher” – In an exclusive interview with Live Happy, Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the most celebrated voices of our time, discusses her most treasured role as a teacher and the fact that you must “teach what you learn.” She also shares what she believes is the secret to becoming a better version of oneself.“Clued-In” – Alicia Silverstone, actress and author of The Kind Diet, wants to change the world and believes the answer is through moms. She discusses her new book, The Kind Mama: A Simple Guide to Supercharged Fertility, a Radiant Pregnancy, a Sweeter Birth, and a Healthier, More Beautiful Beginning (April 15, 2014), and her philosophy on joy and acceptance, and also shares a favorite sweet recipe. Ambitious as ever, Silverstone notes, “I’m going to set the record straight and show you that getting knocked-up, without drama, and having a super-healthy, super-satisfying, soul-quenching pregnancy, birth and mama-hood is a totally attainable reality."“Happy Trails” – Adam Shell and Nicholas Kraft, the filmmakers behind recent documentary Finding Kraftland, embark on a mission to find the happiest people in America through their new film, Pursuing Happiness. “I wanted to see if I could actually spread more happiness and inspire people to think about their own happiness,” says Shell. In this documentary, the duo speaks with psychologists, researchers, and theologians to uncover and share as much as they can about happiness.About Live HappyLive Happy LLC, owned by veteran entrepreneurJeff Olson, is a company dedicated to promoting and sharing authentic happiness through education, integrity, gratitude, and community awareness. Headquartered inDallas, Texas, its mission is to impact the world by bringing the happiness movement to a personal level and inspiring people to engage in living purpose-driven, healthy, meaningful lives.Media Inquiries:Rachel AlbertKrupp Kommunicationsralbert@kruppnyc.com(212) 886-6704

Lifestyle

A House in Higher Order

Call it human nature of a side effect of civilization. We tend to collect more things than we need. Extra canned food in the pantry, outgrown soccer equipment in the closet, unopened soaps and shampoos on the bathroom shelf. These unused things can be a burden to us, adding stress to everyday life. Thankfully, we can declutter and reorganize our homes, repurpose our extras so they benefit someone else, and feel good about doing both. Start by decluttering and reordering three home storage areas with these easy steps. You’ll find spring cleaning takes on a whole new meaning when it includes repurposing usable items. With a plan to donate unneeded good to others, dreaded “have to” household purging can become a “want to” weekend activity. 1. The Food Pantry Sort your stuff: Take out everything from your pantry, then cluster like items together. Check for expired or stale items, and discard or recycle them. Edit the remaining items asking, “Will I use this in the next few weeks or a reasonable time frame?” If the answer is “Yes,” it stays. If not, choose to give it away. Repurpose with purpose: Unopened staples, such as flour, sugar, cooking oil and unopened, unexpired packaged goods are badly needed at local food banks. See the sidebar for more information. Organize and label: The success of any organizational system is based on it being sustainable without a lot of explanation. The same is true for your food pantry. If you organize it one way but the others in your household don’t know the system, it may not be successful. Take the time to leave clues for yourself and others of where things go, with labels that you make yourself. More Tips If you have room, keep a small dustpan and broom nearby for quick cleanups, a fold-up stepstool if some shelves are out of reach, and markers for labeling and for writing purchase dates of ingredients. 2. The Family Closet Sort your stuff: Take out everything from your closet, grouping like items together and checking for condition, fit and importance: Is it in good shape? Is it being used? Does its use warrant a place in the family closet? Items that get “yes” on all three questions stay. Those that don’t should be tossed, recycled or given away. Repurpose with purpose: If you have unwanted items, there are many new homes for them. including Goodwill, local homeless shelters, animal shelters and local church clothing drives. Organize and label: A family or shared closet quickly becomes a myriad of clutter if its contents aren’t organized so everyone using the storage space puts things back in their place. You can make that happen more often with personalized boxes, spaces, hooks and areas. More Tips The multitude of storage containers, systems and products available provide great selection, functionality and style. To save money and time, buy compatible organizational items so you can mix and match boxes, bins, containers, etc., between similar storage areas in your house. Boxes and bins suitable for a family closet should also work in bedroom, bathroom and linen closets, for instance. It’s also best to choose a family of materials and stick with it. It’s difficult and often awkward to mix natural baskets and boxes with plastic and wire bins and containers in the same storage area. Check out the smart storage solutions for dorm rooms—even if you and your family have no one in college right now. Over thedoor and under-the-bed storage ideas abound and are adaptable to family closets and other areas in the home. 3. The Kids’ Rooms Sort your stuff: The rate that children outgrow clothes is matched only by how fast they age out of toys, books and learning tools. Make sure you go through their bedroom closet and storage areas as often as possible and select items that are too small or are no longer being used. Repurpose with purpose: Kids’ clothes, games and toys are easy to donate. Kids’ bedroom furniture also will have value to others. See the sidebar for more information. Organize and label: In order for organization efforts to last longer than a couple of days, think like your child. Where do they want to keep their toys, books and personal things? Are they ready to hang up clothing, or will shelves and hooks work better for them?

Father and daughter look at phone smiling and happy

Sharing

31 Days of Sharing

We continue our Year of Happiness with 31 days of sharing. Pick and choose your favorite ideas from our list of things to do, watch, read, contemplate… and share! 1. “Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.” ―Dalai Lama 2. Read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. 3. Listen and watch the "Sharing Song" by Jack Johnson. 4. Share your favorite recipe with Foodily. 5. Donate. 6. “We are not cisterns made for hoarding, we are channels made for sharing.” ―Billy Graham 7. Share a parable. 8. Watch Rachel Botsman’s TED Talk on the case for collaborative consumption. 9. How does a penguin build a house? Igloos it together! 10. Read Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems. 11. Listen to "Let’s Share" by Renee & Jeremy. 12. Watch Pay it Forward. 13. Teach someone to fish. 14. Share you knowledge with the world through the iTunes U app. 15. “If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” ―W. Clement Stone 16. Read Mine! by Shutta Crum. 17. Watch Freedom Writers. 18. “Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.” ―Brian Tracy 19. Share your skills in your community. 20. Download MyFitnessPal and share your goals. 21. Read Snow in Jerusalem by Albert Whitman. 22. “Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it.” ―Bernard Meltzer 23. What kind of shoes does a panda wear? None! He has bear feet! 24. Host a neighborhood potluck. 25. Two muffins are sitting in an oven. One turns to the other and says, “Is it getting hot in here?” The other says, “Holy smoke! A talking muffin!” 26. “In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” ―Khalil Gibran 27. Watch The Blind Side. 28. Read The Power of Giving by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon. 29. “Happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; it has no taste.” ―Charlotte Brontë 30. Read Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess. 31. Read more ideas on sharing and come back in April for our 30 ideas of laughter.