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Still Laughing

So this priest walks into a bar… What, already heard that one? Well, if you are in New York and looking for a few laughs, Carolines on Broadway is one place where you are sure to find plenty. And, more often than not, the club’s namesake and owner, Caroline Hirsch, will be there laughing right along with you. “Comedy just makes you feel good, and I am fortunate enough to work in a situation where we find a lot of things funny,” Caroline says. “I have put my time in at my club for more than 30 years now. I have been able to see the best in the business.” When she says she’s seen the best, she’s not kidding. Some of the greatest comics in the world have worked their sets on the Carolines stage, including Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Larry David and Chris Rock. Something in the air In the early ’80s, Caroline and two business partners opened a cabaret in New York. Shortly after, she realized it was easier to fill the club when she booked comedians. Always quick to spot a trend, she felt the air changing in the world of comedy. The beauty of this shift toward more observational humor, she says, was the audience’s ability to relate when comics told jokes about the small, everyday things in life. “It’s why Seinfeld was so important to us. It was the most popular show in says. “It’s about all of the little things in life. That’s why comedy is good for us—we are all in the same boat, and we all feel a little bit better when we are in the same boat together.” As the club’s popularity grew, so did the level of talent it attracted. Having the knack for finding good talent has always been a staple of Caroline’s, and no one reaches superstar status without passing through her club along the way. A new direction “We kind of segued into comedy a little bit, and started with Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. It was the height of comedy, when it was just starting to boom,” Caroline says. “I saw people like Bill Maher when everyone was just starting out. I am just amazed how far everyone has gone over the years. David Letterman was going onto late-night TV, and you saw there was something changing about comedy. I never thought it would be as big as it is today.” Laughs that give back With all of her good fortune, Caroline points out she is very lucky to have lived a life of laughter. Her gratitude and keen business acumen have inspired her to create charities that make a difference, including Stand Up for Heroes, which helps war veterans returning from combat with brain injuries. The annual benefit show at Madison Square Garden kicks off the New York Comedy Festival, another of Caroline’s successful endeavors, and has no shortage of friends willing to donate their time and comedy for a good cause. Conan O’Brien and Ricky Gervais have participated over the years, as well as the late Robin Williams, one of Caroline’s friends who was always on call to help out the troops. A life well-laughed “Robin Williams was a terrific humanitarian, and he is going to be so missed,” Caroline says. “He has been one of those guys that you call to a charity benefit, and he would say, ‘I’ll be there.’ He was such a great man.…He gave to Stand Up for Heroes twice, and we thought he would be coming back again.” At press time, Stand Up for Heroes was already slated to break last year’s total by raising more than $5 million.

Giving

9 Great Gifts That Are Experiences

Research shows that when we spend our money on experiences instead of objects, the happiness we feel as a result is both stronger and longer lasting.When you give a gift in the form of an experience, it includes not only the anticipation of the event and the event itself, but also a lasting memory to savor. Here are nine ideas for unconventional gifts that friends and family will treasure.1. Tickets to a performanceTickets to a movie, play, musical or comedy show can be a great gift for recipient of any age. It’s also a way of spending time doing something fun together. If you really want to splurge, consider season tickets to your favorite performing arts organization.2. Massage or spa servicesPerhaps you know someone who is often stressed and always working. A gift certificate for a massage or facial is a wonderful way to help that person decompress this holiday season and enjoy a little self-care.3. Overnight getawayIf you want to get something very special for yourself and significant other, or for another couple such as your parents, a weekend or overnight at a boutique hotel or B&B is a thoughtful and generous gift.4. Dance classGive a friend or loved-one a kick by signing them up for dance classes. Maybe it’s something they’ve had in mind but have not gotten around to doing yet. There are so many kinds to choose from, from ballroom to ballet.5. Cooking classCooking lessons of all stripes are available these days at places like Whole Foods, Sur la Table and elsewhere. Sign up for yourself and a friend—that way you can experience the fun together. Then get together later and try to recreate the meal at home. (It’s a gift that keeps on giving.)6. A National Parks passDo you have friends or family who love trekking to National Parks? You can purchase a year pass of full family access to America’s national parks, wildlife refuges and forests for just $80.7. Guided tourIf you know someone who just moved to a new city or town, consider buying them a guided architectural tour of the downtown, or some other tour special to that city, such as a food tour or factory tour. Heck, why wait until someone moves? Most of us would love to learn more about the place we live, even if we’ve been there for decades.8. Personal chefWho wouldn’t like a professional chef to drop by at the end of the day and whip up a home-cooked meal? You can give the gift of an at-home date night for someone too busy to cook; there are even websites that help you find local chefs' contact info.9. AdventureIt's no simple task to give the gift of adventure. But consider buying a class or lesson for someone who would never buy it for themselves—something a little wild, like surfing, or swinging from a flying trapeze a la Cirque du Soleil. You might give someone a thrill, or even a new passion in life.

Giving

Unplugged

How an unintentional break from technology brightened my world.Happy. That’s the word I would use to describe my state after moving into a new house this summer. There were plenty of other emotions that accompanied the move—stress, exhaustion, hope, weepy nostalgia (as I peeled the paper cutouts from my children's bedroom walls in the old house). But since settling in, I’ve had an overriding feeling of peaceful happiness.Cutting the cordThis is not just a lucky-me treatise on a new house. In fact, the thing that’s made me most happy has little to do with the house at all. It has to do with cutting the cord between me and my computer.In my old house, my home office—and thus, my computer—was at the kitchen table. This made sense, because, as a food writer, that's where much of my work takes place. Even when I wasn't working, I could always steal a moment to jump online and check email, shop for something that just popped into my head or check in on Facebook.Screen zombiesWhat this meant, of course, was that I filled a lot of little spaces in my life by popping open the computer. It seemed harmless, even good: "I have 10 minutes; let's see if that editor wrote me back." Or, "I have been meaning to get the kids' Halloween costumes; let's see what's on sale." And thus, I became a screen zombie.I'm not alone We walk through airports, sit with friends in a bar, even drive—unable to resist the pull of whatever fascinating banality pops up next on the screen. This was something I had tried to avoid.The happy LudditeI deliberately don't own a smartphone or electronic tablet, which already makes me a Luddite in our over-stimulated world.I wasn’t consciously planning to escape technology when I carved out part of our new guest room as my home office. But now the computer, and my electronic life, is a flight of steps away from where I hang out.Technology, with intentionThe effect has been immediate and dramatic. Suddenly, I only use my computer deliberately, either when working or when I have a reason to check in. And my sense of wellbeing has increased, as I live more in the physical world. I find that I spend more time interacting with my family, or just being alone with my thoughts. I even find time to read an actual print newspaper.Tied to the mastPutting a physical barrier between you and temptation is no new concept. Psychologist Walter Mischel describes in his new book, The Marshmallow Test, how children who attempt to delay eating a treat can wait much longer if they simply hide the treat from themselves.According to Mischel (who also happens to be my former college psych professor), "If you are able to lock the temptation off and prevent yourself from gaining access, you're like Ulysses tied to the mast against the siren song."Try taking a technology breakCertainly, there are a lot of luxuries built into my scenario—starting with the fact that I work from home. But if you wish to spend less time cozying up to a screen, I believe the lesson here is universal. Just tie your electronic device to the mast, whatever that means for you (turning the phone off after a certain time of night; putting the iPad in time-out ...). Those messages will still be there when you come back.

Giving

Wake Up Happy: Series 3

As a thank you for being part of our Wake Up Happy series we wanted to do something special for you.So we are providing you with immediate access to our inspiring Wake Up Happy Series 3 conversations--at no cost.Listen in on five powerful interviews with New York Times best-selling authors and experts in the fields of happiness and positive psychology. These insights and strategies to make your life better are now at your fingertips; no matter what time of day. Plus we're including transcripts and info-graphics of each session!We hope you'll find these interviews inspiring and helpful. Thank you again for being part of our Wake Up Happy series.Listen in as Debbie Gisonni, New York Times best-selling author of The Goddess of Happiness, healthy lifestyle advisor and corporate leader, talks about how Self-Love & Happiness. Tune in as Louisa Jewell, Founder and President of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association, a speaker and author who spreads the word about the science of happiness through her workshops, talks and webinars with audiences around the world, talks about Flourishing with Confidence. Catch Bubba Paris, three-time Super Bowl Championship winner, founder of Paris Enterprises and Friends of the Homeless, talks about how to Take Control of Your Happiness. Join in as Louis Alloro, a change-agent working with individuals and networks in systems to enable positive evolution, talks about Enabling Positive Evolution. Get excited as Dr. Fred Luskin, Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects, Senior Consultant in Health Promotion at Stanford University, and Professor at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, talks about Forgiveness & Happiness. body{ background-color:#FFFFFF; }

Practice

31 Days of Purpose!

We continue our Year of Happiness with 31 days of purpose. Pick and choose your favorite ideas from our list of things to do, watch, read, contemplate…and share!1. “Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.” ―Gautama Buddha2. Spend the holidays with loved ones.3. Listen to “Lose Yourself,” by Eminem.4. Read The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work, by Jon Gordon.5. Watch Dallas Buyers Club.6. “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ―Eleanor Roosevelt7. Give someone a hug.8. Listen to “Enjoy the Silence,” by Depeche Mode.9. Read For One More Day, by Mitch Albom.10. Watch The Mighty.11. Rescue a dog or a cat.12. Listen to “The Living Years,” by Mike & the Mechanics.13. Read A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle.14. Watch Rudderless.15. “If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” ―T.D. Jakes16. Write down five things you’d like to accomplish next year.17. Listen to “Changes,” by David Bowie.18. Read How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life, by the Dalai Lama.19. Watch Boyhood.20. “The meaning of life is life.” —Alan Alda21. Volunteer for a cause you feel passionately about.22. Listen to “Solsbury Hill,” by Peter Gabriel.23. Read The Art of Being: 101 Ways to Practice Purpose in Your Life, by Dennis Merritt Jones.24. Watch The Family Man.25. “You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” ―Albert Camus26. Be social.27. Listen to “Mr. Jones,” by Counting Crows.28. Read Way of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman.29. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister.30. Forgive someone in your past.31. Watch Seven Years in Tibet.

Practice

The Give-Back Pack

Sometimes it takes unfortunatecircumstances, like schoolchildren carryingtheir things using trash bags, to prove the American spirit of ingenuity is alive andwell.Case in point: New York’s Scot andJacqueline Tatelman createdState Bags, a company that givesa backpack to a child in need every time one of their bags is purchased. Delivering hope "PackMen" and "PackWomen" travel thecountry delivering backpacks tounderprivileged schoolchildren, whilesharing lessons of hope, courage andleadership. Scot believes State Bags’mission has a deeper impact because of theserole models, who come from the same toughneighborhoods and face the same obstaclesas the children they serve. At one “bag drop,” PackMan Rick tellsthe kids that he carries a pair of eyeglassesaround in his bag to remind him of whenwas picked on. “It was so bad that I stoppeddoing my schoolwork,” he says. The glassesnow represent his struggle and why it’simportant not to bully. Positive messages are in the bag Together, these men and women aremotivating at-risk kids to rise above theirsituations and make positive choices. The Boys & Girls Clubs directors whose studentshave benefitted from the bag drops say the members gain not only a newmentor, but also a friend. “The excitement of the group andthe positive message they sharehelped reiterate what we talkabout on a daily basis,” saysAndrea Nix, a Florida club director.“The bags filled a great need.” Doing well by doing good Through a unique mix ofcharity and commerce, and wantsfulfilling needs, with companieslike State Bags, we can send a message tothe smallest among us who are facing thebiggest obstacles: We have your back.

Practice

7 Ways to Be Happier Now

Happiness is about the journey, not about destination; it’s about how you live your life each day. Some articles you may have missed with a few ideas for adding a little more gratitude, mindfulness and joy into your usual routine.1. Practice self-nurturingTake a yoga class, dance in your kitchen to favorite music, get a mani/pedi or go for a walk in nature. Actively investing in your physical well-being can make your thoughts about yourself more nurturing, too. Learn more ways to focus on being the best you.2. Have a values check-inDo you have a feeling of meaning and purpose in your life? This quiz will help you find out. If you don’t like your score, you might want work on nurturing your relationships, being compassionate and giving back to others—all of which have been shown to have an impact on our own wellbeing. Take the quiz now.3. Look at Mondays in a new wayWhat would your day look like if you felt fabulous at the end of it? What project can you tackle on Monday to start your week super-charged and set the tone for a wonderful week? Don’t dread Mondays, show ‘em some love instead. Put the fun back in your Monday now.4. Call in the superfoodsCertain foods like olive oil, nuts, sweet potatoes and kale have been shown to contain mood-boosting nutrients. Not to mention these ingredients are incredibly healthy for you, and taste delicious when cooked with a little finesse. Four easy-to-make recipes.5. Tap into hopeIn order to be truly happy, you need something to hope for. We have 31 ways you can rediscover a greater sense of hope in your life.6. Find a happy highlight of the dayTake a few minutes every day to write down one positive experience that occurred over the past 24 hours. Enjoy the positive emotions from reliving that event, and look for patterns you can repeat to bring about more happiness. Read more on achieving happiness despite everyday challenges.7. Wake up happyTune in to experts’ advice on how to start your day happy. Don’t get stuck ruminating on negative thoughts. Take responsibility for your own happiness by putting yourself in situations that bring you great joy and choosing love over fear. Try this positive mantra: “You are doing your best.” Sign-up for our free Wake Up Happy! series.

Self-Care

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Here’s a common scenario: You are exhausted and overwhelmed by responsibilities, and the only way you’ll get it all done is by working harder and longer, sleeping less, and cutting out the “nonessential” things you do to take care of yourself. We’re Americans—taught to power through and not complain. But if we do not take time to recharge, we inevitably burn out, causing even more problems than we started with. What exactly is self-care? The term “self-care” refers to anything we do intentionally to care for our physical, mental and emotional/spiritual health. If we first make our own health and happiness a priority—if we start by resting adequately, exercising, and adding a little fun and joy to our schedules—we actually become better, more effective workers, partners, parents and friends. If you feel you need to justify these acts of self-maintenance, to yourself or anyone else, think of it this way: Take care of yourself in the following important ways, and you will, in turn, be able to take better care of everything and everyone on your list. Eat Skipping meals deprives your brain and body of the fuel it needs to function and focus throughout the day. And while there is room in a healthy diet for the occasional indulgence, turning to take-out too often will wreak havoc on body and brain, making you less effective at work and possibly more irritable and impatient. (Not to mention the fact that processed foods have been shown to contribute to depression and weight gain.) Move Get into gear by dancing with your kids, hitting the gym or even just taking walks in your neighborhood. Physical activity has a positive impact on body and mind. In fact, exercise has been shown to boost your mood, to increase creativity, and aid concentration and focus—all of which makes you more productive and a lot more fun to be around. Rest According to studies, lack of sleep contributes to obesity, heart disease, and a host of other ailments. It also leads to slowed, foggy thinking,which is not exactly how most of us want to show up for work, parenting, or life in general. It’s not just nighttime sleep that makes us more productive. While we are working, taking an occasional break to meditate, go for a walk or take a short nap keeps us firing on all cylinders. Longer periods of rejuvenation, such as vacations, have also been shown to increase productivity, creativity, fitness levels and overall health and happiness. Enjoy You’ve heard the saying, “laughter is the best medicine,” and now science has proven this to be true. Who knew that giggling with girlfriends or cracking up at a comedy show are great ways to take care of ourselves? Relax and be in the present One way to slow down and add more joy to our daily routines is by being mindful and present each moment we can. Practicing mindfulness—whether that means meditating, journaling, doing yoga, taking some deep breaths, or a mental mini-break—has been shown to have incredible positive impact on physical, mental and emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We need to plan for these breaks or they may never happen. Add a weekly yoga class or an occasional massage to your schedule if you can. Start small You only have five minutes to meditate? That’s OK, you will still reap the benefits. And just taking a moment or two when you wake up in the morning to make a mental gratitude list will set the stage to appreciate blessings big and small throughout the day. Keeping healthy snacks on hand at home and in your gym bag or desk drawer and/or making a meal plan for the week will help ensure that you always have nourishing options available. We all know how easy it is to fall into the trap of overscheduling. But before you take on more work, more volunteer and kids’ activities that will drain you and keep you tied up for hours, remember that you have the power to say “no.” Setting aside time for a little self-care will make you healthier, more energetic and efficient at work, and more effective at caring for all of the important people and things in your life.

Self-Care

Wake Up Happy: Series 2

As a thank you for being part of our Wake Up Happy series we wanted to do something special for you.So we are providing you with immediate access to our inspiring Wake Up Happy Series 2 conversations--at no cost.Listen in on five powerful interviews with New York Times best-selling authors and experts in the fields of happiness and positive psychology.These insights and strategies to make your life better are now at your fingertips; no matter what time of day. Plus we're including transcripts and infographics of each session!We hope you'll find these interviews inspiring and helpful. Thank you again for being part of our Wake Up Happy series.Listen in as Dr. Drew Ramsey, New York Times best-selling author of Fifty Shades of Kale and The Happiness Diet, talks about how to be Happier with Every Bite. Tune in as James Pawelski, Director of Education and Senior Scholar in the Positive Psychology Center, founding director of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania, founding Executive Director of the International Positive Psychology Association, and a member of the Steering Committee of the International Positive Education Network., talks about The Positive Portfolio. Catch Judson Laipply, creator of “The Evolution of Dance” a YouTube video amassing over 280 million views and voted the best viral video of all time, author of Might As Well Dance and HappySenses, as she talks about how to Discover Your Happy Senses. Join in as Michelle McQuaid, best-selling author, workplace wellbeing teacher, playful change activator and graduate with a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, talks about Wellbeing in the Workplace. Get excited as Mary Jane Ryan, best-selling author of many books including Random Acts of Kindness, Attitudes of Gratitude and her latest, The Happiness Makeover, talks about The Happiness Makeover.

Self-Care

What People Are Saying About Live Happy

Readers weigh in about how Live Happy has affected their lives. Dear Live Happy: I love the article about choosing a word for the year and it being a great alternative to a resolution. It made me think about it and my word for 2017 is “significance.” I’d like everything I do to add significance in someone’s life; it will help me be intentional about the things I do every day to improve myself and add value to others. What a great way to make sure I’m living happy in 2017. —Eeman H. :) I like the article about choosing a word for 2017. I have done this in the past but it was like reading it for the first time, like the blinders were off and the word “focus” stuck out to me. What we FOCUS on is what grows! —Mechelle C. :) Hey there, I was on the hunt for some info about commuting and found your post "Reboot Your Commute." Great stuff! Keep cranking out the great content for livehappy.com. Thanks! —Joshna J. :) I found your fantastic website, and I have been inspired by the amazing stories and podcast. —Andrew B. :) I just picked up your magazine in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and read it cover to cover by the time we got back to Chicago! I am in love with it. My name is Felecia, which means happiness, so the magazine title was my first attraction, and I am a huge fan of Queen Latifah gracing the cover. Every article wowed me, and I am definitely subscribing! Thank you for this experience! —Felecia G. :) I stopped in an airport lounge to have a little oatmeal and coffee before boarding my flight. It was here that I discovered Live Happy magazine. Oh my! It’s my soulmate in print and I’m in love. Every page leads to happy and joy. —Sandra L. :) My daughter and I talk about being Happy all the time. Most of our happy thoughts are centered around Nature and the outdoors. So when I saw "Live Happy" in the newsstands at the checkout line while in Whole Foods, I thought, Yeesss! It made me think so much of my daughter Nyah. She's always been such a happy girl. BTW, The article on Adult Sleep-Away Camps was awesome. Adults could benefit from getting in touch with their" inner child and finding their 'Happy' "! Thanks, Live Happy! —Ebony J. :) I just wanted to let you know that your magazine is so lovely. It puts a smile on my face when I see it in the mailbox. You will have a subscriber for a long time to come. And, I have already made a gift subscription for a friend’s birthday. Thank you so much. —Sue F. :) I’m not a very good flyer, so the positive reinforcement I get from reading Live Happy makes the flight a little smoother! —Paige S. :) I got to listen to the podcast this morning before the crazy day started. I got lots of good input that I needed for today. It really did help! Thank you Live Happy! —Joan A. :) Your recent podcasts with Amy Blankson and Laurie Berkner (my kids’ favorite singer) taught me so much about tech and parenting. —Evan M. :) Live Happy is amazing! The magazine was a welcomed delight but the podcasts are life-changing. I am able to play them at home and in the car. As a stay-at-home mom of kids that are 2 and 3 years old, I need all the focus, lessons, skills and happy time that I get from Live Happy Now. Plus my little guys listen in, too, so they are soaking up the happiness! —Rebecca P. :) OMG! I have known about Live Happy since its inception and have enjoyed the articles, interviews and ideas...and the podcasts are the best ever! I listen every morning while I’m working out. Sometimes I get lost in the subject, other times I am right there. The beauty is that I am so happy listening to good, happy, positive stuff, rather than the news or 24-hour sports commentary! —Lynda E. :) Thank You! I am 74 years old and am reading Live Happy: Ten Practices for Choosing Joy. I have read many books in my day, but this book has touched me and motivated me more than I can even explain. I am savoring each page and know I will re-read it many times. I have never sent an email or letter like this, but felt compelled to. Again, thank you. —Faye W. _________________________________________________________ We want to hear from you, too! Contact us at editor@livehappy.com.

Still Laughing

9 Great Gifts That Are Experiences

Unplugged

Wake Up Happy: Series 3

31 Days of Purpose!

The Give-Back Pack

7 Ways to Be Happier Now

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Wake Up Happy: Series 2

What People Are Saying About Live Happy

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