Newsletter: The magic within
Hi community!
Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a world where we really appreciate one another, and feel that same appreciation in return? Read on to learn how to start building that world.
And while you're at it, this week's podcast about learning how to say no. You'll find out the three things in life that you will want to eliminate for greater happiness.
Have a good week,
Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy
this week
Our brains have a predisposition to 1) focus on the negative, and 2) rely on shortcuts. And unfortunately, that applies to the way we see ourselves and others. We more readily see the flaws, and we make snap surface-level assessments. To counteract this, we have to consciously shift our attention; when we do, a whole world of beauty opens up.
Try This
We renew our appreciation by asking different questions. These invite our minds to move down new pathways, showing us what is present but too often missed. This week, look at someone in your life, and ask yourself these three questions:
· If I was giving as speech celebrating this person, what qualities would I describe? How are those qualities showing in them, today?
· When did you see this person really "being themselves"? What strengths and gifts were they demonstrating?
· What can I do today to help this person flourish?
(Remember, someone can be you, too!)
More Tips and Tools
1. The power of a break (Instagram) — Ten ways to rest.
2. The future is a mystery (Instagram) — Things will change.
3. Don't suppress your feelings (Instagram) — It actually increases your stress!
3. Comparing journeys (Instagram) — It's a lose-lose.
5. Saying no (Podcast) — Make space.
community
What's a quality you appreciate in someone around you?
"Someone who has the ability to make me laugh."
"Making sure everyone in the group gets a turn and a voice."
"Their ability to make me feel like I matter."
"Not being judgmental, but having boundaries and integrity."
"Patience. Towards others and me."
"Their ability to listen, to be present, and authentic."
"How genuine they are with every emotion."
"Showing up. When they say they will do something, they actually do it!"
"Listening. Remembering the small details and surprising me with them later on."
"Their ability to slow down and appreciate the little things."
"Assuming the best and not the worst."
What people appreciate in us is always our natural, most human, most innate qualities. And yet so many of us spend time thinking we need to become someone different or achieve something in order to be worthy of love. This week, I hope you can see and embrace the natural goodness of yourself and those around you, recognizing ho wonderful you really are.
(Want to be part of the discussion? Join us on Instagram or reply to this email)
inspiration
1. How Dinner Parties Became the Fuzzy Blanket of Adulthood (Bon Appetit) — The power of gathering around a table and connecting.
2. Chance, Choice, and the Avocado: The Strange Evolutionary and Creative History of Earth’s Most Nutritious Fruit (The Marginalian) — It turns out that it's a miracle we get to eat avocado toast.
3. A Vibrant Coral Ecosystem of Thousands of Crocheted Sculptures (Colossal) — This week's New Happy Heroes are Christine & Margaret Wertheim, who create beautiful sculptures to inspire coral reef protection.
before you go
thank you for reading
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