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How to deal with shocking incidents and fear
This email is about exploring happiness, and, as a reminder my definition of happiness is embracing life with all its challenges, making as many positive moments as possible without ignoring the negative ones. We cannot avoid shocking incidents and fear, so this is a reflection about how to deal with this. So, happiness is not…
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Episode 35 – Identity
Identity is that enigmatic essence that makes each of us uniquely ourselves. While it’s easy to think of identity as a fixed construct, the truth is far more fascinating. Identity is a fluid concept, a dynamic tapestry woven from various threads that constantly evolve and intertwine. Some aspects of our identity may be rooted in…
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Episode 34 – Jealousy
Ah, jealousy! The infamous green-eyed monster that rears its head when we perceive someone else to possess something we desire (that’s actually envy but it doesn’t matter much). While it may seem like an unwelcome emotion, jealousy actually serves a purpose in our lives. It acts as a powerful indicator, highlighting our deepest desires and…
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Episode 32 – Parenthood
What about parenthood and happiness? Some parents swear that children make them happy. Others swear that their children have made their hair grey. Parenthood and happiness There is a lot of happiness in all that oxytocin released by young children needing lots of hugs and touch. Being together, having meaningful love relationships and also working…
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Episode 31 – Power
Happiness and power – how do they relate? Well, it really depends on how it is used. What is power? Power is usually defined as control, authority, domination and influence. However, it really matters how we talk about it. A social work blog post explains that there are four types. Power over assumes finite resources…
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Episode 29 – Self-Care
Self-care is simple – take care of yourself. For many, that’s probably where ‘simple’ ends. We – and women in particular – are hardwired to take care of everyone. Listening to my girlfriends, I always hear that they want to help. And so many of us end up taking care of everyone but ourselves. This…
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Episode 22 – Connections
This episode is part of the Exploring Happiness Framework series. Connections is pillar number 3. For us humans, it is super important to connect. We feel safer in numbers. Connecting with others releases Oxytocin which makes us happy. It helps us to trust others and bond with them. There are two types of connections –…
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Episode 19 – The Exploring Happiness Framework
The Exploring Happiness podcast is back with a second season, starting with the Exploring Happiness Framework. I developed the framework after extensive research. The six pillars, Mindset, Health, Connections, Resources, Dreams and Letting Go, are based on what I identified as happy or unhappy makers. These are the levers and buttons we can use to…
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Episode 6 – Prosocial Behaviour
In episode 6 of the Exploring Happiness podcast, I talk about engaging in prosocial behaviour as an intentional activity to make us happier. I like the term prosocial behaviour but I probably should rather say connecting with others, turning towards people (and not away from them). I outline the two important connection types which I…
