I was first directed to the VIA Character Strengths Survey in the course of taking Dr. Laurie Santos’ class, The Science of Well-Being, which is the most popular course ever offered in Yale‘s 300-year history. As part of an initial happiness assessment, Professor Santos directed us to this character strengths test as part of a […]
Life Coaching
Understanding Ho’oponopono: A Beautiful Hawaiian Teaching About Forgiveness
People who struggle with the concept of forgiveness– both for themselves and for others– often find comfort in a deeply healing age-old practice that comes from Hawai’i. The beautiful Hawaiian teaching for Forgiveness is called “Ho’oponopono” (pronounced HO-oh-Po-no-Po-no), and it’s lovely. This ancient Hawaiian practice of forgiveness functions as both a communication concept for reconciliation […]
Why Your Partner Shouldn’t Be Your Therapist
After one of our posts went viral on Instagram, we figured it was best to expound on the thread that Sandra from Twitter, below, so thoughtfully started. Why is it, exactly, that your partner shouldn’t be your therapist? The idea here is tempting. You can save money on therapy, allow yourself to be vulnerable and […]
9 Inspiring Books That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity
Everyone loves a good poolside or weekend read– and nothing says comfort quite like curling up with an inspiring book before bed. The art of this simple luxury is merely in choosing which books to read– an act that has become increasingly daunting when books are expensive, there are so many options, and not all […]
17 Money Saving Hacks For When You Can’t Stop Worrying About Money
According to Amazon therapist Bea Arthur, “financial anxiety is the biggest crisis in America” right now. And while it’s true that money itself undergirds many of today’s most divisive political issues (health care, campaign finance, and the like), the experience of financial anxiety in daily life is real and pronounced. For example, according to a […]
The Art of Listening Better, in 3 Easy Mantras
If you follow me on Instagram you know that I’ve been on this kick recently of really trying to be a better listener. What follows is a parable that sums up why. A few weeks ago, I heard a conversation between critically-acclaimed psychologist Harriet Lerner and shame researcher Brené Brown that piqued my interest with […]
5 Depression Hacks That Can Ease Doldrums (We Promise)
These simple depression hacks are the product of extensive research into pop psychology, wellness, neuroscience, and various life coaching resources for therapeutic treatments of depression. Whether you’re struggling with depression or merely a case of the doldrums, we’ve explained each hack in simple language with practical examples that are easy to apply to your lifestyle. […]
4 Organizations Helping Women Take Control of Their Reproductive Rights
Nearly 50 years after Roe V. Wade, legalized abortion remains one of the most divisive social issues in the United States. In the first five months of 2019, 15 states passed bans on various forms of abortion, despite protest and outcry from women’s advocacy groups and the larger medical community to stop the bans. Most […]
Boost Your Mood By Creating a “Brag File”
Building confidence is an active pursuit that requires regular effort, which is why creating a so-called “brag file” can help. It’s an easy way to boost your mood when times get tough, or if you’re feeling down, jealous, or exceedingly self-conscious. Making a brag file is easy. Keep a running list of things that you […]
6 Science-Backed Tips for Improving Mental Age
Innovative new studies show that how old we feel mentally has a huge impact on how well we fare, physically and mentally, as we age. You can, quite literally, think yourself into better health– and feeling younger. According to the latest research, the younger you feel, the longer you’ll live– or so the theory goes. […]