Everyone in this life is on, what can be referred to as, a journey.

Let’s assume in this context, that one’s journey starts at point A and ends at point B, with many stops and stays along the way. 

In this episode we explore Joseph Campbell’s take on this through his “Hero’s Journey” work. We interview Marion Moss Hubbard, Ph.D., founder of Heroic Journey Consulting which helps individuals and organizational leaders facilitate personal, organizational and global transformation through human consciousness development.

What that means for the listener of this week’s podcast episode, is the opportunity to reframe one’s life in the context of a powerful story about courageously facing life’s challenges with heart and grit, in order to live fully and authentically. 

When we are able to do this, we come from a different consciousness about ourselves that results in contributing to the world from a more evolved state of being. That shift brings out the best version of us and that positively impacts, not only ourselves, but also those around us.

Learn more and listen to Marion’s Heroic Journey and the model she uses to transform herself and others. It’s well worth the ride!

To your inspired, heroic self, 

Mark

What We Discuss:

• We start with Marion’s “heroic journey”
• Lesson learned on her journey
• Personal growth as a marker for being on the “right path” 
• Dropping the baggage that tethers our soul and authentic self
• The difference between an intellectual connection and spiritual connection
• Going through the transformation process in one’s journey
• The tipping point from Texas to a sabbatical in Sedona, AZ
• Marion’s journey from Sedona to Seattle
• The story of Peace Pilgrim
• Universal deeper truths we all know intuitively
• Examples of Marion’s self-discovery during her questioning of “what’s true for her?”
• The difference between Knowing with a capital “K” and knowing with a lower-case ”k”
• Knowing what’s really true for you and how do we “Know” that?
• Marion’s story overlaying her heroic journey
• Creating our sacred container from our life experiences on our own heroic journey
• Seeing our challenges as part of our triumph in our heroic journey
• The Seven Stage Labyrinth Model archetype for one’s heroic journey
• Vertical alignment of spirit and true self at the intersection of the labyrinth core
• How to stand in truth by peeling away the nontruths and stepping into our divine-self
• Mythological time vs earth time
• Catalysts for growth are always found in personal and group relationship trials 
• What’s your story? What do you want? What’s your intention?
• Writing your own story from outside yourself as the detached observer
• Ways of reconnecting from a state of disconnection
   

Supporting Resources:

• You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
• All about Peace Pilgrim
• I Need Your Love — Is That True? by Byron Katie
• A New Earth Podcast by Eckart Tolle and Oprah
• Joseph Campbell Interview by Bill Moyers
• Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
• Story Telling by Annette Simmons
• Paul Selig Website
• Jane Roberts work
• Heroic Journey Consulting by Marion Moss Hubbard

We continue the conversation around another of the 14 constructs of well-being as presented by Psychology Today.

The importance of well-being has been widely acknowledged over the past twenty years by psychologists. But the concept itself is surprisingly complex.

In a recent study which aimed to bring some order to the confusion, Dr Ylenio Longo at the University of Nottingham, in England, examined the similarities and differences in the six most widely used theoretical perspectives on well-being.

Looking for similarities and differences across the six theoretical perspectives in how they defined well-being, he identified fourteen distinct and recurring constructs that are used to describe well-being: happiness, vitality, calmness, optimism, involvement, self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-worth, competence, development, purpose, significance, congruence, and connection.

Here we tackle self-acceptance as defined as “accepting yourself the way you are.” What does that mean? How do we that? Can we fully accept ourselves? Do you accept yourself? Fully? Completely? 

Listen in as we carry on with some interesting banter exploring acceptance and the successes and struggles we endure as find ways to accept ourselves. 

To you well-being and fully accepting who you are,

Mark

What We Discuss:

• A recap from the Phycology Today constructs that contribute to a sense of well being
• Acceptance and “who” and “what” are we that do accept
• Needing to know who we are
• How we define ourselves 
• What parameters we use to that inform our acceptance of ourselves
• Navigating in the world with our five senses 
• Love’s relationship to acceptance 
• What’s the opposite of acceptance?
• Understanding the different nuances associated with words as we define them
• Mark’s model of acceptance for himself
• Acceptance as a process for many of us
• Being confident of who you are in the world
• Aries’ struggles with sharing our podcast with his tribe
• Mark responds to Aries’ discomfort with how others respond to what he says 
• How Kundalini yoga shines the light on your behavior and thoughts
• Accepting the fact that we make mistakes
• Other interesting examples of challenges with self-acceptance and dealing with actions that have negative consequences
• Tools used to support acceptance
• Acceptance and the stories we tell ourselves
• Are there moral issues with how we deal with accepting ourselves
• Some of the suffering that Aries deals with around acceptance of others’ behavior
• Acceptance as a life long endeavor

Supporting Resources:

• The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
• The Book of Ho’oponopono by Luc Bodin M.D, Nathalie Bodin Lamboy, Jean Graciet

There are many facets of living a life of well-being. 

A lot goes into that recipe. One often overlooked, but key ingredient is congruency. What does it mean to be congruent, and how does it contribute to one’s state of well-being?

Congruency in this context is all about alignment. It is living and being fully aligned with what is true for each of us. That is, in alignment with who we are as our human persona as well as living in alignment with our spiritual persona.

Behaving, speaking, thinking… and living each moment in congruency with one’s beliefs and values will almost assure one of a sense of being well. 

Look at your life. How are you living? Do you know what is and what isn’t congruent for you? 

To your life of well-being!

Mark

What We Discuss:

• A little back story from Mark’s battle with self-worth after what he felt was an embarrassing experience 
• Defining congruency
• How do we see ourselves?
• What tools can we use to better understand ourselves?
• Who are we?
• Are we our name? Are we our body? 
• Is there a duality of self? Physical-ego and spiritual-true nature?
• Aligning congruency with one’s soul
• Our natural state of being 
• Frequency congruency: What’s do we mean by that?
• The choices we make regarding chasing thoughts
• Discovering what is NOT congruent with your true nature
• Exercises we can do to help us learn what is congruent with themselves
• The need to grow 
• Are you living from a place of Spirit?
• Knowing your Unique Ability
• The role feelings play and how we deal with them
• The importance of exploring, sharing and discovering our feelings
• Are you living the life you really want to be living?
• Are you being the person you want to be?

Supporting Resources:

• The One Thing by Gary Keller
• The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
• Unique Ability by Catherine Nomura

In our last episode, we defined and shared the body of work on the subject of self-worth.

In this episode, we get down to the nitty-gritty. What happens when we find ourselves at the intersection of theory and real-life. Aries and I share our own experiences when life throws a “self-worth” test at us.

The first half of the episode I share a recent experience in which I found myself in a situation that challenged that me at the core of my self-worth. Thoughts of measuring up and comparing myself with others reared its ugly head and sent me spiraling down to my smallest self. Discovering old, deep childhood-like feelings of insecurity that led to embarrassing behavior and then further self-loathing and judgement. Not a pretty picture, but it brought an awareness of a true read on my self-worth barometer. 

In the second half, Aries shares his experiences at this intersection. First as a young child going through comparing himself with others and how his peers dressed. Then other interesting challenges with self-worth through compensation discussions. One common thread discovered was how we have a propensity to look outside ourselves for the validation of our self-worth. 

However, when we can see who we truly are and connect to that identity deep within us, we can see our worthiness and self-worth as creative beings birthed from the source of all life in our true perfection. 

sIt’s a fascinating subject and worthy of self-examination to help you move the needle forward for your own self-worth

To your inspired life and more!

Mark

What We Discuss:

• A deep dive from Mark and Aries examining and sharing about each of their own self-worth
• Mark shares his story and a recent struggle that took his self-worth down
• Lessons learned from that experience
• Aries shares from his life experiences that put him face-to-face with his definition of his self-worth
• We wrap with a comparison of seeking a positive, strong sense of self-worth from external things vs finding a more sustainable sense from the inside.

Supporting Resources:

• The Big 14 constructs of well-being: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201708/what-exactly-is-well-being
• The self-worth scale: https://positivepsychology.com/self-worth/

In financial planning we talk about a client’s net worth and we create net worth Statements as snapshots of what they are worth financially. 

More importantly though is our self-worth and the resulting self-worth statement we create for ourselves and then reflect back out to world around us.

In this episode Aries and I take a break from the interview format and discuss some key contributors to our well-being. At the top of our list is self-worth. We share what noted sages and authors have said about self-worth along with its role in our overall happiness and well-being. We get into the nitty gritty and the effect a positive and a negative self-worth can have on the quality of our lives.

Most notable is how many people struggle with their worthiness. It’s plagued humankind for as long as recorded history, but is not addressed directly and talked about in the mainstream.

Here we explore the subject more deeply to help bring some awareness to your understanding and sense of your own self-worth. 

Join us down the rabbit hole on this one. It will be worth the ride. 

To your inspired life and more!

Mark

What We Discuss:

• A review of the top 14 constructs of the sense of well-being
• The definition of self-worth
• Great quotes on self-worth
• Measuring your self-worth
• The importance of your self-examination of one’s worth
• Worthiness and Value
• Are some more worthy than others?
• The role of belief and thinking affecting our self-worth
• Taking responsibility for the life you are living
• Self-esteem vs self-worth
• Of value, lovable and incomprehensive worth
• Knowing your worthiness. How do we do that?
• Knowing and receiving unconditional love
• It comes down what we really value in life
• The top five things we measure for self-worth

1. Our appearance
2. Our net worth
3. Who we know
4. What we do
5. What we achieve

• Do we have a choice as to how we accept our self-worth?
• Lesson’s learned awareness of one’s self-worth through human measurement systems
• Going forward as to how we can build up our self-worth
• Boosting the acceptance of you are as you are
• The role of self-care to developing good habits and actions around your self-worth

Supporting Resources:

• The Big 14 constructs of well-being: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201708/what-exactly-is-well-being
• The self-worth scale: https://positivepsychology.com/self-worth/

Intentionally living from your heart comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes. 

When it comes to your money, intentionally spending, saving and investing should also be from your heart. That means to be congruent with who you are and how you intend to live authentically. Sounds simple, but for many it’s not so easy.

You have to know your true self … your true nature ... the essence of who you are. When you know this, be sure you are living your fullest life in alignment with that; including how you are investing your money. 

There are many ways to do this. One often overlooked or unknown option is investing your money with companies that are doing things in the world that align with the changes you want to see in the world. There are many great companies, B Companies for example, that are on a mission to not only grow profitably, but effect great change in the world as well.

In this episode, we interview Kathleen Lindquist, CFP®, who has built a niche through Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) to help clients align their money with their deeper held values to effect positive change in the world.

Learn more by listening to what she is doing and how she is helping her clients contribute a better world.

To your inspired living!

What We Discuss:

• What are Socially Responsible Investing, Impact Investing and Sustainable Investing?
• Putting your money where your heart is
• How Kathleen got started in Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) through her sister
• The early days of boycotting companies that were “bad actors” in the public markets
• The shift from negative impact to positive impact in the world
• The advantage SRI portfolio companies have in terms of research
• Knowing who the right client is for SRI portfolio option
• Examples of companies that have gone through more scrutiny by mutual funds
• How mutual fund companies with SRI funds are impacting company policies
• Understanding the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) lens
• The next 2-5 years in socially responsible and impact investing
• Gender diversity requirements now stipulated by certain mutual funds
• SRI as investing done right

Supporting Resources:

• Kathleen’s contact info: [email protected]
• Our firm website: www.sandiegowealth.com
• The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment

In this episode we interview, Catherine Anne Mazur, my wife and life partner of 45 years. I’ve watched her yoga journey and have been a personal witness to her health, well-being and personal growth as a result of her teaching and practicing two major types of yoga.

For me, the practice of yoga over the past 16 years has had a profound effect my own health, well-being and spiritual growth.

I call it a “system” because it’s more than just poses and “exercises.” It’s a whole system of movement, breath, mental focus and mindfulness, that’s centuries old, that works to integrate mind, body and soul. There is a science and technology to it that is unmatched.

If you practice yoga, this episode will be interesting, educational and entertaining.

If you don’t practice yoga, you don’t know what you are missing. If anything resonates with you, check out a studio or online class to experience the magic. For some, give it 90-days of regular practice before you decide if it’s for you. For others, you know instantly that it is right for you.

Either way and to all that listen, we wish you the best on your journey to living your most inspired life!

What We Discuss:
• How we started down this health path?
• At an early age, Catherine asked her mom, “Is cheese good for you?”
• Growing up in the 50s with Wonder bread and TV dinners
• Love at first “om”: Catherine’s introduction to yoga in the early 2000’s
• Yoga 101. Where does one start?
• Busting the “I can’t do yoga because…” myths
• How yoga is not physical poses, but a system of healthy, happy living
• The history of yoga
• How to conduct yourself and with others
• How to breathe to take care of your life force
• How to control your emotions and mentality?
• How to nurture your heart and brain?
• Sister science of Aruveda: Living within the rhythm of the season and your body type
• The different types of yoga
• Yoga is NOT a religion
• Specific results of specific poses, like forward fold, or downward dog,
• Guidelines for finding a good yoga teacher
• Online yoga options
• Real life examples of yoga making a difference through all kinds of life experiences
• Advice from Catherine’s current self to her younger self:

• Build and live an intentional, authentic life
• Do yoga at a younger age
• It’s never too late to get healthier, to start meditating, to get whatever you want…
• Don’t think of your limitations
• Take messy action!

Supporting Resources:
• Gaia
• YogaGlo
• Beyond the Pose
• Yoga: Midlife Pain Relief Secrets by Catherine Mazur
• Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates
• The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
• The Power of Now by Echarte Tolle
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This week’s episode is unique and dedicated to our “Health” series.

I’m on the road interviewing a friend and colleague about his journey of triumph over a very challenging speak impediment: Stuttering. It’s a story so inspiring that I decided this would make a great episode with a great lesson in hope, determination and resolve to never quit on your dreams to live the life you’ve always wanted to live.

This idea is central to the podcast and the work Aries and I do in the world.

About 3 million people in the US stutter. They do so silently in jobs that don’t require much talking. Research suggests that after the age of 10, only about 5% of people who stutter, actually overcome it.

This fact makes Larry’s story all the more remarkable. In his story you will learn how he creatively sought, not so much a solution initially, but simply a way forward. And through that way forward, one small step at a time, he ultimately found his cure and solution.

Listen here to learn how at the tender age of 57, Larry triumphed to became a successful investment advisor living a life that has exceeded his wildest dreams and allowed him to be his true self and live authentically.

Head to the Show Notes when you’re done to get the link to his blog and more.
Enjoy!

What We Discuss
• Larry’s childhood and his early challenges with stuttering
• How talking was the most difficult thing for him
• Avoiding talking and hiding as a way of coping
• The challenge of ordering food for the first time at a McDonalds
• Larry compromising his passion for the stock market because of his stuttering
• How asking questions was the toughest part of a conversation
• How being able to ask only one question of one person can change the course of your life
• The more he talked the more comfortable he was speaking
• The most difficult thing was making phone calls to new people and introducing yourself
• Larry’s career journey from CPA to starting his own RIA firm
• The next challenge: Getting clients the old fashion way… Prospecting and calling….
• An aha-moment… “my public speaking is more comfortable than speaking directly to a person.”
• Why not public speak all the time!
• There’s not always a solution, but there’s always a way forward
• Learning all over again at the age of 55 how to speak again through modeling Matt Lauer and Bob Woodward
• Fifty years of stuttering developed many bad habits based on fear and how Larry had to retool how he thought.
• Another aha-moment… Doing the exact opposite of everything I’ve ever thought
• A breakthrough idea: Imagining rays of warmth and smiles from each person Larry encountered shifted him from fear to warmth and acceptance
• Example of a way forward: Practice talking with no risk
• How the hardest thing to do for a person who stutters is getting the first word out
• Now after all those years in survivor mode, Larry starts breaking more bad habits
• The Three “Bs”: Break the mold. Build confidence. Be unstoppable
• There’s always a way forward
• Having a larger purpose in mind to overcome a challenge
• Think and do the opposite if you’re not getting the results you want

Resources
Facing Challenges Blog: https://facingyourchallenges.com
Contact Larry: [email protected]

It’s all about freedom!

In this episode, our subject expert on wealth and abundance, Cory Schmelzer, is what I call an “entrepreneurial freedom fighter!” This guy lives and breathes freedom! It’s central to his life and he walks the talk.

He brings a fresh perspective on an expanded definition of wealth and abundance through the path of freedom. He talks about the importance of mindset, self-confidence and living without fear. Powerful life lessons for all of us!

You will hear a very common theme in this episode. It’s the “entrepreneurial spirit.” George Kinder is his latest brilliant work, A Golden Civilization, defines it as: “The freedom of each individual to live in authenticity and within that to find the passionate purpose they are meant to live by, and then live it!”

Take a listen! Come with an open mind and define for yourself what true wealth and abundance is all about for you. And check out the great reads and resources available in our show notes.

To your happy and inspired life!

Mark Dale Mazur, RLP®
Registered Life Planner

What We discuss
• Wealth and abundance redefined
• Cory’s background growing up
• The role education played in Cory’s development
• The entrepreneurial spirit
• Starting in the industry at Smith Barney
• Began investing during his high school years in the great performing Fidelity Magellan Fund
• International travel expanded his life experience and knowledge
• The value of time vs. money
• Cory’s definition of wealth and abundance
• How Cory’s parents influenced his definition of wealth
• Freedom, health, and mindset are the keys to one’s wealth and abundance
• Bringing the abundance mindset to the financial services business
• The value of planning and investing wisely
• How the life planning process helps us focus on things that are really important
• The value of freedom, liberation and justice for each human being
• How Cory overcame a learning disability in 3rd grade
• The impact of self-confidence and work ethic on a wealth and abundance mindset
• The importance of having a good long game
• Living below one’s means that can allow for the experience of wealth in relationships and shared travel experiences
• The Cory Formula: Happiness = (Friendship + Trust) x (Money + Courage + Freedom)
• Self-confidence rules the day
• The key routines to maintain wealth and abundance:


• Time with his son Cole

• Time outdoors: Camping and hiking 

• Gratitude for what you have

• Reading and learning

• Reviewing his net worth statement
  • A great example of diverting negative energy into positive energy
  • The universal truth about wealth: It’s all about mindset and not being fearful
  • Being content with yourself
  • Staying in the flow and momentum of that which is good in your life

  • Book recommendations on the expanded definition of wealth and abundance

• Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor (Love)

• Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko (Frugal living leading to wealth)

• The Snowball by Alice Schroeder (Putting good investment principles to work)

• The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham (Mindset)
  • Cory’s advice to his younger self:
  • Hire someone and build a team sooner than later
  • Continue learning about yourself and expand your mind
  • Go outside of your comfort zone
  • Be present in the moment more
  • Laugh more
  
  

Bring on the subject experts!

In this week’s episode, we feature Alina Sepeda of Pivotal Acupuncture and Wellness in San Diego.

She is a subject expert in the field of health and well-being, schooled in Chinese Medicine and trained under the renowned Robert Levine in the Berkeley California area. Dr. Levine has practiced Tibetan and Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis, and raw herb formulations for 35 years.

In this episode you will learn about the disparity and contrast between the more traditional Eastern and Western practices of healthcare. More glaring differences are brought to light regarding philosophy, education and training.

In my own experience, I found the Eastern approach to be far more holistic. It’s more mind, body, soul focused, and the dialogue and relationship formed between the patient and practitioner is deeper with a sense of a shared responsibility for the patient’s well-being on both parties.

Begin exploring new paths for your healing and healthcare, or just take your health to the next level. Join the conversation here with Aries and me. And thanks for listening!

To your happy and inspired life!

Mark Dale Mazur, RLP®
Registered Life Planner

What We Discuss:
• Alina’s life growing up and how she learned to be adaptable from an early age
• Alina as a practitioner: Thorough methodical, giving
• Alina as a person: Spunky, enthusiastic, loving
• A look at western medicine and its strength in research, surgical and clinical (drug) therapy
• Functional medicine defined
• How the body, mind and spirit cannot be separated
• The link between Chinese medicine and functional medicine
• How our bodies begin to tell a story about ourselves
• Common issues many people have some form leaky gut syndrome
• What causes leaky gut?
• Autoimmune disease: What is it and how does it “work?”
• The power of good food, sleep and stress management
• Mark’s experiment with the leaky gut diet and protocol
• Top lessons learned from Alina
• Richard Branson’s one health thing: Working out
• Moving one’s body throughout each day
• Getting in touch with your body
• Meditation to help listening to our bodies without resistance and judgement
• The benefits of loving your body
• Alina’s one thing that happened that without it, she would not be where she is today
• How our struggles can lead us to the very gifts we bring the world
• Routines and best practices
• Alina’s top daily routines:

1. Greeting her son each morning with love, care and compassion
2. At the end of each day she says out loud the things she’s thankful for
3. Meditating before seeing her patients

• How holding space for her patients to feel that space and release
• Friday and Sunday morning yoga to check in with her emotional self
• Why breakfast is the best meal of day
• The importance of maintaining a stable blood sugar level
• Alina’s go to breakfast options: Green drink, protein like sautéed eggs with veggies
• What we should all eliminate from our diet: A toss-up between gluten and sugar
• Wheat is the primary gluten food in the Western diet
• The dynamic of molecular-mimicry with things like grains
• Tamari over conventional soy sauce to eliminate food that contain “sneaky” gluten
• Three words of advice to all: “Slow down now”
• Universal health tip from Alina, move our bodies everyday
• Favorite books on health:

1. Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal?: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism by Dr. Datis Kharrazian
2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
   • What would Alina’s older self, tell her younger self. “Don’t worry. Stop stressing. You will end up where you ultimately are meant to be.”

Supporting Resources:
• Pivotal Acupuncture
• Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal?: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism
by Dr. Datis Kharrazian
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
• Robert Levine, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioner Scheduler

Season 2 is gaining some great momentum!

Our first episode set the framework for how we are tackling the subject of health and well-being. In our second episode we are doing the same for the subject of wealth and abundance. Now our third episode we do the same for happiness and prosperity.

We start with a historical look at happiness from some of the great minds our world has delivered on the subject of happiness. They provide some pretty cool insights and parallels around meaning, purpose, relationships and generosity.

In the spirit of “the unexamined life is not worth living,” where is your happiness level today? In this moment? Are you happy? Are you living a happy life? An inspired life with meaning and purpose? Where ever you find yourself on the happiness scale, I can tell you there is more for you!

Begin exploring your happiness now and defining that for yourself. Join the conversation with Aries and me. And thanks for listening!

To your happy and inspired life!

Mark Dale Mazur, RLP®
Registered Life Planner

What We Discuss:
• An overview of happiness from the wisdom of the sages before us
• Happiness as the meaning and purpose of life.
• Buddha: “The meaning of true happiness is the end of all suffering” and “if one thinks pure thoughts, happiness follows…”and “meditation is the medicine for the pain derived from “impure” thoughts.”
• Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living” and “happiness is attained through human effort” and “all people desire happiness” and happiness does not depend of extern things for
• Aristotle: “Happiness depends on ourselves and is measured at the end of one’s life.”
• John Locke: Coined the term: “pursuit of happiness” and “happiness motivates everything we do.”
• Victor Frankl: Happiness as an outcome of “looking for and finding the meaning of life.”
• Martin Seligman: On the scientific research: “The most satisfied people are those that are using their signature strengths,” and that “happiness can be learned.” His three dimensions that be cultivated: the pleasant life, the good life and the meaningful life.
• Abraham Maslow: “The story of the human race is selling themselves short.” He alludes to a relationship to happiness and self-actualization and discovering who we are.
• The seven habits of happy people

1. Relationships
2. Acts of kindness
3. Exercising and physical well-being
4. Finding your flow
5. Spiritual engagement and meaning
6. Discovering and using your strengths
7. Positive mindset, optimism and gratitude
   • The outward expression of happiness reflected in acts of charity and kindness with others
   • Elizabeth Dunn, “Those that give to others are generally happier.”
   • Mark’s most recent experience of an act of kindness with others
   • The importance of small acts of kindness, like opening a door for someone
   • Sharing our hearts with others as relational beings
   • A long-term life study that showed the those with close relationships throughout their lives lived happier lives than those that did not
   • The relationship between health and close meaningful relationships
   • Spiritual engagement and the impact knowing your higher-self has on your happiness
   • Finding meaning and purpose is not a fleeting pleasure, but a real knowing of happiness

Supporting Resources:
• Pursuit of Happiness website